Glazed Ham (Oven or Crock Pot)

This Glazed Ham Recipe is a perfect choice for any special occasion, offering a sweet and savory flavor combination that will impress your guests. Whether you cook it in the oven or crockpot, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures a juicy, tender ham with a delicious caramelized glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a mix of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ideal for holiday meals, Easter, Christmas, or family dinners, this glazed ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like potato salad, mashed potatoes, or corn casserole.

Ingredients:

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

Sugar Glaze Mixture:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Move a rack down one notch to make room for the roasting pan, and preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Prepare the Roasting Pan: Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of a roasting pan and place a roasting rack on top.
3. Prepare the Ham: Rinse and pat the ham dry. Place it on top of the rack in the roasting pan.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the ham and into the slices.
5. Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil, sealing the edges of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes per pound of ham (about 2 hours for an 8-pound ham).
6. Make the Sugar Glaze: While the ham is baking, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, cloves, paprika, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger in a separate bowl. Set aside.
7. Prepare the Glaze Sauce: After the ham has baked, remove the foil and sprinkle half of the sugar glaze mixture over the top. Transfer the pan (with drippings) to the stove and stir in the remaining sugar glaze ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, whisking continuously. Let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, then remove from heat.
8. Glaze the Ham: Return the ham to the roasting pan, and brush it with your desired amount of glaze. You don’t need to use all of the glaze.
9. Caramelize the Glaze: For a crispy, caramelized top, broil the ham at 450°F (230°C) for up to 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can use a heating gun to caramelize the glaze.
10. Serve: Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite side dishes such as potato salad, mashed potatoes, or corn casserole.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This glazed ham is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a rich pineapple juice and butter glaze. The brown sugar and spices create a beautiful caramelized crust that adds a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you bake it in the oven or cook it in a crockpot, this ham is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion.

Tips

• Basting: Be sure to baste the ham regularly while baking to ensure it remains moist and flavorful.
• Prevent Burning: Watch the broiling step carefully, as the glaze can burn quickly. If you’re using a heating gun, be cautious about the caramelization process.
• Slow Cooker Option: For an easy alternative, cook the ham in a slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours. Add the glaze ingredients to the slow cooker halfway through the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

• Sweeteners: You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Spices: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Non-Dairy: Use dairy-free butter to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham? Yes, a boneless ham can also be used. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of the ham.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before using.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious glazed ham with classic side dishes such as:

• Potato Salad or Mashed Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole
• Corn Casserole
• Roasted Vegetables or Green Beans