Slow-Cooker Maple Bourbon Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham

This slow-cooker ham is the ultimate holiday shortcut. A spiral-cut smoked ham is coated in a glossy glaze of orange marmalade, maple syrup, and bourbon, then left to simmer on LOW until every slice is tender and infused with sweet, citrusy, boozy flavor.

The result is a showstopping centerpiece that looks like you spent hours on it, but the slow cooker does all the work. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering, this ham frees up your oven and your time.

This slow-cooker ham is the ultimate holiday shortcut. A spiral-cut smoked ham is coated in a glossy glaze of orange marmalade, maple syrup, and bourbon, then left to simmer on LOW until every slice is tender and infused with sweet, citrusy, boozy flavor.

The result is a showstopping centerpiece that looks like you spent hours on it, but the slow cooker does all the work. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering, this ham frees up your oven and your time. Just dump the glaze, set the slow cooker, and let the magic happen.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker is the secret to this ham. Cooking on LOW for four hours gently heats the ham without drying it out, allowing the glaze to penetrate the spiral cuts and caramelize around the edges.

The low, moist heat breaks down the connective tissue, so the slices separate effortlessly and soak up every bit of the fragrant syrup. Unlike oven-roasting, the slow cooker keeps the ham bathed in its own juices, ensuring a moist, tender result every time.

The glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warm spice. Orange marmalade brings bright citrus notes and a thick, sticky texture, while maple syrup adds deep, caramel-like sweetness.

Bourbon contributes a subtle smoky warmth that complements the smoky ham, and Dijon mustard cuts through the sweetness with a gentle tang. Ground cloves add a holiday aroma that ties everything together. The combination is glossy, lacquered, and utterly irresistible.

Notes and substitutions

Choose a fully cooked, spiral-cut smoked ham for this recipe. The spiral cuts allow the glaze to seep into every slice, and the ham is already cooked, so you're essentially reheating and flavoring it. Look for a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker; a 7-pound ham works well in a 6-quart model. If your ham is larger, you may need to trim it or cook in batches.

For the glaze, use a good-quality orange marmalade with visible peel for the best texture and flavor. Pure maple syrup is essential—skip the pancake syrup, which is often corn syrup-based and less flavorful. Bourbon adds a distinctive warmth, but you can substitute apple cider or additional maple syrup for a non-alcoholic version. Dijon mustard provides a gentle tang that balances the sweetness; whole-grain mustard also works well.

• bourbon: apple cider or unsweetened apple juice (for a non-alcoholic version), or additional maple syrup mixed with 1 tsp vanilla extract
• orange marmalade: apricot preserves or peach jam for a different citrus-free fruit glaze
• Dijon mustard: whole-grain mustard or yellow mustard for a milder flavor
• ground cloves: 1/4 tsp ground allspice plus 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• small saucepan
• whisk
• basting brush
• tongs
• serving platter