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- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (5-7 pounds) - 1 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish) When making slow cooker maple brown sugar ham, the ingredients matter a lot. First, choose a fully cooked ham that weighs between 5 to 7 pounds. This size fits well in most slow cookers. The star of the show is the glaze. You will need one cup of pure maple syrup and half a cup of packed brown sugar. These two ingredients create a rich, sweet flavor. Next, Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. You will want a quarter cup for balance. Apple cider vinegar, at one tablespoon, adds a hint of acidity. For warmth, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and half a teaspoon of ground ginger. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs make a lovely garnish. - For maple syrup, use honey or agave syrup. - Instead of brown sugar, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. - For a gluten-free option, ensure your mustard is gluten-free. If you need alternatives, you can swap maple syrup for honey or agave syrup. Both options work well. For brown sugar, coconut sugar is a great substitute. You can use a sugar substitute if you want fewer calories. If you have gluten concerns, check the Dijon mustard label. Choose a gluten-free brand to keep your dish safe for all diets. These substitutions help you enjoy the recipe without worry! To start, you need to place the ham in your slow cooker. I suggest using a fully cooked bone-in ham that weighs between 5 to 7 pounds. Set the ham cut side down for even cooking. If you see any extra skin or fat, you can trim it off. But leave some fat on for flavor. This helps keep the ham moist. Now let’s make that tasty maple glaze. In a medium bowl, mix together the following ingredients: - 1 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients until they are well combined. Taste the glaze and add salt or pepper if you think it needs more flavor. This glaze will be sweet and tangy, perfect for the ham. Once the ham is ready and glazed, it’s time to cook. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Cook the ham for about 4 to 6 hours. Around every hour, open the lid and baste the ham with the juices. This helps keep it juicy and flavorful. Using a meat thermometer is key here. You want to check that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures the ham is safe to eat and perfectly warm. About 30 minutes before serving, pour the rest of the glaze over the ham. This adds extra flavor and gives it a sticky, glossy finish. Once it’s done cooking, take the ham out and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Then slice it up and enjoy! To ensure a tender ham, start with a fully cooked bone-in ham. The bone adds flavor as it cooks. Place the ham cut side down in the slow cooker. This helps retain moisture. Trim excess skin, but leave some fat for flavor. Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours. Baste it with juices every hour. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Aim for an internal temp of 140°F (60°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly warm. For a sticky glaze, pour half of the glaze on the ham before cooking. About 30 minutes before serving, add the rest of the glaze. This creates a shiny crust that looks amazing. Arranging the ham nicely makes a big impact. Once cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps the juices settle in. Slice the ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for color. These herbs add a nice touch. Drizzle some reserved glaze on top for a glossy finish. This makes your dish pop! For side dishes, consider serving with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. These pair well with the sweet flavors of the ham. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can change this dish to fit your taste. One fun way is to add fruit juices. Try orange or pineapple juice for a sweet twist. You can also mix in spices like cloves or nutmeg. These will give your ham extra depth and warmth. Herbs are great too. Fresh rosemary or thyme can make the dish brighter. Just sprinkle some on before serving. You can even add them to the glaze for a fresh touch. These small changes can really make a big difference! If you want a crispy outside, try finishing the ham in the oven. Cook it in the slow cooker first. Then, transfer it to a preheated oven set to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This will help create a nice crust on the ham. You can also use a pressure cooker. It cooks the ham quickly while keeping it moist. Just follow the same glaze steps. Pressure cooking saves time but still gives you that rich flavor. This is perfect for busy days! To keep your leftover ham fresh, follow these tips: - Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil. - Place it in an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. - For longer storage, freeze the ham in portions. - Freezing can last up to 2 to 3 months without losing flavor. When reheating, you want to keep the ham moist. Here are some ways to do that: - Use a microwave with a damp paper towel. - Warm it in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes. - Add a splash of broth to the dish to keep it juicy. You can also be creative with leftover ham. - Chop it up for omelets or quiches. - Dice it for a hearty soup or pasta dish. - Add it to salads for extra protein and flavor. These ideas help you enjoy your ham in new ways! Cooking time for ham in a slow cooker varies by size. For a fully cooked bone-in ham weighing 5 to 7 pounds, plan for 4 to 6 hours on low heat. - Tip: Use a meat thermometer. The ham should reach 140°F (60°C) for safe eating. - Note: If your ham is larger or smaller, adjust the time by 30 minutes for every pound. Yes, you can use different types of ham. Here are some options: - Spiral-cut ham: This type is already sliced for easy serving. It cooks faster, so check it around 3 to 4 hours. - Boneless ham: This option is simple to slice and can also work well. Keep the same cooking time. - Country ham: This type is saltier and can need soaking before cooking. Adjust your glaze to balance the salt. Pair your ham with delicious sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make great choices. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes go well with the sweet glaze. - Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy slaw adds nice contrast. - Dinner rolls: Soft bread can soak up extra glaze. Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your taste! In this blog post, we covered everything you need for a delicious slow cooker maple brown sugar ham. You learned about key ingredients and tasty substitutions. I also shared step-by-step instructions and essential tips to ensure your ham is tender and flavorful. Variations allow for creative cooking, while storage tips help keep leftovers fresh. Cooking ham can be fun and rewarding. Try these methods and make your next meal a hit. Enjoy every bite!

Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

Looking to impress at your next gathering? Try this delicious Maple Bliss Glazed Ham recipe that’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker! With a blend of pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and warming spices, this dish will be the star of your table. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it serves 10-12 people and can be ready with just 15 minutes of prep. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your celebrations unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

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

1 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ham: Place the fully cooked ham into the slow cooker, cut side down. If necessary, trim any excess skin or fat to your liking while leaving some for flavor.

    Create the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as desired.

      Glaze the Ham: Pour half of the maple glaze over the ham, ensuring it is well coated. Reserve the other half for later.

        Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 4-6 hours, basting the ham with the juices every hour or so. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

          Finish with a Glaze: About 30 minutes before serving, pour the remaining glaze over the ham to enhance the flavor and create a beautiful sticky crust.

            Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Slice and serve, drizzled with the remaining juices from the slow cooker.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours | Servings: 10-12

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the sliced ham on a serving platter, garnished with fresh rosemary or sprigs of thyme for added color. Drizzle some of the reserved glaze over the top for a glossy finish.