Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

Slow cooker maple brown sugar ham takes a fully cooked spiral-sliced ham and warms it low and slow in a glaze of maple syrup, brown sugar, butter and apple juice. The slices soak up the sweet glaze, and you can spoon the pan juices over the meat at the table. If you are planning a holiday plate, also try these slow cooker maple brown sugar glazed carrots and this cheesy potato gratin.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

• Hands-off holiday ham: the slow cooker keeps the meat moist while you work on the rest of dinner.
• Simple five-ingredient glaze: brown sugar, maple syrup, butter and apple juice melt into a sticky sauce.
• Already cooked ham: a fully cooked spiral ham only needs to be heated through and glazed, not cooked from raw.
• Built-in serving juices: baste as it warms, then thicken the leftover glaze to pour over each slice.
• Easy to hold: once it is hot, the slow cooker stays on Warm until you are ready to serve.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

For the ham

• 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (5 to 7 lb)

For the maple brown sugar glaze

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup apple juice

Optional, for a thicker glaze

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water

Ingredient Notes

• Ham: a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham is the easiest cut here because the glaze can run between the slices. A 5 to 7 lb ham fits a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker. If it is a little tall, trim a thin slice from the bottom so the lid can close.
• Brown sugar: packed brown sugar melts into the butter and maple and helps the glaze cling.
• Maple syrup: use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Pancake syrup will make a sweeter, less rounded glaze.
• Apple juice: a small amount of juice keeps the glaze from becoming too thick in the pot and adds a light fruit note. Apple cider works too.
• Butter: unsalted butter lets you control the salt, since ham is already salty.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

1. Prep the ham: unwrap the ham and pat it dry. Place it cut-side down in a large slow cooker.
2. Make the glaze: melt the butter in a small saucepan, or in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the packed brown sugar, maple syrup and apple juice until the sugar loosens and the mixture looks smooth.
3. Coat the ham: pour the glaze over the ham, lifting a few slices so some of the mixture can run between them. Cover with the lid.
4. Cook on Low: heat on Low for 4 to 5 hours, basting with the juices once an hour if you are nearby, until the ham is hot throughout. A fully cooked ham should be reheated to 140°F in the center.
5. Optional broil: for a stickier, caramelized top, transfer the ham to a foil-lined baking sheet, spoon some glaze over the surface, and broil 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely so the sugar does not burn.
6. Thicken the glaze: pour the remaining juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker, spoonable sauce, and cook 1 to 2 minutes until it looks glossy. Serve the glaze alongside the sliced ham.

Hands-on time is about 15 minutes, and the slow cooker takes 4 to 5 hours on Low. A 5 to 7 lb ham serves about 10 to 14.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

• Keep the lid closed: every peek adds time. Baste when it is convenient, but do not hover over the pot.
• Do not add extra liquid: the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar and apple juice are enough. Too much liquid will poach the ham instead of glazing it.
• Check the temperature: because the ham is already cooked, you are reheating it. 140°F in the thickest part is the usual target for a pre-cooked ham. See the USDA ham and food safety guidance for details.
• Watch the broiler: the glaze is high in sugar and can darken quickly. Stay in front of the oven.
• Save the juices: even without the cornstarch, the pan juices are a good sauce for leftover slices.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

Classic holiday sides are a natural fit: mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls and something sweet like southern sweet potato casserole . Leftover ham is also excellent in slow cooker ham and beans or a pot of ham and bean soup the next day.

Variations

• Mustard maple glaze: whisk 1 to 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard into the glaze for a little tang.
• Orange twist: replace the apple juice with orange juice and add a teaspoon of orange zest.
• Spiced glaze: add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves to the saucepan.
• Pineapple ham: tuck a few drained pineapple rings or chunks around the ham during the last hour.
• Smaller ham: a 3 to 4 lb ham can be glazed the same way; start checking the temperature at 3 hours on Low.

Storage

Cool leftover ham quickly, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, with some of the glaze to keep the slices moist. Reheat gently, covered, in a 300°F oven or in a skillet with a spoon of the juices, just until hot. Ham also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For leftover safety timelines, see the USDA leftovers and food safety guidance.

FAQ

Do I add water to the slow cooker with maple brown sugar ham?

No. The maple syrup, butter, brown sugar and apple juice give you enough moisture. Extra water will thin the glaze and make the ham taste boiled.

Can I cook slow cooker maple brown sugar ham on High?

Low is better for even heating and a gentle glaze. If you are short on time, High for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours can work, but check the temperature early so the edges do not dry out.

What size slow cooker do I need for maple brown sugar ham?

A 6- or 7-quart oval slow cooker usually fits a 5 to 7 lb spiral ham. If the lid will not close, trim a little from the bottom or the sides rather than forcing it.

Is a spiral-sliced ham already cooked?

Most spiral-sliced hams sold for the holidays are fully cooked. You are warming the ham and glazing it, not cooking it from raw. Confirm the label, then reheat to 140°F.

Can I make slow cooker maple brown sugar ham ahead?

You can mix the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Warm it until pourable, then glaze the ham and cook it the day you plan to serve it.