Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Spiral Ham for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more caramelized finish, you can transfer the cooked ham to a baking sheet and place it under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes after it comes out of the slow cooker. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the sugar from burning, as the glaze is already quite sweet and will darken quickly under intense heat.

If you find the glaze is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can carefully remove the ham and pour the remaining juices into a small saucepan. Simmer the liquid over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency, then brush it back over the ham slices before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and shine.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Dijon: Add two tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes to the maple Dijon sauce before pouring it over the ham for a subtle, warming heat that cuts through the sweetness.
• Citrus Infused Ham: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the glaze mixture to provide a bright, citrusy undertone that pairs beautifully with the richness of the bone-in spiral ham.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store sliced ham in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Warm individual slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Allow any leftover ham to cool completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, slice the meat from the bone and store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Proper storage is essential to keep the meat from drying out in the refrigerator, and it will remain flavorful for up to three days when stored correctly.

This dish is excellent for planning ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours. You can prepare the glaze and place the ham in the slow cooker bowl earlier in the day, keeping it refrigerated until you are ready to start the slow cooking process.

This saves time during busy holiday preparations and ensures you have a hot, ready-to-serve meal whenever you need it.

Serving ideas

Present the ham on a large, shallow platter to make carving easier for your guests. Surround the ham with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to add a pop of color and a fresh aroma that complements the sweetness of the maple glaze.

Providing a small bowl of extra glaze or Dijon mustard on the side allows guests to customize their portions to their preference.

Consider serving the ham alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad. The richness of the maple Dijon glaze pairs perfectly with the earthiness of carrots or parsnips.

If serving for a holiday, a side of mashed potatoes or a savory stuffing can round out the plate, providing a comforting and satisfying experience for everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Spiral Ham for Easy Entertaining

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 15 minTotal 4 h 25 minServes 10

Ingredients

• 1 whole bone-in spiral ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 cup maple Dijon sauce

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in spiral ham into the basin of the slow cooker. Ensure the ham sits flat against the bottom to allow for even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
2. Scatter the brown sugar evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to get some sugar between the slices. Sprinkle the whole cloves over the top of the ham. Pour the maple Dijon sauce over the entire surface, ensuring it coats the ham thoroughly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once finished, ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the ham from the slow cooker, let it rest for 15 minutes, and transfer to a serving platter.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

10 g

Sodium

1150 mg

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