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Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham

Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham
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A delicious and festive Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham that is easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (5–7 pounds)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup pure maple syrup
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ham: Place the fully cooked spiral-sliced ham, cut side down, into a 6–8 quart slow cooker. Gently separate a few slices to allow the glaze to soak between them.
  2. Make the Maple Brown Sugar Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, apple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
  3. Simmer the Glaze: Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the butter melts, the sugar dissolves, and the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract if using.
  4. Coat the Ham: Pour about two-thirds of the warm maple glaze over the ham, brushing generously between the slices. Reserve the remaining glaze for finishing.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the size of the ham. Baste occasionally with the cooking juices.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Carefully transfer some of the cooking juices to a saucepan. Mix cornstarch with cold water, stir into the simmering liquid, and cook for 2–3 minutes until thick and syrupy.
  7. Caramelize the Top: Transfer the heated ham to a broiler-safe baking dish. Brush generously with the reserved maple glaze and broil for 2–4 minutes until the surface develops a beautiful golden-brown caramelized crust. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Finish and Serve: Return the ham to the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the thick, buttery maple sauce over the slices and serve warm.

Notes

  • Watch the ham closely while broiling to prevent burning.
  • This recipe can be halved for smaller ham sizes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.spiritsdrink.com/crockpot-maple-brown-sugar-holiday-ham-recipe/