Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham

A Perfect Dish for Your Holiday Celebrations

As the holiday season rolls around, I find myself reflecting on how food brings us together. The Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham is more than just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that sparks joy and connection among family and friends.

This dish is like a warm hug on a busy day, requiring minimal effort yet delivering maximum flavor. Imagine a beautifully glazed ham, gently simmering away while you focus on other holiday preparations. It’s the ultimate solution for busy moms and professionals who want to enjoy time with loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham is a game-changer for holiday gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to toss together, freeing you up to connect with guests. Just imagine how delectable it tastes—with that sweet, smoky glaze melting into each slice!

No stress, no fuss. You get a show-stopping dish that looks like you’ve spent hours preparing. In reality, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!

Ingredients

To make this delightful Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham, you’ll need a few key ingredients, each essential in bringing that warm, festive flavor to life.

this RECIPE

• Spiral-sliced ham: The star of the show! A fully cooked spiral-sliced ham, weighing between 5 to 7 pounds is perfect for easy serving. This ensures that it’s juicy and flavorful right from the start.
• Brown sugar: This is the foundation of our sweet glaze. It caramelizes beautifully—think of it as nature’s way of adding depth and richness.
• Pure maple syrup: Go for the real deal, as it adds a warm, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty ham.
• Unsalted butter: A little butter goes a long way, lending a rich creaminess to the glaze that’s hard to resist.
• Apple juice: This adds a sweet-tart twist and balances the glaze beautifully. Plus, it helps keep the ham moist during cooking.
• Honey: A touch of honey enhances the overall sweetness and gives those lovely caramel notes.
• Dijon mustard: A surprising yet delightful ingredient, it adds a slight tang that cuts the sweetness just right.
• Apple cider vinegar: This brings a bright contrast, enhancing all the flavors in the glaze.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper give the dish a warm, cozy aroma—think holiday magic! Adjust the spices to your taste or add a pinch more if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Vanilla extract: Optional but delightful, this adds another layer of flavor that feels indulgent.
• Cornstarch: If you prefer a thicker glaze, this can be mixed with cold water and added at the end.
• Cold water: Needed if you decide to use cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

For exact quantities, don’t forget to check the bottom of this post. Optional ingredients allow you to tailor this recipe to your pantry and taste preferences, whether you’re looking to swap out for a different sweetener or omit the spices. Let’s make holiday magic happen!

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Start by placing your fully cooked spiral-sliced ham in the crockpot, cut side down. This position keeps the meat moist and ensures that all those delicious juices stay where they belong—in the ham!

Gently separate a few slices to allow the maple brown sugar glaze to seep between them. This is where the magic happens! Every bite will be infused with flavor as it cooks. Trust me; your loved ones will thank you for taking the extra step.

Step 2: Make the Maple Brown Sugar Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pure maple syrup, unsalted butter, apple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices. Heat this over medium until everything melds together.

While stirring, keep an eye on the consistency. You want it smooth and slightly thickened, like syrup that’s just starting to bubble. This glaze works its way into the ham, making every slice a decadent treat!

Step 3: Simmer the Glaze

Let the glaze cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter has melted, the sugar dissolved, and the mixture becomes glossy and captivating.

Remove it from the heat and add in the vanilla extract if using. The fragrance of warm, sweet spices will make your kitchen feel like a cozy holiday retreat, I promise!

Step 4: Coat the Ham

Pour about two-thirds of your warm maple glaze over the ham, making sure to brush it generously between the slices. This is the best part; that glaze seeps into the ham, creating a heavenly flavor that you can’t resist!

Don’t worry if some drips—get every bit of that deliciousness on there! Reserve the remaining glaze for later to create a finishing touch that takes the ham to another level.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Now it’s time to cover and cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours. The exact time varies depending on the size of your ham.

Don’t forget to baste occasionally! This little task ensures the ham stays moist and gets enveloped in that beautiful glaze. Smell that? That’s the scent of holiday cheer filling your home!

