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- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6-8 pounds) - 1 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 3 cups unsweetened apple juice - Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish) For this recipe, I love to start with a fully cooked bone-in ham. It weighs between 6 to 8 pounds. This size gives you enough meat for a feast. The glaze is what makes this dish shine. It includes a full cup of pure maple syrup. The brown sugar adds sweetness, with half a cup making a big difference. Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar bring tang and balance to the glaze. Each adds a unique note to the sweet flavors. I also use ground cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. These spices add warmth and depth to the dish. Lastly, I pour in 3 cups of unsweetened apple juice. This keeps the ham moist as it cooks. Some fresh rosemary sprigs make a lovely garnish too. They add a pop of color and a hint of earthiness to the dish. Start by placing the ham flat side down in the slow cooker. Make sure it fits well and does not touch the lid. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the ham. A proper fit ensures it cooks thoroughly and stays juicy. In a medium bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Use a whisk to combine everything until it is smooth. A smooth glaze coats the ham better and gives it a nice shine. The glaze brings sweet and savory notes to each bite. Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it covers all areas. Next, carefully add the apple juice around the ham, not over it. This keeps the ham moist during cooking. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The ham is ready when it is heated through and easy to slice. About every hour, use a basting brush to coat the ham with the cooking liquid. This adds extra flavor and enhances the shine of the glaze. Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting helps the juices settle, making it easier to slice. Enjoy your delicious meal! To adjust spice levels, you can add more or less of cinnamon, cloves, or black pepper. If you want a spicier kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. For milder flavors, reduce the cloves or skip them entirely. You can also explore different types of mustard or vinegar. If you prefer a tangy taste, swap Dijon mustard for yellow mustard. For the vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well. You might also try balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor. To get a shiny finish on your ham, try this simple technique: brush the glaze on every hour while it cooks. This adds layers of flavor and helps the glaze stick. Basting often is key. Use a basting brush to coat the ham. The more you baste, the more flavor the ham absorbs. Plus, it will look beautiful when served. For the best side dishes, consider roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. They pair perfectly with the sweet ham. You can even serve green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. When plating, arrange the sliced ham on a large platter. Drizzle the leftover glaze over the ham for a lovely shine. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and aroma. This makes your meal not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes. {{image_2}} You can try different sweeteners for your glaze. Honey adds a nice floral note. Agave syrup gives a smooth sweetness. For those on a low-carb diet, consider using sugar-free maple syrup. This keeps the flavor while cutting calories. Not all hams are the same. Spiral-cut ham is easy to slice and serve. Boneless ham offers a tender texture. Adjust your cooking time based on the cut. A spiral-cut ham cooks faster than a bone-in one. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Want to boost the taste? Add fruit juices like orange or pineapple. These juices add a sweet and tangy flair. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also elevate the dish. Citrus zest, such as lemon or lime, brightens the glaze. For a smoky touch, consider adding smoked paprika. These changes make the dish even more exciting! To keep your slow cooker maple brown sugar ham fresh, store it properly. First, let the ham cool to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps to keep the flavors locked in. In the fridge, your ham lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, you might want to freeze it. Freezing your ham is simple. First, slice the ham into pieces. This makes it easier to use later. Next, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat the ham, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavors strong. For quicker thawing, you can place the sealed bag in cold water. Remember to cook it right after thawing for the best taste. You can tell when the ham is done by checking its warmth. The meat should feel hot all over. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). This ensures the ham is safely heated. Yes, you can cook the ham on high heat. However, it may affect the flavor and texture. Cooking on high can make the ham less juicy. If you choose high, cook it for 3-4 hours. This is quicker but might change the taste a bit. Leftover ham is great for many meals! You can make ham sandwiches or add it to soups. Try using it in a breakfast scramble with eggs. Another idea is to mix it into pasta dishes. These meals are quick and tasty. This blog post provided a clear guide to cooking a bone-in ham in a slow cooker. We explored key ingredients like maple syrup and apple juice, along with spices that enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, making glaze, and serving the ham perfectly. In the end, remember to try the tips for flavor and presentation. Feel free to experiment with variations to make this dish your own. Enjoy making this delicious ham, and relish the moments it brings to your table.

Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

Discover the ultimate Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Maple Ham recipe that will impress your family and friends! This delicious dish combines the rich flavors of maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. With easy step-by-step instructions and mouthwatering results, you'll want to try this recipe right away. Click through to explore how to create this delectable ham that’s sure to be a hit!
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Ingredients
  

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds)

1 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups unsweetened apple juice

Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the ham in the slow cooker flat side down. Ensure it fits comfortably without pressing against the lid.

    Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

      Coat the Ham: Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it covers the surface.

        Add Flavor: Carefully pour the apple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker, around (not over) the ham. This will help keep the ham moist during cooking.

          Cook the Ham: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The ham is ready when heated through and can be easily sliced.

            Glaze Periodically: About every hour, use a basting brush to brush some of the cooking liquid and glaze over the ham for enhanced flavor and shine.

              Serve: Once done, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker (it will be tender) and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 6-8 hrs | 10-12 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the sliced ham on a large platter, drizzle with leftover glaze from the slow cooker, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a delicious meal.