Ultimate Slow Cooker Glazed Ham: An Effortless Holiday Masterpiece with Dorothy Lynch
Prepare a show-stopping, beautifully glazed ham effortlessly, right in your slow cooker! This incredible ham cooks to perfection in a simple yet profound 4-ingredient glaze, infusing every slice with the most delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Your family and friends will be utterly convinced you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but only you’ll know the secret to this “hands-off” holiday hero. For an extra burst of flavor, be sure to serve additional glaze alongside the sliced ham at the table – because trust us, everyone will want more!
As the holidays approach, avoid bogging down your oven with a large ham. Instead, utilize the magic of your slow cooker to create this magnificent glazed ham! It’s truly remarkable how quickly the festive season arrives, especially after what has been an extraordinary year. While traditional large gatherings might be less common, focusing on intimate family moments and delicious food remains paramount.
During times when our usual bustling, jam-packed kitchens might be quieter, a stress-free main course like this slow cooker ham becomes an even greater blessing. It allows you to savor the moments with your immediate family, knowing a delicious meal is gently cooking itself.
This post is proudly sponsored by Nebraska’s very own Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment. While this collaboration is sponsored, my genuine love for their product and all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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Dorothy’s Holiday Slow Cooker Glazed Ham: A Culinary Game-Changer
Even if the upcoming holidays may look different than what we’ve grown accustomed to, there’s no reason why they can’t taste just as good, if not better! One of the biggest challenges during holiday meal preparation, regardless of guest count, is orchestrating all the dishes to be ready simultaneously and, more importantly, finding enough oven space for everything.
Imagine a holiday spread complete with a magnificent ham, perhaps a turkey, an array of classic side dishes, freshly baked rolls, and all your other beloved traditions. Most of these require precious oven time. Discovering alternative cooking methods for substantial items like ham or turkey can be an absolute lifesaver, especially when you have only one oven to juggle all the cooking tasks. This slow cooker method not only frees up your oven but also ensures your ham is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Slow Cooking Glazed Ham in a Crockpot: The Ultimate Convenience
While many recipes exist for slow cooker glazed hams, this particular one stands out due to its secret ingredient: Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment. Most glazed ham recipes typically include honey, and this one is no exception. However, the addition of Dorothy Lynch introduces a completely new and exciting flavor dimension. Its signature blend of herbs and spices, combined with a subtle hint of spice, a touch of sweetness, and a tangy finish, elevates this from a normal honey glaze to something truly extraordinary. It’s a flavor profile that perfectly complements the rich ham, creating an unforgettable centerpiece for your meal.
The Four Essential Ingredients in Dorothy’s Ham Glaze
Crafting this incredibly flavorful glaze requires just four main ingredients, plus a few pantry staples. You’ll need the star of the show, Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment (the Light & Lean version works beautifully too!), rich honey, dark brown sugar, and a touch of molasses. These components combine to create a sticky, aromatic, and deeply satisfying glaze. Should you prefer a thicker glaze for serving, a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water will do the trick. Beyond these, all you need is your chosen ham, and you’re perfectly set to create a holiday feast!
Simple Steps to a Perfectly Glazed Slow Cooker Ham
The process for this mouthwatering ham is surprisingly straightforward. Begin by combining the Dorothy Lynch dressing, brown sugar, honey, and molasses in a saucepan. Gently simmer this mixture over medium heat until all the sugar has completely dissolved, forming a smooth, aromatic glaze. Next, prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with non-stick spray and placing your ham flat side down. Add about half a cup of water to the bottom of the pot, then generously pour your prepared glaze over the ham. Cover tightly and let it cook on low heat for approximately 5 to 6 hours, basting every couple of hours to ensure even flavor distribution and a glistening finish. The low and slow cooking method guarantees a tender, juicy ham every time.
Once the ham is heated through and gloriously tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Return any remaining glaze from the pot to your saucepan. If you desire a thicker consistency, whisk in a cornstarch and water slurry and heat over medium heat until it reaches your desired thickness. Before carving, spoon a little of this incredible thickened glaze over the top of the ham. Serve the rest of the warm, rich glaze alongside the sliced ham at the table, allowing everyone to enjoy as much of this delectable sauce as they desire. This extra glaze is truly essential for a complete flavor experience!
Choosing the Best Ham for Slow Cooking Success
When it comes to preparing ham in your slow cooker, two crucial factors will ensure a perfect outcome. First, and most practically, ensure that the ham you select physically fits inside your slow cooker. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a ham that’s too large for the lid to seal properly! Second, and equally important, you must purchase a pre-cooked or smoked ham. For this recipe, it is essential that the ham is already cooked through; you are primarily warming it and infusing it with flavor, not cooking it from raw.
My personal preference leans towards a boneless ham, as it’s easier to slice and serve. If you can find a spiral-cut ham, those are often my absolute favorite due to the convenience of pre-sliced portions that absorb the glaze beautifully. However, spiral-cut hams can sometimes be elusive outside of peak holiday seasons. For this particular recipe, when I couldn’t find a spiral-cut option, I opted for a picnic ham, and it yielded absolutely beautiful and delicious results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pre-cooked ham types as long as they fit your slow cooker and are fully cooked.
What Size Ham Works Best For The Slow Cooker? Navigating Fit Issues
As mentioned, size truly does matter when cooking ham in a slow cooker, but don’t fret if your ham is a little too big! There are clever fixes for common fitting issues. If your ham is just slightly too large for the lid to seat properly – as mine occasionally is – you can simply slice a small portion off the bottom. This often creates enough clearance for the lid to fit snugly, trapping all that wonderful heat and moisture.
