Once you try this Slow Cooker Ham with Maple Glaze, you may never go back to store-bought glazed hams. This version is tender, juicy and topped with a savory-sweet homemade maple glaze. It requires only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep—then you set the slow cooker and let it finish the rest for an easy, festive meal.
We used to pick up a Honey Baked Ham every year until we realized how simple and more customizable a homemade version can be. This slow cooker method keeps the ham moist, infuses it with flavor, and lets you avoid the crowds and expense.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- This crock pot ham turns out tender, juicy, and coated in a well-balanced homemade maple glaze.
- It’s a simple yet elegant option for holiday dinners or a special Sunday meal.
- Hands-on time is minimal—about 10 minutes—then cook low for roughly 2½–3 hours.
- There’s no refined sugar in the glaze, and the recipe is naturally gluten- and dairy-free.
Maple glazed ham recipe ingredients
This slow cooker spiral ham uses a few straightforward ingredients. You can easily swap items to suit taste or dietary needs.
- Ham: An 8 lb. fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (bone-in or boneless) works best. If the ham includes a glaze packet, you won’t need it—this recipe provides its own glaze.
- Pure maple syrup: The primary sweetener. Substitute with honey or another sweetener if desired.
- Fresh orange juice: Adds bright acidity. Fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
- Bourbon: Adds depth and balances sweetness; can be replaced with brandy, sherry or extra orange juice if you prefer no alcohol.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the glaze a savory edge. Whole grain mustard is optional for texture.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
How to make crock pot ham
Heating a pre-cooked ham in the slow cooker is quick and forgiving. The key is gentle heat and a little liquid to keep the meat moist. Plan for about 2½–3 hours on low for an 8 lb. ham, or until the internal temperature registers 140°F (60°C).
Pro tip: Make the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate. Warm it briefly before brushing so it spreads easily.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Separate the ham slices slightly and place the ham in the slow cooker cut side up.
- Combine the maple syrup, orange juice, bourbon and mustards in a small saucepan. Stir and cook over medium heat a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Pour the warm glaze over the ham, making sure some gets between the slices.
- Cover and cook on low for 2½–3 hours, or until the ham reaches 140°F. Optional: Reserve half the glaze. When the ham is heated through, place it in a baking dish with a bit of cooking liquid, brush with the reserved glaze, and broil a few minutes until bubbly for a sticky exterior—watch closely to prevent burning.
FAQs
How do you heat a pre-cooked ham in a crock pot?
Heat a fully cooked ham gently on low with about 1 cup of liquid in the slow cooker. The liquid helps the meat stay moist while it warms through.
How long to heat a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker?
An 8 lb. spiral-sliced ham typically needs about 2½–3 hours on low. The ham is ready when its internal temperature reaches 140°F; avoid overcooking to prevent drying.
What is glazed ham made of?
Many store glazes are very sweet. This homemade glaze uses pure maple syrup, fresh orange juice, a splash of bourbon, and Dijon mustard for a more balanced, refined-sugar-free finish.
Do you cook ham before you glaze it?
For a fully cooked ham, add the glaze before warming. Pour the glaze between the slices and over the top, then heat in the slow cooker. To add a sticky exterior, reserve half the glaze, brush it on after the ham is warm, and briefly broil until the glaze bubbles.
Serving suggestions
This maple glazed ham pairs well with classic holiday sides. Consider mashed potatoes, cranberry-orange sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple pear salad. Leftover ham is excellent in omelets, frittatas, sandwiches, or soups.
Recipe notes
- Make-ahead: Prepare glaze in advance and refrigerate. Warm briefly before using.
- Swap bourbon for brandy, sherry, or extra orange juice if you prefer a non-alcohol glaze.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To get a sticky, caramelized exterior: Use half the glaze while cooking, then brush remaining glaze on the warm ham and broil a few minutes until bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Ham with Maple Glaze
Servings: 16 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 3 hrs | Total: 3 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or brandy/sherry/extra orange juice)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp whole grain mustard (optional)
- 1 cup water
- 8 lb fully cooked spiral sliced ham
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, orange juice, Dijon and whole grain mustard (if using). Bring to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Pour 1 cup water into the slow cooker. Unwrap the ham and spread the slices slightly apart. Place the ham cut side up in the slow cooker.
- Pour the warm glaze over the ham, making sure to get some glaze between the slices. If you want a sticky exterior, reserve half the glaze for finishing.
- Cover and cook on low for 2½–3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste occasionally if you like.
- Optional finish: Transfer the warmed ham to a baking dish with a little cooking liquid, brush with the reserved glaze and broil a few minutes until bubbly—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Adjust glaze thickness by simmering longer for a thicker glaze; thin with more orange juice if needed.
Nutrition (per 0.5 lb serving, estimated)
Calories: 351 kcal • Carbohydrates: 10 g • Protein: 50 g • Fat: 12 g • Sodium: 2272 mg • Sugar: 9 g
Note: This recipe was originally published in March 2018 and updated with refreshed photos and clearer instructions.
All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.