Slow Cooker Maple Beer Braised Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the ham in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker, though this is optional. This extra step helps to develop a crust that adds another layer of texture. If you decide to sear, ensure the ham is dry before it hits the pan to achieve a good brown color.

If the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can carefully pour the liquid into a small saucepan and simmer it over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes.

This will reduce the liquid further, concentrating the maple and beer flavors into a thicker, more syrupy consistency that can be drizzled over the ham slices before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Ham: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dry mustard and brown sugar mix for a subtle, warming heat that cuts through the sweetness of the maple beer.
• Apple Cider Maple Ham: Replace half of the maple beer with apple cider for a fruitier profile. The natural acidity of the apple cider works harmoniously with the maple syrup and mustard, creating a lighter, more vibrant glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the ham in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or the reserved sauce to retain moisture.

Allow any leftover ham to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it into airtight containers. This prevents bacterial growth and ensures the meat remains safe for consumption.

Store the sliced ham and the braising liquid together in the same container to keep the meat moist while it is refrigerated. Properly stored, the ham will maintain its quality for up to three to four days in the refrigerator.

You can assemble the base of the recipe, including the onions and the ham, in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, add the beer and seasonings, then start the slow cooker.

This method is perfect for hosting, as it saves time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the ham cooks slowly and develops its flavor.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham warm, sliced into thick, generous pieces. The braising liquid acts as a natural sauce, so be sure to spoon some of the reduced maple beer and onion mixture over each serving. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the ham.

Consider using the leftover ham for sandwiches or as an addition to breakfast dishes like omelets or hash. The maple-infused flavor is versatile enough to work in both savory and sweet-leaning breakfast preparations.

Keep the leftover sauce to reheat with the meat, as it will help maintain the moisture and prevent the ham from drying out during the reheating process.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Maple Beer Braised Ham

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 4 lb boneless ham
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp dry mustard powder
• 12 oz maple amber beer

Instructions

1. Place the boneless ham cut-side down into the center of the slow cooker ceramic insert. Scatter the sliced half-moon onions around the sides of the ham to ensure even flavor distribution during the cooking process.
2. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and dry mustard over the top and sides of the ham. Pour the maple amber beer slowly over the ham and onions, allowing the liquid to pool at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful braising bath.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once finished, remove the ham from the cooker, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, and serve with the reduced braising liquid.

Contains: gluten, mustard, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

10 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.