Amish Holiday Slow Cooker Ham
This festive Amish-style ham is slow-simmered to rich tenderness, enveloped in a luscious glaze of warm spices, brown sugar, and fruit juices. A holiday classic that offers a seamless blend of sweet and savory, perfect for celebratory gatherings.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- ½ cup of either apple cider or unsweetened pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves optional but customary in Amish holiday fare
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup of tightly packed light or dark brown sugar
- One boneless precooked ham weighing between 4 and 5 pounds
- Whole pineapple slices and maraschino cherries optional, for decorative garnish
Instructions
- Place the ham cut-side down inside the slow cooker. If the piece is too large to fit comfortably, either trim excess portions or divide the ham into halves.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, fruit juice or cider, Dijon mustard, cloves (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture forms a smooth glaze.
- Gently pour the prepared glaze over the ham, allowing it to flow into crevices and between slices if using a spiral-cut ham.
- Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set to cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours. Baste the ham with the cooking juices periodically to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Approximately 20 minutes before the cooking time concludes, incorporate the butter into the liquid in the cooker. Stir until melted and well blended into the glaze.
- If a caramelized finish is desired, transfer the ham to a broiler-safe dish, spoon some glaze on top, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Carve the ham into slices and serve drizzled with the warm glaze. Garnish with pineapple rings and cherries for a festive presentation if preferred.