Craft your weeknight or holiday dinner around this slow-cooked ham that’s bathed in a sweet honey glaze and studded with earthy rosemary, thyme, and sage. Tender slices emerge dripping with savory juices kissed by warm cinnamon and cloves, making every bite feel like a cozy celebration. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning meal prep for the week, this recipe is an invitation to relax, let the slow cooker work its magic, and savor flavors that feel special without any extra fuss.
Key Ingredients
To build this unforgettable honey-glazed ham, you’ll need a mix of sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients that layer flavor deeply as they slow-cook together:
- 1 whole bone-in ham (8–10 pounds): The hearty centerpiece that becomes meltingly tender and soaks up every drop of glaze.
- 1 cup honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps form a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and deepens the glaze’s color and flavor.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy punch that balances the sweetness and helps emulsify the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Cuts through richness with bright acidity and aids in layering savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and peppery edge to complement the sweet components.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses savory garlic undertones without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Boosts the savory base and rounds out the glaze’s overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Delivers aromatic piney notes that pair perfectly with ham.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Adds subtle earthy complexity that seeps into every slice.
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped: Lends warm, woodsy flavors reminiscent of comforting holiday roasts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Infuses a hint of warming spice that echoes festive classics.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Contributes gentle sweetness and a touch of warm spice depth.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the ham moist, prevents drying, and adds a subtle savory backdrop.
How To Make Savory Honey-Glazed Slow-Cooked Ham with Herbs
Slow cooking is all about patience and layering flavors over time. In this recipe, you’ll score the ham to let the glaze seep in, whisk together a honey-brown sugar mixture infused with herbs and spices, then let your slow cooker gently warm and tenderize everything over six to eight hours. The result is fall-apart ham that’s drenched in a fragrant, savory-sweet sauce—just right for slicing and serving warm or saving for next-day sandwiches.
1. Prepare the ham by scoring the surface in a diamond pattern about ½ inch deep; this step helps the glaze penetrate the meat and ensures even flavor absorption.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, sage, ground cloves, and cinnamon; mix until a smooth glaze forms.
3. Place the ham in your slow cooker, trimming excess fat if desired but leaving enough to render flavor as it cooks.
4. Pour the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring every inch is coated; reserve a small amount for basting later if you like.
5. Add the chicken broth around the ham—be careful not to wash away the glaze—to keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
6. Cover and set the slow cooker to Low for 6–8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and very tender; baste with the reserved glaze every two hours for extra stickiness.
7. When cooking is complete, remove the ham carefully and let it rest for 15–20 minutes; this pause lets the juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.
8. Slice the ham and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze from the slow cooker for an irresistible presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Whether it’s the centerpiece of a holiday feast or the highlight of a casual dinner, this honey-glazed ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and presentations. Use these ideas to create memorable meals that let the savory-sweet flavors shine:
- Festive Dinner Spread: Arrange thick ham slices on a platter alongside rosemary-roasted potatoes and glazed baby carrots for a classic, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Gourmet Sandwichs: Pile thin ham on crusty ciabatta with grainy mustard, creamy brie, and fresh arugula for an upscale deli-style lunch.
- Hearty Breakfast Hash: Chop leftover ham and sauté with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers; top with fried eggs for a satisfying morning dish.
- Elegant Charcuterie Board: Fan out ham slices with a selection of cheeses, olives, nuts, and fruit preserves; garnish with fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer.
Tips For Perfect Savory Honey-Glazed Slow-Cooked Ham with Herbs
This recipe is straightforward, but a few friendly pointers can elevate your ham from delicious to unforgettable. Embrace the slow-cook method, experiment with small tweaks, and give yourself plenty of time to let flavors develop. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, these insights will help you nail the recipe and wow your guests:
- This recipe works well with leftovers, making delicious sandwiches or adding to omelets for next-day meals.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze in step 2.
- To enhance presentation, garnish the finished ham with extra fresh herbs before serving.
- Slow-cooking allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the ham, making it incredibly tender and juicy.
- Pair with seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness and round out the meal.
How To Store It
Proper storage ensures your honey-glazed ham stays moist, flavorful, and ready for second helpings or next-day meals. Follow these methods to maintain quality:
- Refrigerate sliced or whole leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the glaze juices to pour back over when reheating.
- Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then seal in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Store Glaze Separately in a small jar in the fridge for up to 1 week; brush it on when reheating to refresh the glossy coating.
- Label and Date all containers to track freshness easily and avoid any guesswork when you’re ready to enjoy your ham again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious cooks often have the same questions—here are clear answers to keep your ham game strong!
- Can I use a fully cooked ham for this recipe, and how will cooking times differ?
Yes, this recipe is designed for a fully cooked bone-in ham. Because the ham is already cooked, the goal is to heat it through and infuse it with the honey-glaze flavors. You should slow-cook on low for 6–8 hours until it’s tender and warmed to an internal temperature of 140°F. If your ham is labeled “spiral-cut” or “oven-ready,” you can follow the same timing but check after 5 hours, since these hams tend to heat more quickly.
- What’s the best way to score the ham without damaging my knife or slow cooker?
Use a sharp chef’s knife and make shallow cuts about ½ inch deep in a diamond pattern across the surface of the ham. To stabilize, place the ham on a cutting board or directly in the slow cooker if there’s enough clearance above. Work slowly and carefully, angling the blade toward you on each pass. Proper scoring allows the glaze to penetrate and prevents slipping as you apply pressure.
- Why do I add chicken broth under the ham, and can I substitute it?
The low-sodium chicken broth creates a moist cooking environment, prevents the ham from drying out, and adds a subtle savory depth that balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar. If you need a substitute, you can use vegetable broth, apple juice, or a diluted white wine, though flavors will shift slightly. Avoid full-strength wine if you want to maintain a mild profile.
- How can I adjust the glaze if I prefer a spicier or more tangy flavor?
For heat, stir in up to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot mustard in step 2. To boost tanginess, increase the apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoons or add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Taste the glaze before using and balance sweetness with more or less brown sugar or honey to suit your preference.
- How do I know when the ham is fully heated and ready to serve?
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone; you’re targeting an internal temperature of 140°F for a fully cooked ham. The slow cooker time of 6–8 hours on low ensures the ham becomes tender and absorbs the glaze, but temperature checking is the most reliable method.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage?
Yes. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, use one-third the amount called for in fresh. For example, substitute 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried sage. Stir them into the glaze along with the spices in step 2 to rehydrate and release their flavors.
- What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers to maintain moisture and flavor?
Let slices cool slightly, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, brush with reserved glaze or a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes (or until 140°F). This low, slow reheating preserves juiciness and prevents dryness.
What Makes This Special
This honey-glazed, herb-infused slow-cooked ham shines because it combines simple pantry staples—honey, brown sugar, mustard, and aromatic herbs—with time in the slow cooker to create an effortlessly tender, flavor-packed centerpiece. The blend of warm cloves and cinnamon with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage gives each slice an irresistible complexity that feels special yet is surprisingly easy. Don’t be shy—print this recipe, save it for your next gathering, and let me know in the comments if you tried it, have tweaks, or need any help perfecting your ham game!
Savory Honey-Glazed Slow-Cooked Ham with Herbs
Description
Earthy rosemary, thyme, and sage mingle with warm cloves and cinnamon in a honey-brown sugar glaze that seeps into every slice of slow-cooked ham, yielding juicy, fall-apart perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preparing the ham. If it is fully cooked, score the surface in a diamond pattern about half an inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and allows for better flavor absorption.
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, chopped sage, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well blended to create the glaze.
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Place the ham in a slow cooker. If there is a lot of fat on the ham, you may want to trim some of it, but leave enough for flavor.
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Pour the glaze generously over the ham, making sure every part of it is covered evenly. Reserve a bit of glaze for basting later if desired.
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Add the chicken broth into the slow cooker, surrounding the ham but being careful not to wash off the glaze. The broth will keep the ham moist and add flavor.
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Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender. Baste the ham with the glaze every couple of hours for added flavor.
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When done, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and juiciness.
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Slice the ham and serve it warm drizzled with the remaining glaze from the slow cooker, if using.
Note
- This recipe works well with leftovers, making delicious sandwiches or adding to omelets.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- To enhance presentation, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
- Slow-cooking allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the ham, making it incredibly tender.
- Pair with seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
