Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham is tender, flavorful and smothered in a homemade ham glaze. It takes 10 minutes of hands-on prep, then you set it and forget it for up to 3 hours for a fuss-free holiday dinner!

Slow cooker ham with homemade ham glaze

Cancel that Honey Baked Ham order because you don’t need it anymore!  This Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Ham is everything you want your ham to be and it takes less time to prep than it will for you to stand in line to pick up that Honey Baked Ham.

I speak from experience…that line is long.

My family used to order that ham every year, but a few years ago we all agreed that we were done with it. 

It’s too sweet, it’s overly expensive and I already told you about that line. 🙂

Sliced slow cooker ham on a platter with oranges and rosemary

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This crock pot ham is tender, flavorful and smothered in a homemade maple glaze.
  • It makes a festive holiday dinner or special Sunday dinner.
  • It takes just 10 minutes of hands-on prep and is ready in about 3 hours.
  • There’s no refined sugar and it’s gluten and dairy-free.

Recipe ingredients

Spiral sliced ham for glazed ham

Ingredient notes

  • Ham. An 8 lb. boneless or bone-in fully cooked spiral sliced ham is ideal for this glazed ham recipe. If a glaze or seasoning packet is included, you will not need it as this recipe includes a homemade glaze.
  • Maple syrup. Feel free to substitute the maple syrup with honey or your favorite sweetener.
  • Orange juice. For best results, use fresh orange juice for the freshest flavor.
  • Bourbon. The bourbon adds great depth of flavor and minimizes the sweetness of the glaze. It can be substituted with brandy, sherry, more orange juice or even chicken or vegetable stock.
  • Mustard. The dijon mustard adds a wonderful savory flavor that balances the flavors of the glaze perfectly. I’ve also included some whole grain mustard as well, but that’s completely optional.

How to make crock pot ham

Making ham in the crock pot is SO easy. It takes about 10 minutes of prep, then you set it and forget it for up to 3 hours.

Pro tip: Prepare the glaze in advance and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Simply heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to loosen it up and make it easier to brush on the ham.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

slow cooker ham process collage
  • Place the glaze ingredients in a small pot and cook it down for a few minutes until thickened. Add a bit of water in the bottom of the slow cooker. Separate the ham slices, then place the ham in the slow cooker.  
  • Pour the glaze all over the top and in between the slices, and place it meat side down.  Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 – 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
  • In the recipe for this slow cooker ham, I’ve given you the option to reserve half of the glaze for the cooked ham to give it more of a sticky-sweet glazed exterior.  Simply place the ham with some of the cooking liquid in a baking dish, brush with the reserved glaze, and broil for a few minutes until you see the glaze get nice and bubbly. 
Slow Cooker Orange Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham is spiral sliced ham warmed low and slow in the crock pot with a homemade orange bourbon maple glaze!

FAQs

How long does it take to heat ham in a crock pot?

An 8 lb. bone-in spiral sliced ham will take 2 1/2 – 3 hours to heat in the crock pot. Cook it to 140 degrees and no longer as it’s fully cooked and you don’t want it to dry out.

What is glazed ham made of?

Typical glazed hams contain an abundance of sugar. This homemade ham glaze includes maple syrup, fresh orange juice, bourbon and dijon mustard for a delicious savory flavor.

There’s no refined sugar in this glaze, and it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors!

How do you heat a pre-cooked ham in a crock pot?

Since the ham is fully cooked, it should be heated gently in the crock pot at low heat just until heated through. Add 1/2 cup water to the slow cooker as it provides moisture and keeps the ham from drying out.

Serving suggestions

This glazed ham is as versatile as it is easy, so it can be served a number of ways.

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip: Prepare the glaze in advance and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Simply heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to loosen it up and make it easier to brush on the ham.
  • The bourbon adds great depth of flavor and minimizes the sweetness of the glaze. It can be substituted with brandy, sherry, more orange juice or even chicken or vegetable stock.
  • Store slow cooker ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • If you’d like the ham to have a sticky-glazed exterior, only use half of the glaze during the cooking the time.  Once done, place the ham in a large 13×9″ baking dish with a bit of cooking liquid and brush all over and between the slices with the remaining glaze.  Broil just a few minutes until the glaze is nice and bubbly (do not over cook or the ham will dry out!).
front shot of ham on a white serving platter with a few slices cut

More holiday recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Slow cooker ham with homemade ham glaze

Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Slow Cooker Glazed Ham is tender and flavorful with a homemade ham glaze! There's no refined sugar, it's so easy to make, and it's perfect for your holiday dinner!
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup substitute with honey or your favorite sweetener
  • 1/4 cup bourbon see notes for substitutions
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard optional
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 lb. fully cooked spiral sliced ham mine was semi bone-in

Instructions 

  • Place the maple syrup, bourbon, orange juice, dijon and whole grain mustard (if using) into a small sauce pan and whisk to combine.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5-10 minutes or until thickened.
    1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
  • Pour the water into the slow cooker. Unwrap the ham, spread the slices apart and place in the slow cooker.
    1/2 cup water, 8 lb. fully cooked spiral sliced ham
  • Pour the glaze over the ham and in between the slices, then place the ham cut side down.  Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 – 3 hours or until warmed through (about 140 degrees), basting from time to time when you think about it. Slice, serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pro tip: Prepare the glaze in advance and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Simply heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to loosen it up and make it easier to brush on the ham.
  • Customize the glaze to your liking with your favorite sweetener, and omit the bourbon if you want your glaze to be booze-free.
  • Store slow cooker ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • If you’d like the ham to have a sticky-glazed exterior, only use half of the glaze during the cooking the time.  Once done, place the ham in a large 13×9″ baking dish with a bit of cooking liquid and brush all over and between the slices with the remaining glaze.  Broil just a few minutes until the glaze is nice and bubbly (do not over cook or the ham will dry out!).
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 351kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 50g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 145mg, Sodium: 2272mg, Sugar: 9g

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

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