This year, simplify your Easter meal with an overnight ham recipe that practically cooks itself. With just a little prep the night before, you can wake up to a delicious main dish, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Why Ham is the Perfect Choice Ham is a Easter classic for good reason. It’s easy to prepare, serves a crowd, and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. The best part? A slow-cooked ham requires minimal effort, giving you a show-stopping centerpiece without the stress.
The Easy Overnight Ham Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked, bone-in ham (8-10 pounds) I like Sugardale Brand
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ham: Prepare a bread pan with aluminum foil and place the ham in a large slow cooker, flat side down.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it coats the surface evenly. Cover the ham with the foil.
- Cook Overnight: Set the oven to low (180 degrees) and let the ham cook for 6-8 hours. The low, slow heat will keep it tender and juicy.
- Finish for a Caramelized Glaze: In the morning, transfer the ham to a baking dish and brush it with additional glaze or pan juices. Broil for 5-10 minutes to achieve a caramelized finish and get it hot for serving.
The Morning Of: Setting the Table and Side Dishes While the ham finishes cooking, you can focus on preparing simple sides to round out the meal. Here are a few easy options:
- Scrambled Eggs
- Homemade Bread
- Fresh Fruit
Add a festive touch to the table with Easter-themed décor, candles, and cheerful place settings. Your home will smell incredible, and the effortless ham will be the star of the meal.
