Slow Cooker Peach Bourbon Glazed Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more caramelized finish, you can carefully transfer the cooked ham to a baking sheet after it comes out of the slow cooker and place it under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch it very closely to ensure the sugar does not burn, as the high heat can quickly turn a beautiful glaze into a scorched mess if left unattended for too long.

If you find the glaze is too thin at the end of the cooking cycle, remove the ham and set it aside on a platter. Pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. This concentrated syrup can then be brushed back over the ham before serving for a polished, professional look.

Variations

• Spicy Peach Ham: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of finely diced jalapeño to the glaze mixture. The heat from the peppers cuts through the sweetness of the peaches and brown sugar, adding a complex layer of flavor that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a kick with their meal.
• Citrus Peach Ham: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the peach preserves before glazing. The bright, citrusy notes of the orange zest lift the heavy sweetness of the preserves and provide a fresh, vibrant contrast that makes the ham feel even more festive and aromatic during the cooking process.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices gently in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, or in a covered baking dish in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Allow any leftover ham to cool to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. Once cooled, store the slices in an airtight container to prevent the meat from drying out in the cold air of the refrigerator.

Keeping the ham in its own juices or a bit of the glaze helps maintain its moisture for several days, ensuring that every serving tastes as good as the first one.

You can prepare the glaze by mixing the peach preserves, brown sugar, and bourbon in a small bowl the day before. Keep it refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the slow cooker.

This prep step saves you time when you are ready to start cooking. The ham itself is best cooked on the day of serving for the freshest flavor and the best possible texture, as reheating pre-cooked ham can sometimes lead to uneven results.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the dark, glossy glaze.

Arrange the slices slightly overlapping to show off the spiral layers and the rich, syrupy coating. Placing the platter in the center of the table makes for an inviting presentation that encourages guests to help themselves to the tender, flavorful meat.

This dish pairs wonderfully with traditional side dishes like scalloped potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette. The sweetness of the peach and bourbon glaze balances well with savory, earthy flavors.

Offer a small bowl of the extra glaze on the side so guests can drizzle more over their portions if they desire an extra touch of sweetness and richness on their plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Peach Bourbon Glazed Ham

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 whole spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup peach preserves
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-cut ham cut-side down into the base of the slow cooker to ensure even heating throughout the cooking process.
2. Spoon the peach preserves evenly over the top of the ham, sprinkle with brown sugar, and pour the bourbon over the entire surface.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham is heated through. Verify the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the ham and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

38.2 g

Fat

6.8 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

32 g

Sodium

950 mg

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