This Amish Christmas Ham is a delightful, tender, and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday meal. Cooked low and slow in the crockpot, it’s infused with sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner. Best of all, it’s almost effortless to prepare, leaving you time to focus on your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work.
- Rich, Sweet-Savory Flavor: Perfectly balanced glaze complements the ham.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Easy to scale for large family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham (7-8 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup apple cider or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
- Unwrap the ham and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place it in the slow cooker with the cut side down.
2. Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, apple cider (or orange juice), Dijon mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it gets into all the crevices.
3. Cook the Ham
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour, if possible.
4. Serve
- Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter.
- Drizzle some of the warm glaze from the slow cooker over the ham for added flavor.
- Slice and serve with your favorite holiday sides.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Ham: Use a fully cooked ham labeled “ready-to-eat” for the best results.
- Basting Tip: If you can’t baste regularly, no problem—the slow cooker will keep the ham moist.
- Broiled Finish: For a caramelized exterior, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil it for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green beans, or dinner rolls.
- Add a fresh salad or cranberry sauce for balance.
- Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or microwave individual slices.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Christmas Ham is a stress-free way to serve a stunning holiday main course. Its sweet, spiced glaze and slow-cooked tenderness are sure to make it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a quiet Christmas at home, this recipe guarantees festive, delicious memories.
Merry Christmas and happy cooking! 🎄🍖
