Sweet Bourbon Slow Cooker Ham

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 5 hours
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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If you're looking to elevate your holiday meal or simply want a delightful centerpiece for a family dinner, this Sweet Bourbon Slow Cooker Ham is a game-changer. With a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, this ham is a breeze to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients for Sweet Bourbon Slow Cooker Ham

Ham: The star of the show, a fully cooked ham ensures ease and speed. Choose a good quality one for the best results.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.

Bourbon: Provides a rich, smoky flavor that complements the ham beautifully.

Honey: Balances the bourbon’s intensity with natural sweetness.

Dijon mustard: Its sharpness cuts through the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a hint of tanginess to balance the flavors.

Ground cinnamon and cloves: Warm spices that give a subtle, aromatic depth.

Black pepper: A touch of spice to enhance the overall profile.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a baster or large spoon to easily apply the glaze during cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove some liquid from the slow cooker and reduce it on the stove before serving.
  • For a hint of smokiness, lightly score the ham before adding the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

This ham pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, serve with cranberry sauce or a tangy chutney. Leftovers make for excellent sandwiches or can be diced into a savory breakfast hash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Yes, just be gentle when basting to ensure the slices don't separate.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
Apple juice or cider can be used for a non-alcoholic version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Sweet Bourbon Slow Cooker Ham Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Make sure the mixture is smooth and everything is well combined.

Place the ham in your slow cooker, flat side down. This helps it to sit steadily and allows the glaze to coat the entire surface. Pour the bourbon glaze over the ham, ensuring it's evenly covered. Use a brush or spoon if needed to make sure the glaze gets into every nook and cranny.

Set your slow cooker to low heat and cover. Cook the ham for 4 to 5 hours, making sure to baste it with the glaze every hour. This keeps the ham moist and enhances the flavor as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when the ham is heated through and tender.

Once done, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker. Let it rest for about 10 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve your beautifully glazed ham.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal hands-on time thanks to the slow cooker.
  • Bourbon adds a sophisticated depth of flavor.
  • Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a special weekend meal.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

1 (6-8 lb) fully cooked ham
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Place the ham in the slow cooker, flat side down, and pour the bourbon glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 4-5 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour, until the ham is heated through and tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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