Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar and Maple Glaze

There’s something magical about a meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivers flavor in every single bite. If you’re searching for an easy, impressive, and incredibly delicious dish, look no further than Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar and Maple Glaze. This recipe takes the stress out of cooking, allowing you to “set it and forget it” while the slow cooker works its magic.

Whether it’s a special holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a Sunday meal, this glazed ham is guaranteed to be the star of the table. The sweetness of brown sugar and maple syrup combines perfectly with the tangy pineapple juice to create a glaze that’s sticky, caramelized, and irresistible. Let’s explore how you can make this dish step-by-step, turning a simple ham into a flavor-packed masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar and Maple Glaze

• Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you relax or prepare other dishes.
• Perfectly Moist and Tender: Cooking the ham low and slow keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is ideal for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
• Rich and Delicious Glaze: The blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice creates a sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the dish.
• Minimal Prep: Only a few minutes of prep time are needed to create a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar and Maple Glaze

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple yet stunning dish:

Ingredient	Quantity
Spiral-cut ham	8 lbs
Brown sugar	1 cup
Pure maple syrup	1 cup
Pineapple juice	1 cup
Cooking spray	As needed
Fresh herbs (optional)	For garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

The first step to this recipe is setting up your slow cooker for easy, hassle-free cooking.

• Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This prevents the glaze from sticking to the bottom and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker

• Remove the ham from its packaging and any included glaze packets.
• Place the ham in the slow cooker flat side down. This ensures the juices and glaze seep into every slice while it cooks.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar and Maple Glaze

This rich glaze is the highlight of the dish, giving the ham its signature sweet and tangy flavor.

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
   • 1 cup brown sugar
   • 1 cup pure maple syrup
   • 1 cup pineapple juice
2. Whisk the mixture until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and all the ingredients are well blended.

Step 4: Pour the Glaze Over the Ham

• Slowly drizzle the glaze over the ham, making sure to let it flow between the slices. This ensures every bite of the ham absorbs the sweet, flavorful glaze.
• If any glaze pools at the bottom, that’s perfect! It will baste the ham as it cooks.

Step 5: Set the Slow Cooker

Now comes the easiest part—cooking the ham to perfection.

• Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
• Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4–6 hours.
• Every hour, baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker. This keeps the ham moist and evenly flavored.

Step 6: Caramelize the Glaze (Optional)

If you want a caramelized, sticky glaze finish, follow this extra step:

1. About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, carefully transfer the ham to a baking dish.
2. Pour some of the glaze from the slow cooker over the ham.
3. Broil the ham in the oven on high for 3–5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
4. The glaze will bubble and caramelize, creating a gorgeous golden-brown finish.

Step 7: Slice and Serve the Ham

Once the ham is fully cooked and caramelized (if you chose that step), it’s time to serve.

• Transfer the ham to a serving platter.
• Slice it into portions (if not already spiral-cut).
• Drizzle the remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the ham for extra flavor.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a refined finishing touch.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham

• Choose the Right Ham: Use a fully cooked, spiral-cut ham for the easiest preparation and best results.
• Avoid Artificial Syrup: Always use pure maple syrup for a rich, authentic flavor.
• Baste Frequently: Basting the ham every hour ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
• Don’t Overcook: Since the ham is already cooked, you only need to warm it through and infuse it with the glaze.
• Use Leftovers Creatively: Leftover ham can be used for sandwiches, omelets, soups, or casseroles.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (approximately 4 oz of ham):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	23g
Fat	7g
Sugar	16g

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on the brand and cut of ham.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bone-in ham. Just make sure it fits in your slow cooker, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

2. How do I store leftover ham?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze the cooked ham?
Absolutely! Wrap portions of ham tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. What’s the best type of ham to use for this recipe?
A fully cooked, spiral-cut ham works best because it’s easy to glaze and slice. Look for one labeled “ready to eat” or “pre-cooked.”

5. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Place the ham in a roasting pan, pour the glaze over it, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1.5–2 hours. Baste every 30 minutes.

6. How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
Cooking the ham on low heat and basting it regularly with the glaze will keep it moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar and Maple Glaze is the ultimate stress-free dish for any occasion. With its sweet and tangy glaze, perfectly tender texture, and minimal prep time, this recipe proves that simple meals can be truly extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, preparing a Sunday dinner, or just craving a hearty and delicious dish, this ham is sure to impress everyone at the table.

So, grab your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and let this recipe bring comfort and joy to your next meal. It’s time to create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds!

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