Alternatively, for hams that are significantly oversized and for which there’s no hope of the lid ever fitting, you can create an effective “tent” using a couple of layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Secure this foil tent tightly around the edges of your crockpot, mimicking a lid. To enhance heat retention and provide a bit of extra weight to keep the foil down, simply drape a clean dishtowel over the top. This technique works remarkably well to ensure your ham cooks evenly and stays moist, preventing heat from escaping. For reference, my 8-pound ham cooked perfectly on low heat for about 6 hours using this method, achieving tender, flavorful results.
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of this incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker glazed ham, don’t let this recipe slip away! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to save it for your next holiday meal or family gathering, ensuring you always have access to this fantastic, oven-free ham solution!
What is Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing? A Nebraska Legend
Many wonder about the origins and unique flavor of Dorothy Lynch. “The” Dorothy Lynch was a remarkable woman who, back in the 1940s, created this iconic dressing. She served it at a restaurant she and her husband operated at the local Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. The dressing quickly soared in popularity, becoming so beloved that patrons would famously bring their own bottles to have Dorothy fill them, eager to enjoy its unique taste at home. This humble beginning marked the birth of a true Nebraska culinary legend.
Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment is best described as a distinctive sweet and spicy dressing with a wonderfully thick and creamy texture. Due to its appealing reddish-orange hue, many might mistakenly assume it’s simply another French dressing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Dorothy Lynch tastes absolutely nothing like French dressing. While French dressing is typically oil-based, Dorothy Lynch boasts a unique tomato base, contributing to its signature tang and richness. The most fitting word to capture its unparalleled taste is: Homemade. It’s a flavor that evokes comfort, tradition, and pure goodness, making it much more than just a salad dressing.
Beyond the Salad Bowl: Creative Ways to Use Dorothy Lynch
Don’t get me wrong, Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment is absolutely incredible on a fresh salad – in fact, that’s how most Nebraskans initially discover and fall in love with it. But its versatility extends far beyond the salad bowl. Dorothy Lynch is a phenomenal condiment, perfect for dipping fries, elevating a slice of pizza, and, believe it or not, it’s absolutely crazy good when paired with fried chicken! Its unique sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy profile complements a wide array of foods.
For those seeking a lighter option without compromising on flavor, Dorothy Lynch also offers a Light & Lean version, providing the same endless “flavorbilities” with fewer calories. But where Dorothy Lynch truly shines is when you unleash your creativity and start incorporating it into your cooking! That’s when ordinary dishes transform into truly extraordinary culinary experiences. I’ve personally used it in countless ways, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to give them ALL a try – you’ll be amazed at the depth and character it adds to various recipes.
Explore More Delicious Dorothy Lynch Recipes!
The possibilities with Dorothy Lynch are truly endless. Here are some of our favorite recipes that highlight the incredible versatility and flavor of this unique dressing:
- Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches: A tangy twist on a classic comfort food.
- Dorothy’s Cheesy Bacon Pull Apart Bread: The perfect appetizer or side dish.
- Dorothy’s BBQ Pork Chops: Infused with a homemade Dorothy Lynch BBQ Sauce that you’ll adore.
- Taco Salads with Dorothy Lynch Taco Seasoning and Taco Sauce: Elevate your taco night with a unique flavor.
- Dorothy’s Cranberry Meatballs: A fantastic party appetizer with a sweet and savory kick.
- Dorothy’s Impossible Pie with Bacon & Swiss: A savory pie that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Juicy Lucy Burgers: Add a secret ingredient for an extra juicy and flavorful burger.
- Dorothy’s Hot Taco Dip: The ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.
- Dorothy’s Pizza Pockets: Homemade pockets bursting with flavor, perfect for kids and adults.
- Crockpot Pulled Pork with Dorothy Lynch Coleslaw: A tender, flavorful pulled pork recipe served with a vibrant, tangy coleslaw.
Where to Get Your Own Bottle of Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing
Ready to experience the unique taste of Dorothy Lynch for yourself? Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment is widely available at most grocery stores throughout Nebraska. For those living further afield, you can find it at select grocery stores west of the Mississippi, including major retailers like Walmart and Hy-Vee. If you’re having trouble locating it in your local stores, don’t worry! You can easily get your pantry stocked by shopping online through Buy Nebraska or directly from Amazon, ensuring you never have to go without this essential dressing.
Stay connected with Dorothy Lynch for even more delicious recipes and creative culinary ideas throughout the year! Make sure to follow them on their official website, and check out their vibrant presence on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. You’ll find a wealth of inspiration for incorporating this versatile dressing into your everyday cooking and special occasion meals.
With Dorothy’s Slow Cooker Glazed Ham, your holidays are sure to be not just easier, but also undeniably tastier! This recipe truly redefines convenience without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Let’s dive into the full recipe details and bring this incredible dish to your table.
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Print Recipe
Dorothy’s Slow Cooker Glazed Ham
Equipment
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Buy Dorothy Lynch
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Dorothy Lynch Home Style Salad Dressing
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Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 7-8 pound Ham
- 1/2 cup Dorothy Lynch Home Style Dressing & Condiment can also use Light & Lean version
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup raw honey
- 2 teaspoons molasses
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons corn starch mixed with 2 Tablespoons water
Instructions
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Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
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Place the ham flat side down in the slow cooker.
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In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine Dorothy Lynch, brown sugar, honey and molasses until the sugar dissolves.
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Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Pour glaze over ham and cover and cook on low heat for about 6 hours. Baste the ham every 2 hours during the cooking process.
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Remove ham from slow cooker, and return glaze back to the saucepan.
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Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the glaze over medium heat until it thickens. Pour some over ham, and serve the rest on the table.
Notes
Nutrition