Hey there! If you’re looking for a no-fuss, family-friendly holiday dish (or even a special weeknight dinner), this Maple Brown Sugar Crockpot Ham is your answer. It’s juicy, tender, and full of that sweet, sticky glaze that everyone loves. The best part? The crockpot does all the work for you, so your kitchen stays stress-free! This recipe is great for kids and picky eaters because—let’s be honest—who can resist ham covered in maple and brown sugar? Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-8 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup maple syrup (pure, if you can!)
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but delicious!)
- 1 orange, sliced (for garnish, optional)
Pro Tips
- Choose the right ham: Look for a fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral-cut works too). It keeps the ham juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the glaze: Baste the ham with the glaze a few times during cooking for maximum caramelized goodness.
- Cook low and slow: The crockpot keeps the ham tender and moist while all those flavors soak in.
- Double the glaze: If your family loves extra sauce, make a little more to drizzle over slices at the table.
- Line your crockpot: Use a slow cooker liner or spray it with non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
Tools You’ll Need
- A large crockpot
- Basting brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
Substitutions and Variations
- No pineapple juice? Use apple juice or orange juice instead.
- No maple syrup? Honey works as a substitute, but maple adds a deeper flavor.
- Want more spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the glaze.
- Smaller ham? Adjust the glaze ingredients to fit a 4-5 lb ham.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep the glaze ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.
- You can also pre-slice the orange for garnish.
How to Make Maple Brown Sugar Crockpot Ham
1. Prep the Ham
Place your ham in the crockpot, flat side down. If it’s too big for your crockpot, trim a bit off the bottom or sides to make it fit.
2. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the Glaze
Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a basting brush to get the glaze into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Baste the ham with the glaze every hour, if possible.
5. Serve and Garnish
Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. Spoon extra glaze over the top and garnish with orange slices if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of leftover glaze to keep them moist.
- Use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles!
Conclusion
This Maple Brown Sugar Crockpot Ham is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly SO easy to make. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and delicious. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy cooking! 😊
