Glazed Ham: Oven and Crock Pot Friendly!

Glazed Ham: Oven and Crock Pot Friendly!

Glazed ham is a timeless centerpiece for festive gatherings, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to preparing a succulent glazed ham, whether you prefer using an oven or a crock pot. The combination of honey butter and a pineapple brown sugar glaze ensures a juicy interior with a perfectly caramelized exterior.​

Why Choose Homemade Glaze Over Pre-Packaged Options

While many store-bought hams come with a glaze packet, crafting your own glaze elevates the flavor profile significantly. Homemade glazes allow for customization, ensuring a balance of sweetness and spice that complements the natural taste of the ham. The use of fresh ingredients like pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a blend of spices results in a glaze that’s both rich and aromatic.​

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 bone-in spiral sliced half ham
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder​

For the Sugar Glaze Mixture:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of allspice
• Pinch of ground ginger​

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
   • Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of a roasting pan and place a roasting rack on top.
   • Rinse the ham and pat it dry before placing it on the rack.​Simply Recipes+4stephreallife.com+4Simply Made Eats+4
2. Apply Honey Butter Mixture:
   • In a bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
   • Brush this mixture over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the crevices.​
3. Bake the Ham:
   • Cover the ham loosely with foil, sealing the edges around the pan.
   • Bake for 15 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this equates to approximately 2 hours.​
4. Prepare the Glaze:
   • While the ham bakes, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, ground clove, paprika, nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger in a bowl.
   • Set aside half of this mixture.​
5. Glaze and Broil:
   • After baking, remove the ham from the oven and sprinkle half of the sugar glaze mixture over it.
   • Transfer the roasting pan with drippings to the stove, add the remaining sugar glaze mixture, and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce to a simmer, whisking continuously until the glaze thickens.
   • Brush the desired amount of glaze over the ham and broil at 450°F (232°C) for up to 5 minutes to caramelize the top.​

Crock Pot Method

For those preferring a crock pot:​

• Place the ham in a 7-8 quart crock pot.
• Pour the pineapple juice over the ham.
• Brush the honey butter mixture over the ham.
• Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
• After cooking, transfer the ham to a foil-lined baking sheet, apply the glaze, and broil as described above.​

Serving Suggestions

Pair your glazed ham with side dishes such as:​

• Cheesy scalloped potatoes
• Twice baked potato casserole
• Corn casserole
• Green bean almondine
• Fresh garden salad​

Storage and Leftovers

• Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
• Leftover ham can be used in various dishes like soups, casseroles, and sandwiches.​

Tools for Preparation

• Roasting pan
• Meat thermometer (ensure ham reaches 140°F)
• Pastry brush
• Serving platter
• Heating gun (optional for caramelizing glaze)​

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the ham is fully heated?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F (60°C).​

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh juice?

Yes, canned pineapple juice works well for the glaze. Ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugars.​

Is it necessary to broil the ham after glazing?

Broiling caramelizes the glaze, adding a rich flavor and appealing appearance. While optional, it’s recommended for best results.​

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare and store the glaze in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before applying to the ham.​

What can I do with leftover ham?

Leftover ham is versatile. Use it in omelets, sandwiches, soups, or casseroles for delicious meals.