Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal filling your kitchen, is there? Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share a recipe that brings smiles to every face at my table: a truly delightful slow cooker maple dijon ham. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, tender and flavorful, transforming a simple ingredient into a centerpiece dish that feels both special and utterly achievable.
I remember my grandmother, with her flour-dusted apron, always saying that the best meals are made with love and a little patience. While her kitchen was often filled with the scent of rising bread or simmering fruit pies, she also taught me the magic of turning simple, hearty ingredients into something truly memorable. This ham recipe reminds me of those cherished lessons, bringing that same warmth and joy to our family gatherings, just in a different delicious form!
This particular slow cooker maple dijon ham recipe is a true gem, offering the incredible benefit of minimal fuss for maximum flavor. It’s wonderfully family-friendly, perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. My top tip? Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts in the kitchen; cooking should always be an adventure!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this incredible slow cooker maple dijon ham requires just a few simple ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t need a complicated list. The star, of course, is a good quality pre-cooked ham, beautifully complemented by the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup and the delightful tang of Dijon mustard. For the full list of exact measurements, simply peek at the recipe card below – it’s all laid out for you!
How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
Making this tender and flavorful slow cooker maple dijon ham is delightfully straightforward. You’ll begin by preparing your ham, then whisking together a simple yet incredibly potent glaze. Once combined, the ham is coated and then patiently cooked in your slow cooker, allowing all those wonderful sweet and savory notes to meld together perfectly until it’s ready to serve.
Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Carefully remove the ham from its packaging. If it’s a spiral-cut ham, it’s ready to go. Place the ham cut-side down (if applicable) or flat into your 6-8 quart slow cooker.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Pour the maple Dijon glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker, making sure to coat as much of the surface as possible. If spiral-cut, try to let some of the glaze seep between the slices.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is thoroughly heated through and tender. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker every hour or so, if desired.
- Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker to a large cutting board or serving platter. You can spoon additional glaze from the slow cooker over the ham before serving. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Leftovers: This ham is fantastic for sandwiches, quesadillas, omelets, or diced into soups and salads.
Basting: While optional, basting helps to build a thicker, more caramelized glaze on the ham’s exterior.
Carving: If you have a bone-in spiral ham, carve around the bone to free the slices. For boneless ham, simply slice as desired.
Pro Tips for Making This Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
After years of perfecting comforting family meals, I’ve gathered a few little secrets that make all the difference, especially when it comes to this amazing slow cooker maple dijon ham. Here are my favorite ways to ensure your ham turns out perfectly every single time:
Scoring the Ham: Before adding the glaze, gently score the surface of your spiral-cut ham in a crisscross pattern. This simple step allows the delicious maple Dijon glaze to really seep into every crevice, ensuring maximum flavor with each slice.
Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, it’s still important not to overcook your ham, as it can dry out. Since most hams are pre-cooked, you’re essentially just heating it through and letting the flavors meld. A meat thermometer should register 140°F (60°C) for perfect tenderness.
Basting for Shine: About halfway through the cooking time, and again towards the end, gently baste the ham with the accumulated juices from the bottom of the slow cooker. This keeps the ham moist and helps build that beautiful, glossy finish on your slow cooker maple dijon ham.
My Secret Trick: I always like to give my ham a quick broil for the last 5-10 minutes after it’s cooked in the slow cooker. Transfer it to a baking sheet, pour some of the glaze over it, and pop it under the broiler until it’s beautifully caramelized and slightly crisp on the edges. Just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Fun Variations for Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
One of the joys of cooking is getting to play with flavors and make a dish truly your own! This slow cooker maple dijon ham is wonderfully versatile, and I love encouraging you to get creative. Here are a few ideas that my friends and family adore:
Spice It Up
For those who enjoy a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your maple Dijon glaze. My brother-in-law, Mark, always asks me to do this; he loves that extra zing that really wakes up the flavors in this slow cooker maple dijon ham.
Citrus Zest
A little brightness can go a long way! Incorporate the zest and juice of one orange into your glaze for a lovely, subtle citrus note that complements the maple and Dijon beautifully. It adds a wonderful freshness, especially if you’re making this for a spring gathering.
Herb Infusion
Experiment with fresh herbs. A sprig or two of fresh rosemary or thyme placed in the slow cooker alongside the ham can infuse it with an aromatic depth. It’s a simple addition that adds a sophisticated touch, and it’s a favorite of mine when I want a more complex flavor profile.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
When I make this incredible slow cooker maple dijon ham, I love thinking about what sides will truly make the meal feel complete and comforting. It’s all about creating a harmonious spread that brings everyone together around the table.
For a classic pairing, I adore serving this ham with a creamy mashed potato recipe. The rich, buttery potatoes are the perfect canvas for soaking up the savory-sweet glaze. My mom always insists on a generous helping! Another favorite is some simply roasted asparagus or green beans, lightly seasoned – their crisp freshness offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the ham. If you’re looking for a quick serving idea, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a winner; it adds a bright, refreshing element with minimal effort.
How to Store Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
Ensuring your leftover slow cooker maple dijon ham stays as delicious as the day you made it is key to enjoying it for days to come. I always say, a good plan for leftovers means more joy and less waste!
Fridge Storage
Once cooled completely, carve the remaining slow cooker maple dijon ham into slices or cubes and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also keep some of the leftover glaze separately to drizzle over when reheating.
Freezer Tips
If you have a substantial amount of leftover ham, it freezes beautifully! Slice or dice it, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Methods
For reheating, you can gently warm slices in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. My personal tip? If it seems a little dry, a quick drizzle of extra maple syrup or a spoonful of the reserved glaze can bring it right back to life, ensuring your slow cooker maple dijon ham tastes just as good the second time around!
Nutritional Benefits
While this slow cooker maple dijon ham is an indulgent treat for the senses, it also offers some noteworthy nutritional benefits. Ham is a good source of protein, essential for muscle health and satiety, and it provides various B vitamins. By combining it with wholesome ingredients like pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard, we create a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my approach to creating delightful meals with simple, real ingredients.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! This slow cooker maple dijon ham recipe works wonderfully with both bone-in and boneless pre-cooked hams. Just ensure your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker, and adjust cooking time if needed to reach the internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Faq 2
What if my ham is not spiral-cut?
No problem at all! If your ham isn’t spiral-cut, you can easily score the surface yourself with a sharp knife to create a crisscross pattern. This allows the delicious glaze to penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor of your slow cooker maple dijon ham.
Faq 3
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The maple Dijon glaze can be whisked together a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver when preparing your slow cooker maple dijon ham for a special occasion.
Faq 4
Why is my ham dry?
A dry ham is usually a sign of overcooking. Since most hams are pre-cooked, you’re mainly reheating and flavoring. Use a meat thermometer to avoid exceeding 140°F (60°C), and baste occasionally to keep your slow cooker maple dijon ham moist and tender.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about gathering around a table filled with good food and even better company. This slow cooker maple dijon ham recipe embodies everything I love about home cooking: it’s comforting, relatively simple to prepare, and creates flavors that bring everyone together. I hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the joy of creating memorable meals in your own kitchen, proving that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can become magical dishes that craft lasting memories. Happy cooking!