Here’s where the jokes end and the serious business begins. A glaze is not optional—it’s mandatory for happiness. Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, or pineapple juice. Brush it on during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Apply two or three coats for that sticky, caramelized crust that makes people moan in delight.
One warning: Don’t glaze too early. Sugary glazes burn if they’re on for an hour. You’ll end up with a ham that looks like it fought a fire and lost. Not the vibe.
Ham Cooking Temperature Chart | Free Download
Using a Slow Cooker? You Rebel.
If you’re feeling lazy (or your oven is occupied by a billion side dishes), a slow cooker works beautifully. Place the ham cut-side down, add a cup of pineapple juice or apple cider, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Yes, it’s that easy. No basting, no fuss. Just set it and forget it—but don’t actually forget it, because you’ll want to glaze it 30 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: If your ham is too big for the slow cooker, chop it in half. Nobody will know. It’s a secret between you and your appliance.
