If you’re searching for a warm, comforting centerpiece to dazzle your holiday table, this Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine a succulent spiral-cut ham, perfectly slow-cooked to tender perfection, coated in a luscious glaze made of rich brown sugar, velvety maple syrup, and the bright tang of pineapple juice. This dish brings together sweet and savory notes in such a harmonious way, it’ll have your family and friends lingering long after the last bite. Plus, cooking it in the crock pot means minimal fuss and maximum flavor, making it your go-to recipe for effortless festive feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but crucial in achieving the beautiful balance of flavors and textures that define this Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe. Each element is a star in its own right, creating that signature glossy glaze and tender meat you’ll adore.
- 8 pounds spiral cut ham: The perfect size and cut for even cooking with plenty of juicy slices to go around.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness that melts into the ham’s savory notes.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: Brings a rich, woodsy sweetness that enhances the glaze’s complexity.
- 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks in pineapple juice: The juice adds a fresh, tangy acidity to balance the sugars, and the chunks provide a lovely burst of tropical flavor when served.
How to Make Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham in the Slow Cooker
Start by placing your spiral cut ham flat side down in the crock pot. This stable base ensures even heat circulation as it slowly cooks, helping the ham stay juicy and tender throughout the process.
Step 2: Sweeten with Brown Sugar
Generously coat the entire surface of the ham with light brown sugar. This layer will caramelize beautifully during cooking, creating that irresistible crust that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 3: Drizzle with Maple Syrup
Pour the maple syrup slowly over the brown sugar-coated ham, taking care not to wash away the sugar. The syrup melds with the sugar to form a shiny, sticky glaze that clings perfectly to each slice.
Step 4: Add Pineapple Juice and Pieces
Open the can of pineapple and pour the juice into a small bowl to remove any solids. Place the pineapple chunks aside to add later. Pour the pineapple juice gently over the ham, infusing it with subtle acidity and fruity brightness.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Perfect
Cover and cook on the low setting for about 4 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. During cooking, baste occasionally with the juices to keep the glaze moist and deepen its flavor. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, nestle the pineapple chunks on top to warm them through without losing their texture.
How to Serve Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, consider garnishing the ham with fresh pineapple slices, sprigs of rosemary, or even some bright pomegranate seeds. These add bursts of color and complement the glaze’s sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This maple glazed ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and roasted Brussels sprouts. For a bit of contrast, try a fresh arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette — its peppery tang cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the ham on a wooden cutting board surrounded by the warmed pineapple chunks and a drizzle of the cooking juices. For an extra wow factor, arrange the ham slices layered with thin slices of sharp cheddar or a dollop of spicy mustard on a festive platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe, store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will keep the slices moist and flavorful for quick dinners or holiday sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ham longer, slice and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to make thawing and portions easier.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover ham slices in a low oven or microwave, ideally covered with foil or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. You can also warm them in a skillet with a splash of the glaze or pineapple juice for revived juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-glazed ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but be mindful that pre-glazed hams often have added sugars and spices. You may want to reduce the brown sugar slightly to avoid overpowering the flavor, and keep a close eye on the cooking to prevent burning the glaze.
What size crock pot do I need for an 8-pound ham?
A 6 to 8-quart crock pot is ideal for an 8-pound ham. It should be large enough to hold the ham comfortably without crowding and to allow even heat circulation for proper cooking.
Can I double the glaze ingredients for a stronger flavor?
It’s best to stick to the recommended glaze quantities to maintain balance, but if you love extra sweetness, you can brush additional maple syrup onto the ham during the last hour of cooking for a more pronounced flavor.
Is it necessary to baste the ham during cooking?
Basting helps keep the ham moist and intensifies the glaze’s shine and flavor. While not absolutely required, it’s highly recommended to baste every hour or so for the most delicious results.
Can I prepare this ham the day before serving?
Absolutely! The Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe actually benefits from resting overnight as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently before serving, and garnish fresh for a truly impressive presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is truly a holiday gem that makes your feast feel special without hours of work. Its sweet, tangy, and tender profile will delight anyone lucky enough to share your table. Give it a try this season — your crock pot will do the hard work while you soak up the joy of the holidays.
Print
Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Crock Pot Maple Glazed Ham is a delightful holiday centerpiece, featuring a tender spiral cut ham slow-cooked with a sweet and sticky glaze of brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice. The pineapple chunks added near the end provide a burst of tropical flavor, making this recipe simple yet festive and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Ham
- 8 pounds spiral cut ham
Glaze
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks in pineapple juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Place the spiral cut ham flat side down in the slow cooker to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Apply Brown Sugar: Generously coat the ham with the light brown sugar, pressing it gently to stick to the surface.
- Add Maple Syrup: Slowly pour the maple syrup over the ham, being careful so the brown sugar remains in place, creating a sticky glaze.
- Handle Pineapple: Drain the juice from the canned pineapple chunks into a small bowl and set the pineapple chunks aside for later use.
- Pour Pineapple Juice: Carefully pour the pineapple juice over the ham to infuse fruity sweetness into the glaze.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the ham for 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, basting periodically with the cooking juices to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Add Pineapple Chunks: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the reserved pineapple chunks to warm them through without overcooking.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for safe consumption.
- Basting during cooking keeps the ham moist and helps the glaze deepen in flavor.
- Spiral cut ham is pre-cooked, so this slow cooking mainly focuses on glazing and heating through.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This recipe can be doubled but may require adjusting slow cooker size and time.
