Description
This Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Holiday Ham is a deliciously sweet and savory dish, perfect for festive 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Ensure the ham is fully cooked before starting.
- Add more spices according to taste.
- It can be prepared a day in advance for easier holiday cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg