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To make a savory slow cooker maple brown sugar ham, you will need: - 1 whole bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds) - 1 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup water These ingredients create a sweet and tangy glaze. The ham itself is juicy and tender, making each bite delicious. You can add a few optional ingredients to boost the flavor: - Pineapple slices for a tropical twist - Fresh herbs like rosemary for added aroma - A splash of bourbon for a richer taste These extras can make your dish unique and special. Experiment with what you enjoy! When picking a ham, size matters. Choose a ham that weighs about 8-10 pounds. This size serves around 12-14 people, perfect for gatherings. - For smaller groups, consider a half ham. - Always check if it fits in your slow cooker. A well-chosen ham ensures everyone enjoys a hearty meal together. Start by placing the whole bone-in ham in the slow cooker. Make sure the cut side faces down. This helps the ham cook evenly and stay juicy. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Whisk until everything blends well. This glaze adds a sweet and savory taste to the ham. Pour the glaze over the ham. Make sure it covers the meat. Add 1/4 cup water to the slow cooker. This keeps the ham moist. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The ham is ready when it’s heated through and tender. In the last 30 minutes, uncover the slow cooker. Baste the ham with the juices every 10 minutes. This gives the ham a nice glaze. When done, carefully remove the ham and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Slice the ham and drizzle some cooking liquid on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! To get a great glaze, start with the right mix. Use maple syrup and brown sugar. These add sweetness and flavor. Whisk them well with Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. This blend gives a nice tang. Pour it over the ham for the best results. For the last 30 minutes, uncover the slow cooker. Baste the ham every 10 minutes. This helps create a shiny, tasty glaze. You can change the spice levels to suit your taste. If you love warmth, add more ground cinnamon or ginger. For a hint of spice, try a pinch of cayenne pepper. Want a sweeter ham? Add extra brown sugar or maple syrup. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance. Avoid cooking the ham on high heat. Low and slow is key for tenderness. Don’t skip the water; it keeps the ham moist. If you don’t baste, the glaze won’t shine. Lastly, let the ham rest before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. Follow these tips for a perfect maple brown sugar ham every time. {{image_2}} For a sweet twist, try adding honey and apple to your ham. Start by replacing half the maple syrup with honey. Then, mix in one cup of diced apples into the glaze. The apples will cook down and add a nice fruitiness. This variation pairs well with the spices, making it a great choice for fall gatherings. For a rich flavor, you can add bourbon to your glaze. Use half a cup of bourbon in place of the apple cider vinegar. The bourbon adds depth and complexity. It balances the sweetness of the maple and brown sugar. This variation works best if you love a robust taste in your ham. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can make a low-sugar ham. Use sugar-free maple syrup instead of regular syrup. You can also cut the brown sugar by half. Add a bit more Dijon mustard for tang. This option keeps the flavor strong without the extra sugar. To keep your leftover ham fresh, first let it cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy your ham again, slice it into even pieces. This helps it heat evenly. Place the slices in a baking dish. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the ham for added flavor. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat in a 325°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to save some ham for later, freezing is easy. Cut the ham into slices or cubes. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag or container. Label it with the date. You can freeze ham for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other types of ham. A boneless ham works well too. Look for a size that fits your slow cooker. If you try a smoked ham, it will add a nice flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly. Cook the ham on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cook time helps the flavors blend well. You want the ham to be heated through and tender. If you have a smaller ham, check it at 6 hours. For larger hams, you may need the full 8 hours. Basting during the last 30 minutes helps add flavor and glaze. Many sides go well with this ham. Here are some great choices: - Roasted sweet potatoes - Green beans with almonds - Creamy mashed potatoes - Tangy coleslaw - Honey-glazed carrots - A fresh garden salad These sides will balance the sweet flavors of the ham. Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious slow cooker maple brown sugar ham. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. We explored tasty variations and how to store leftovers wisely. Remember, this recipe combines sweet and savory flavors for a true treat. Try my tips to avoid common mistakes and impress your family and friends. Enjoy making this ham, and savor every bite!

Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham

Discover the deliciousness of Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Ham with this easy recipe! Perfect for gatherings, this succulent ham is glazed with a delightful blend of maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices that make every bite irresistible. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this tender, flavorful dish that cooks to perfection while you relax. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 whole bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)

1 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup water

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the whole ham in the slow cooker cut-side down for even cooking.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended.

      Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it covers the meat.

        Add the water to the slow cooker to help generate steam and keep the ham moist during the cooking process.

          Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender.

            For the last 30 minutes of cooking, uncover the slow cooker and baste the ham with the juices every 10 minutes to get a nice glaze.

              Once cooked, carefully remove the ham and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

                Serve slices drizzled with some of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 12-14