Slow Cooker Pecan Praline Holiday Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can score the surface of the ham slightly before applying the glaze, allowing the brown sugar and maple mixture to penetrate deeper between the slices. This extra step helps create a more uniform flavor profile throughout the entire roast.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the ham after cooking and pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan.

Simmer the liquid over medium heat for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency, then drizzle it over the sliced ham just before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Praline Ham: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a subtle, warming heat that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar.
• Citrus Infused Ham: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the glaze mixture to provide a bright, aromatic citrus note that cuts through the richness of the butter and pecans.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat slices gently in a covered baking dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Allow any leftover ham to cool for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the refrigerator. Store the meat in an airtight container to keep it moist. The glaze can be stored in a separate container, but it is best used within 3 to 4 days for optimal quality and safety.

This dish is ideal for making ahead because the flavors continue to develop.

You can prepare the glaze and assemble the ham in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate it overnight, and then simply set it to cook a few hours before your event. Ensure the ham is kept cold until the cooking process begins.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a large, warmed platter to maintain its temperature during the meal.

Arrange the slices neatly and spoon the extra praline glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top, ensuring every slice is coated in the sweet, nutty sauce. Provide serving tongs or a large fork to make it easy for guests to help themselves.

This ham pairs beautifully with traditional holiday sides like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Because the flavor is quite rich, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans adds a nice textural contrast and a fresh element to the overall meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pecan Praline Holiday Ham

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 1 half spiral-sliced ham
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-sliced ham into the slow cooker insert, cut side down. Ensure the ham fits securely in the base of the insert to promote even heating throughout the cooking process.
2. Scatter the pecan halves over the top of the ham. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the pecans. Drizzle the melted butter and maple syrup over the entire surface to coat the ham and nuts.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove it from the cooker. Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the remaining praline sauce.

Contains: milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

950 mg

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