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To make this dish, you will need a few key items. Here’s the list: - 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-7 pounds) - 1 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup water These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory glaze. The ham is the star, but the glaze adds depth and warmth. You might want to add some garnishes for extra flair. Here’s what I recommend: - Fresh thyme sprigs These not only look great but also enhance the dish’s aroma. A little touch of green makes everything pop. Choosing the right ham is key to this recipe. Here are some tips to help you pick the best one: - Look for a bone-in ham for more flavor. - Choose a ham that is fully cooked for ease. - A weight between 5 to 7 pounds works best for this slow cooker recipe. - Check for a good marbling of fat, as this keeps the ham juicy during cooking. By following these tips, you’ll set yourself up for a delicious meal that impresses at any gathering. Start by taking the ham out of its package. Place it on a cutting board. Score the surface in a diamond pattern. Make cuts about one inch apart. Be careful not to cut too deep. This step allows the glaze to soak in better. Grab a mixing bowl and combine the following ingredients: - 1 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup water Whisk these together until smooth. The mix should smell sweet and spicy. This glaze will make the ham shine and taste great. Put the ham in the slow cooker, cut side down. Pour the glaze over the ham. Make sure it seeps into the scored cuts. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours. The ham should be hot and tender when done. During cooking, baste the ham with the juices. This adds more flavor and keeps it moist. Once finished, carefully move the ham to a platter. If you want, strain the remaining glaze into a small pan. Simmer it for 10 minutes to thicken. Brush this glaze over the ham before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a nice touch. To get the best flavor from your ham, start by scoring it. Make cuts in a diamond pattern about one inch apart. This allows the glaze to soak in well. Use a mix of maple syrup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for your glaze. These ingredients blend sweet and tangy. Adding ground cinnamon and cloves gives it warmth. The apple cider vinegar adds a nice zing to the flavor. Make sure to cover the ham completely with the glaze for maximum taste. Slow cooking is key to tender ham. Set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. This long cook time helps the flavors blend. Always place the ham cut side down. This keeps it juicy as it cooks. It's important not to lift the lid too often. Each time you do, heat escapes, slowing down the cooking. If you want, you can add a bit of water to the slow cooker. This creates steam and helps keep the ham moist. Basting is a great way to keep your ham juicy. Use a spoon to drizzle the cooking juices over the ham every hour. This adds more flavor and moisture. You can also strain the remaining glaze after cooking. Simmer it on the stove for a bit to thicken it. Once thickened, brush this glaze over the ham before serving. This extra layer of glaze makes the ham look shiny and delicious. Don't forget to garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of color! {{image_2}} If you want to change the taste, you can swap the glaze. Here are some ideas: - Honey Mustard Glaze: Use honey instead of maple syrup. Mix it with Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor. - Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze: Add crushed pineapple to brown sugar. This gives a fruity twist. - Spicy Maple Glaze: Mix maple syrup with a touch of cayenne. This adds a kick to your ham. You don’t have to stick to a bone-in ham. Here are some other cuts you can use: - Boneless Ham: This cut cooks faster and is easier to slice. - Ham Steaks: These are great for smaller gatherings. Cook them in the same glaze. - Spiral-Cut Ham: This type is ready to eat and needs less cooking time. Change up your recipe with seasonal ingredients. Here are some swaps: - Citrus Juice: During winter, try orange or lemon juice in your glaze. This brightens the taste. - Herbs: In spring, add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for a fresh flavor. - Fall Spices: In autumn, use nutmeg or allspice for a warm, cozy taste. These variations make your Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham unique every time. Enjoy experimenting! After your feast, store any leftover ham in an airtight container. Cut the ham into slices for easier storage. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the ham before sealing the container. This helps keep the meat fresh. Leftover ham stays good in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat your ham, slice it into pieces. Place the slices in a baking dish. Add a bit of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method warms the ham evenly and keeps it juicy. If you want to keep ham longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out any air before sealing. Frozen ham can last up to six months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should cook a fully cooked ham for about 6 to 8 hours on low heat. This time allows the ham to warm up fully and soak in the glaze. Check the ham after 6 hours. If it is warm and tender, it is ready to serve. Yes, you can use a boneless ham for this recipe. Boneless ham cooks well and absorbs the glaze nicely. Just make sure it fits in your slow cooker. The cooking time should be similar to a bone-in ham. Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Green beans - Macaroni and cheese - A fresh salad These sides complement the sweet flavors of the ham. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite combination! You learned how to make a tasty Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. We covered the best ingredients, tips for selecting ham, and ways to prepare it using a slow cooker. I shared ways to add flavor, basting tips, and fun variations to try. Storing and reheating leftovers was also discussed for your convenience. This dish brings warmth and flavor to any table. Enjoy making this meal your own!

Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Slow Cooker

Savor the deliciousness of Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with this easy recipe! Perfect for any celebration, this tender, slow-cooked ham is topped with a sweet and savory glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get step-by-step instructions and tips for the best results. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and make your next meal unforgettable! #MapleBrownSugarHam #SlowCookerRecipes #HamRecipe #HolidayCooking

Ingredients
  

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-7 pounds)

1 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup water

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by removing the ham from its packaging and scoring the surface in a diamond pattern (about 1 inch apart), making sure not to cut too deep into the meat.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and water. Whisk together until smooth.

      Place the ham in your slow cooker, cut side down. Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.

        Cover and cook on low for approximately 6 to 8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender. Occasionally, baste the ham with the juices from the slow cooker for added flavor and moisture.

          Once cooked, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. If desired, you can strain the remaining glaze into a small saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken it further.

            Brush the thickened glaze over the ham before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic presentation.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 8-10