Crockpot Bourbon Glazed Ham

Introduction

Crockpot Bourbon Glazed Ham is a succulent, tender ham slow-cooked to perfection and coated with a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky bourbon glaze. The slow cooker method ensures the ham stays juicy and infused with deep, caramelized flavors, while the bourbon adds a warm, aromatic undertone that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham is easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to family and guests. The combination of brown sugar, bourbon, mustard, and warm spices creates a glossy, flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the savory meat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless but feels luxurious. The crockpot does all the work, leaving the ham tender and full of flavor without requiring hours in the oven. The bourbon glaze is sweet, tangy, and slightly boozy, creating a complex flavor profile that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with a comforting aroma and creates an instant festive atmosphere.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Effortless elegance: Minimal prep for a dish that tastes like it took hours.
• Perfectly tender: Slow cooking keeps the ham moist and juicy.
• Rich flavor: Bourbon and brown sugar create a sweet-savory glaze with depth.
• Versatile serving: Ideal for holidays, brunches, or weeknight dinners.
• Family-friendly: Loved by adults and children alike.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on low (depending on ham size)
• Total Time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories: ~380 per serving
• Course: Main / Dinner
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 4–5 lb fully cooked bone-in ham
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup water or apple juice (for the crockpot base)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from packaging and score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate.
2. Make the Bourbon Glaze: In a bowl, mix bourbon, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and black pepper.
3. Set Up the Crockpot: Pour water or apple juice into the bottom of the crockpot. Place the ham inside, flat side down.
4. Apply Glaze: Brush half of the bourbon glaze over the ham, reserving the rest for basting.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Every 1–2 hours, baste the ham with additional glaze for maximum flavor.
6. Finish: Optional: For a caramelized finish, transfer ham to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes after cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve: Slice ham and drizzle with remaining glaze before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern.
2. Mix bourbon, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and black pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour water or apple juice into the crockpot. Place ham inside.
4. Brush half the glaze over the ham.
5. Cover and cook on low 4–6 hours, basting occasionally.
6. Optional: Broil for caramelized glaze at the end.
7. Slice and serve with remaining glaze.

How to Serve

• Serve warm as a main dish with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
• Perfect for holiday spreads or Sunday brunch buffets.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Use fully cooked ham for best results; this is a reheating and glazing process.
• Baste every hour or two for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
• Do not overfill the crockpot with liquid; the ham will release juices.
• Broiling at the end gives a beautiful caramelized crust.
• Let the ham rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Variations

1. Maple Bourbon Ham: Replace honey with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
2. Spicy Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or chili powder to the glaze for a kick.
3. Apple Cider Variation: Substitute bourbon with apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
4. Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the glaze for a bright note.
5. Glazed with Brown Sugar and Mustard Only: Simplify with just brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for a classic glaze.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezing: Slice the ham and freeze with some glaze in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) with foil covering to prevent drying.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Basting brush
• Knife for scoring and slicing
• Small mixing bowl for glaze
• Optional: Baking sheet for broiling

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
A: Yes, but reduce basting time and monitor closely as pre-sliced ham can dry out faster.

Q2: Can I make this without bourbon?
A: Yes, substitute with apple juice, apple cider, or water for a non-alcoholic version.

Q3: How thick should I score the ham?
A: About ¼-inch deep in a diamond pattern; this allows the glaze to penetrate.

Q4: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can glaze and refrigerate the ham overnight, then cook the next day.

Q5: How do I prevent the glaze from burning during broiling?
A: Broil for just 3–5 minutes and watch closely; glaze sugars caramelize quickly.

Conclusion

Crockpot Bourbon Glazed Ham is a tender, flavorful, and show-stopping main dish perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, the combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and warm spices creates a rich, caramelized glaze that elevates a simple ham into a centerpiece-worthy dish. This recipe is effortless, comforting, and endlessly impressive, making it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, festive meals.