Slow Cooker Citrus Honey Ham

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Slow cooker citrus honey ham combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of citrus flavors creating a tender, juicy and flavorful ham. This ham is perfect for any holiday celebration.

I am a huge fan of a good cooked ham. And typically I only really eat it during the holidays. We usually have ham on Christmas and then again at Easter. But this ham...oh my goodness....add a lemon lime soda to the glaze and Wow! It takes it up a notch in flavor! I definitely want to make ham more often.

In this recipe, I'm using the an Olipop Lemon Lime soda to create the glaze along with the honey and brown sugar. It is a prebiotic based soda. Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. No artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, low in sugar and 9 grams of fiber. Who knew sodas could be healthy? Anyway, the taste is out of this world paired with the honey and sugar to make the glaze for the ham. You must give this version of ham with this lemon lime honey glaze a try. You definitely won't be disappointed.

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HAM

• Made in the Slow Cooker- Using a slow cooker makes preparing the ham very easy and convenient. You can place it in there and forget about it. In just a few hours you will have a delicious ham waiting for you to enjoy.

• Loads of Flavor- The combination of citrus flavors from the soda, honey and brown sugar creates a sweet and tangy glaze that infuses throughout the whole ham. The slow cookers longer cook time allows the ham to become tender and juicy.

• Perfect Festive Meal- The aroma of the ham cooking in the citrus honey glaze is sure to fill your home with holiday warmth. Whether your having this ham for Christmas, Easter or another celebration, it is sure to be enjoyed by all.

INGREDIENTS + NOTES

• Ham- For this recipe, bone-in ham is the best so that it will be nice and juicy with the higher temps in the slow cooker.

• Lemon-Lime Soda- Like I mentioned above, I'm using an Olipop Lemon Lime soda to get those extra nutritional benefits along with a little bit healthier option. You can use whichever lemon lime soda you prefer.

• Brown Sugar- In this recipe, I'm using a light brown sugar for a sweeter glaze. If you use dark brown, it will still be sweet and you will surely taste the bold molasses flavoring.

• Honey- The sticky, gooey and sweet ingredient for the glaze. It sticks to the ham and gives the ham it's delicious flavor.

• Lemon/Lime Wedges- These are great to sprinkle the juices over the ham for added citrus taste as well as garnish when serving.

Scroll down to the recipe card for full measurements used.

HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER CITRUS HONEY HAM

Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat whisk together the lemon lime soda, brown sugar, honey and lemon and lime slices.

Step 2: Bring to a simmer and let reduce until it is thick and glazy, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Place the ham into the slow cooker and cover with roughly half of the glaze mixture. Cook on low for 4 hours.

Step 4: Remove the ham from the slow cooker onto a tray. Reheat the glaze on low and pour over the rest of the glaze.

VARIATIONS

Here are a few variations of the slow cooker citrus honey ham that are twists on this dish.

• Spicy Ham- Add some heat by incorporating some chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper into the glaze. Spicy and citrusy flavors will add a fun twist to the hams flavors.

• Add garlic- Infuse the glaze with minced garlic or garlic powder. Garlic goes perfect with the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the citrus.

• Add herbs- Enhance the flavors of the ham by adding either fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage. These herbs will add such fragrant flavors to the ham.

• Use maple syrup- Instead of using honey, use maple syrup instead. Maple syrup goes well with citrus flavors and adds a rich, caramel taste to the ham.

• Use dijon mustard- Using only a tablespoon or two to the glaze will give this ham a tangy and spicy kick. The mustard also balances out the sweetness of the honey.

EXPERT TIPS

• Choose the right ham. Opt for a bone in ham for the best flavors and juiceness. A spiral cut ham will work well, as it allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply.

• Trim the fat. Before cooking, trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham. This helps it not be too greasy.

• Score the ham. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and helps it cook more evenly.

• Adjust sweetness. Taste the glaze before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar according to your liking.

• Don't overcook. Be careful not to overcook the ham, as it can become dry and tough. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 140 degrees F to safely consume.

• Let it rest. Allow the ham to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful ham.

• Serve with the glaze. Serve the sliced ham with the remaining glaze drizzled on top for extra flavor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a precooked ham for this recipe. However, cooking times may vary because a pre-cooked ham requires less cooking time in the slow cooker compared to a raw ham.

Can I use boneless ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham. However, keep in mind that boneless hams may cook faster than bone in hams, so adjust timing to prevent overcooking.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply re-heat the glaze before pouring over the ham.

What size slow cooker should I use?

Use a slow cooker that's large enough to fit the ham. Typically, a 6 or 8 quart works well.

STORAGE + REHEATING

• Refrigerator- Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freeze- Place leftover ham in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Make sure all air is removed if using a bag.

• Re-heat- You can reheat the ham in the microwave, stovetop or oven. For the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the ham so it doesn't dry out. For the oven, bake at 325F and cover with foil. For the stovetop, place skillet on medium heat, flipping the ham slices until warmed.

I hope you give this Slow Cooker Citrus Honey Ham a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

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