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

When the ham is cooked, carefully transfer some of the cooking juices to a small saucepan. To create a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir this into the simmering liquid.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is thick and syrupy. This rich glaze is what dreams (and this holiday ham) are made of! A drizzle over those slices will make your guests swoon.

Step 7: Caramelize the Top

Now comes the moment of glory! Transfer your heated ham to a broiler-safe baking dish. Generously brush it with the reserved maple glaze one last time.

Then broil for 2–4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface develops a gorgeous golden-brown caramelized crust. It’s like the cherry on top of an already fantastic sundae!

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Return the ham to the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon that thick, buttery maple sauce generously over the slices, making sure each piece is well-coated.

Serve this masterpiece warm, surrounded by loved ones and filled with holiday cheer. Trust me, it’ll be the star of your holiday gatherings, and you’ll be the star chef!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to keep an eye on the ham while broiling; it can go from gorgeous to scorched quickly!
• If you’re short on time, prep the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F.
• Feel free to experiment with spices—add a pinch more if you love bold flavors!
• For easier cleanup, line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner.

Equipment Needed

• 6–8 quart slow cooker: This is essential for even cooking and flavor infusion.
• Medium saucepan: For making the maple brown sugar glaze.
• Baking dish (broiler-safe): To achieve that caramelized crust.
• Cooking brush: For glazing the ham perfectly. In a pinch, use a spoon.
• Meat thermometer: To check the ham’s internal temperature easily.

Variations

• Try using a honey-baked ham for added sweetness and a different flavor profile.
• Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
• Switch out apple juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
• For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the glaze.
• Gluten-free? Ensure your Dijon mustard and all sauces are labeled gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the ham with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting combo.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
• A fresh green salad brightens up the plate and balances the richness.
• Serve with a glass of fruity red wine or spiced apple cider.
• For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.

FAQs

As you embark on making your Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham, you might find yourself with a few questions. Here are some common ones I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers!

Can I use a different type of ham? Absolutely! While I love a spiral-sliced ham for its ease of serving, you can use any fully cooked ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on its size.

How do I store leftovers? To store, wrap the leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for about 3–5 days. You can also freeze it if you want to enjoy it later!

Can I prep this ham the night before? Yes, you can prepare the glaze and coat the ham the night before. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, pop the ham in the slow cooker in the morning for a great stress-free holiday meal.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? No slow cooker? No problem! You can easily make this holiday ham in the oven. Simply follow the same glaze instructions and roast the ham at 325°F, basting regularly.

Is the glaze too sweet? If you find the glaze a bit too sweet for your taste, you can always reduce the amount of brown sugar or add more Dijon mustard to balance the flavors.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be all set to impress your guests with a stunning holiday ham that’s a cinch to make!

Preparation Cues and Common Mistakes

To ensure your holiday ham turns out perfectly, here are some essential preparation cues to keep in mind. First, always allow the ham to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking.

Next, when measuring your ingredients, double-check if your brown sugar is packed properly in the measuring cup—it’s key for achieving the desired sweetness and consistency in your glaze.

• Don’t rush the glazing: Be generous with pouring and brushing the glaze, especially between the slices, as it enhances flavor absorption.
• Monitor moisture levels: If you notice the ham looks dry during cooking, carefully add a splash of apple juice to keep it moist.
• Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to keep track of your ham’s internal temperature, aiming for no more than 140°F to prevent dryness.
• Check the broiler: Keep a close eye while broiling, as it can quickly shift from perfect to burnt—and nobody wants that!

By avoiding these common pitfalls and following these cues, you’ll create a deliciously memorable holiday dish!

Final Thoughts

The Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham is not just about food; it embodies the spirit of togetherness and joy during the holiday season. Each slice brings a sense of warmth that only home-cooked meals can offer. As laughter fills the air and families gather around the table, this ham becomes a symbol of cherished moments and lasting memories.

So, whether you’re hosting a grand feast or an intimate get-together, let this delectable dish create an atmosphere of love and celebration. After all, in the hustle and bustle of life, sharing a meal with those you adore is what truly matters.

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