If you're searching for the ultimate glazed ham recipe that is easy to prepare, impressively delicious, and adaptable for both oven and crock pot cooking, you've come to the right place! Whether it's for a festive holiday meal or a comforting Sunday dinner, this recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful ham with a perfectly caramelized glaze.

Glazed Ham (Oven and Crock Pot Friendly!)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Ham:

  • 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)

  • 1 cup water or apple cider (for crock pot or roasting pan)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

  • 1/2 cup honey

  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice or orange juice

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness


Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ham:

  1. Remove Packaging and Prep: If your ham has a plastic or foil covering, remove it and discard. If there is a plastic disk covering the bone, remove that as well.

  2. Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat.

  3. Place in Pan or Crock Pot: Set the ham in a large roasting pan (for oven cooking) or a crock pot. Pour the water or apple cider into the bottom to prevent drying.

Making the Glaze:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, juice, cinnamon, cloves, and smoked paprika (if using).

  2. Heat and Thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).

Cooking the Ham:

In the Oven:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).

  2. Apply the Glaze: Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored crevices.

  3. Bake: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10-12 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this will be about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

  4. Reapply Glaze: Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the remaining glaze.

  5. Caramelize: During the last 15 minutes, remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), and let the glaze caramelize.

In the Crock Pot:

  1. Set Up: Place the ham in the crock pot and pour the glaze over the top, ensuring even coverage.

  2. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, basting every hour if possible.

  3. Caramelize (Optional): For a sticky glaze, transfer the ham to a baking dish, brush with additional glaze, and broil for 5-10 minutes.


Tips for the Best Glazed Ham:

  • Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in, spiral-cut ham is ideal for this recipe. It stays moist and absorbs the glaze beautifully.

  • Don’t Overcook: Since the ham is pre-cooked, focus on reheating and infusing flavor rather than cooking it further.

  • Basting is Key: Regular basting ensures a rich, even glaze that enhances every bite.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and glaze the ham as instructed, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

2. What sides pair well with glazed ham?

Some classic sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and dinner rolls. Don’t forget a tangy cranberry or apple chutney for added flavor.

3. What should I do with leftovers?

Leftover ham is incredibly versatile! Use it in sandwiches, omelets, soups, casseroles, or salads. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, but a bone-in ham tends to have better flavor and moisture retention. If you use a boneless ham, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out.

5. What if I don’t have all the glaze ingredients?

You can customize the glaze based on what you have. Maple syrup, apricot preserves, or even cola can be great substitutes. Just aim for a balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice.

6. How do I store and reheat the ham?

Wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until heated through.


Final Thoughts:

This perfectly glazed ham recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you prefer the oven’s golden caramelization or the crock pot’s convenience, this dish delivers rich, sweet-savory flavors in every bite. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and watch your guests come back for seconds—or even thirds! Happy cooking! 

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