Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

If you’re craving a show-stopping main dish that’s both effortless and bursting with warm, comforting flavors, this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham is your new best friend. Picture a tender, juicy ham slowly soaking up a luscious glaze made of rich maple syrup, spicy cinnamon, and just the right hint of mustard and cloves. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham steals the spotlight every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your slow cooker. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the distinctive sweetness, warmth, and depth of the glaze, while the ham itself provides a tender, satisfying centerpiece.

• Fully cooked boneless ham (3-4 pounds): The star of the show – tender and ready to soak up all the delicious glaze.
• Pure maple syrup (1 cup): Naturally sweet and rich, this syrup imparts a deep, authentic maple flavor.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a molasses-like sweetness and helps thicken the glaze for a beautiful sheen.
• Dijon mustard (¼ cup): Brings a slight tang and complexity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the glaze with a subtle acidity, lifting all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warms the glaze with aromatic spices that evoke cozy comfort.
• Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle, spicy kick to round out the flavor profile.
• Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): A little goes a long way to lend a deep, fragrant complexity.
• Optional chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup): For a delightful crunch and an extra layer of texture when garnishing.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Glaze

Start by whisking together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a medium bowl. This glaze is the magic that transforms your ham into a glossy, flavorful masterpiece that’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spice.

Step 2: Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker

Set the fully cooked ham cut-side down in your slow cooker. This ensures the ham warms up evenly and allows the glaze to infuse every nook and cranny while it simmers slowly.

Step 3: Coat the Ham with the Glaze

Pour the maple glaze mixture over the ham, making sure every surface gets coated with that gorgeous, sticky goodness. This layer of flavor will caramelize gently as it cooks, creating mouthwatering notes you’ll love.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and let your ham cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This long, slow cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender and lets the flavors fully meld together. Every hour, baste the ham with the glaze pooled at the bottom to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

When the time is up, remove the ham and let it rest for 15 minutes — this step lets juices redistribute, giving you a juicy slice every time. If you like, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch and a rustic finish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped nuts not only adds a satisfying crunch but also a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the maple glaze. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also make excellent garnishes, introducing a pop of color and a fragrant touch to the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham with savory mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. Creamy scalloped potatoes or buttery dinner rolls work wonderfully to round out the meal and soak up every last bit of that irresistible glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a festive centerpiece by placing your sliced ham on a wooden carving board surrounded by fresh fruit like pineapple rings or orange slices to enhance the glaze’s citrusy undertones. Or turn leftovers into scrumptious sandwiches or a hearty ham and cheese strata for another tasty twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days, perfect for quick meals or tasty snacks later in the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze sliced ham in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, your Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing that amazing flavor.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil to retain moisture, or warm on the stovetop with a little bit of broth or leftover glaze. Taking it slow ensures the ham stays juicy and the glaze remains beautifully sticky.

FAQs

Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! Spiral-cut ham works great and tends to absorb glaze faster because of all the surface cuts, making it even easier to serve during gatherings.

Is it necessary to baste the ham hourly?

While not absolutely required, basting every hour helps keep the ham extra moist and enhances the glaze’s penetration for each bite being more flavorful.

Can I substitute brown sugar with another sweetener?

Light or dark brown sugar is preferred for the rich molasses flavor, but you can experiment with coconut sugar or even a bit of honey if needed, though this will subtly change the glaze’s taste.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can replicate the recipe in a covered roasting pan at 275°F, basting regularly. The slow cooker just gives you that no-fuss convenience and perfect gentle heat that makes this ham so tender.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to let the flavors marry more deeply before cooking your ham.

Final Thoughts

Making this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham is like wrapping your kitchen in a warm hug full of sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness. It’s incredibly easy to prepare but impressive enough to wow your guests and make family meals extra special. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished classic that you’ll want to make again and again.

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