Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham Recipe

Easy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham Recipe: Top Sunday Favorite

Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker ham transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with minimal kitchen effort.

Tender, succulent meat becomes the centerpiece of family gatherings when prepared in this convenient appliance.

Southern-style cooking meets modern convenience through this effortless method of preparing a classic protein.

Rich glazes and strategic ingredients elevate the ham natural flavors, creating a mouthwatering main course.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises to impress guests without requiring complex cooking techniques.

The slow cooker ensures even heating and maximum moisture retention, resulting in perfectly cooked meat every time.

Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this dish accessible to home cooks of all skill levels: prepare to wow your dinner crowd.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham is a Family Favorite

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham is a Family Favorite
  • Effortless Flavor Infusion: This slow cooker ham recipe transforms ordinary meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort, using a rich glaze that caramelizes and penetrates the ham's surface for incredible depth of flavor.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Convenience: Designed for busy home cooks, the slow cooker method allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up valuable time while ensuring a perfectly cooked, tender ham that's practically foolproof.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Showstopper: Ideal for family gatherings and special occasions, this ham delivers restaurant-quality results with a stunning glazed finish that will impress guests without requiring professional cooking skills.

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham

Main Ingredients:

Meat:
  • Ham: A large, flavorful cut of pork perfect for holiday meals, preferably fully cooked and bone-in for best taste and texture.
Liquid Components:
  • Cola, Brown Sugar, Mustard, Vinegar: Sweet and tangy glaze ingredients that create a rich, caramelized coating for the ham.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Cloves: Warm, fragrant spice that adds depth and traditional holiday flavor to the ham.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham

Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham

Step 1: Prepare The Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the following ingredients:
  • Brown sugar
  • Mustard
  • Vinegar
  • Of soda

Heat the mixture over medium heat until sugar dissolves and becomes bubbly. Reduce heat and let simmer until thickened, approximately 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Set Up The Slow Cooker

Pour the remaining soda into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stud the ham with whole cloves in multiple spots. Place the ham in the slow cooker and brush with of prepared glaze. Set aside the remaining glaze in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Slow Cook The Ham

Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low temperature for 5-6 hours until thoroughly heated.

Step 4: Finish And Serve

A few minutes before serving, reheat the reserved glaze in the saucepan for about 3 minutes. Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker, generously brush with the warm glaze, and slice into servings.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham

  • Boost Glaze Richness: Combine honey with brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor profile that caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking.
  • Elevate Moisture Levels: Wrap ham in aluminum foil during the first half of cooking to lock in natural juices and prevent drying out.
  • Maximize Pineapple Impact: Nestle pineapple rings between ham slices and along the sides to infuse tropical sweetness throughout the entire cut.
  • Layer Flavor Dimensions: Sprinkle ground cloves or a dash of cinnamon into the glaze for an unexpected warmth that complements the ham's natural taste.
  • Prevent Overcooking Mishap: Insert a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature, ensuring the ham stays tender and doesn't become tough or dry.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham

  • Vacuum Seal Method: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for maximum preservation. Carefully slice ham into portion-sized pieces, place in vacuum seal bags, and remove all air before sealing. This technique prevents freezer burn and maintains optimal flavor for up to 4 months.
  • Meal Prep Containers Method: Store sliced ham in glass or high-quality plastic meal prep containers with tight-sealing lids. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make portioning easier. Refrigerated ham remains delicious and ready for quick meals for 5-7 days.
  • Flavor-Preserving Wrap Method: Wrap ham in butcher paper or food-grade wax paper before placing in storage containers. Add a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against moisture and air exposure.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham

  • Sweet Cola Infusion: Swap regular soda with Dr. Pepper or root beer for a unique caramelized flavor profile that brings deeper sweetness to the ham.
  • Spicy Honey Maple Blend: Mix honey, maple syrup, and a dash of cayenne pepper into the original glaze to create a complex, warmly spiced coating that enhances the meat's richness.
  • Citrus Herb Upgrade: Add orange zest, fresh rosemary, and thyme to the glaze for a bright, aromatic dimension that cuts through the ham's richness and adds fresh herbal notes.
  • Bourbon Caramel Glaze: Replace vinegar with bourbon whiskey and include a touch of caramel sauce to develop a more sophisticated, deeply nuanced flavor that transforms the traditional ham preparation.

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Ham: A Tender, Flavorful Feast

Mouthwatering ham recipes often spark culinary adventures, and this Pioneer Woman slow cooker method elevates home cooking with minimal effort.

Southern comfort meets modern convenience through this simple yet elegant dish.

Tender ham slices glazed with sweet-tangy goodness create an irresistible centerpiece for family gatherings.

Clove-studded perfection emerges from gentle slow cooking, infusing rich flavors throughout each succulent bite.

Soda and brown sugar combine into an enchanting glaze that transforms ordinary ham into an extraordinary meal.

Hungry friends will crave seconds, so make extra – this recipe guarantees kitchen applause.

Bookmark, share, and comment below to spread ham happiness across your culinary community!

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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham Recipe

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Slow Cooker Ham offers a delightful culinary journey through Southern comfort. Juicy, tender ham emerges from the crockpot with minimal effort, promising a feast that brings families together around a deliciously simple centerpiece you’ll love savoring.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ham Ingredients:

  • 1 ham (5 to 7 pounds), fully cooked and bone-in

Glaze Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) spicy brown mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 can (12 ounces/355 milliliters) Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola

Garnish Ingredients:

  • 20 whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Craft a tantalizing glaze by combining brown sugar, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and half the cola in a compact saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the liquid transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
  2. Pour the remaining cola into a 6-quart (5.7 liters) slow cooker. Meticulously insert whole cloves into multiple locations across the ham’s surface, creating a fragrant studded pattern. Generously coat the ham with 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of the prepared glaze, reserving the remaining sauce for later application.
  3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ham to gently warm on low temperature setting for 5 to 6 hours, ensuring the meat reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
  4. Approximately 10 minutes before serving, reheat the reserved glaze in the original saucepan until warmed through. Carefully transfer the ham from the slow cooker to a serving platter, then lavishly brush the reheated glaze over the entire surface. Slice the ham into elegant portions and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Creating this ham transforms your holiday meal into a stress-free culinary experience with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
  • Slow cooking guarantees incredibly tender meat that falls apart with each delicious bite, making it perfect for gatherings.
  • Unexpected ingredients like cola work magic by breaking down proteins and infusing the ham with a rich, complex taste profile.
  • Whole cloves provide an aromatic depth that elevates the traditional ham from ordinary to extraordinary, adding sophisticated nuance.
  • Storing leftovers becomes a delightful opportunity for creative next-day meals, from hearty sandwiches to savory breakfast hashes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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