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Perfect Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe for Slow Cooker

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A sweet, smoky, and comforting ham glazed with a brown sugar bourbon mixture, cooked low and slow in a slow cooker for juicy, flavorful results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5-pound bone-in fully cooked ham (spiral-cut preferred)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar (dark brown sugar can be used)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or any mid-shelf bourbon)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or 4-5 whole cloves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score the fat in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep if thick (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground or whole cloves, garlic powder, black pepper, and water until smooth and syrupy (about 5 minutes).
  3. Place the ham flat-side down in the slow cooker. Trim excess fat or use a smaller ham if needed (about 2 minutes).
  4. Pour half the glaze over the ham, using a basting brush or spoon to coat all visible surfaces. Reserve the rest for basting later (about 3 minutes).
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the glaze to caramelize and the ham to heat through.
  6. Every hour, carefully lift the lid and baste the ham with the reserved glaze to keep it moist and build flavor (about 5 minutes each time).
  7. Optional: For a sticky, caramelized crust, transfer the ham to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra glaze, and broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm.

Notes

Score the ham fat to help glaze penetration. Baste every hour for best results. Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup. Broil at the end for a caramelized crust but watch closely to avoid burning. Glaze can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or extra apple cider vinegar. Use coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed ham, slow cooker ham, bourbon ham glaze, holiday ham recipe, easy ham recipe, slow cooker recipes, sweet and smoky ham

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/perfect-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-ham-recipe-for-slow-cooker-easy-and-delicious/