This slow cooker ham recipe delivers a tender main course with very little hands-on time. A simple three-ingredient glaze made from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice provides a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Just prepare the ham, pour over the glaze, and let your slow cooker do the work. After a few hours, you will have a warm, juicy ham ready for slicing. It is a great choice for holiday gatherings or a special Sunday dinner.
Why is Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham a Must-Try?
Slow cooking gently heats the ham, keeping it moist and tender without drying it out.
Scoring the ham creates more surface area for the glaze to penetrate, adding flavor deep into the meat.
The simple glaze comes together in minutes and uses the juice from the canned pineapple, so nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
• Ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham works well. Shank or butt portions are both good choices. Check the packaging to ensure it is not spiral-sliced, which can dry out faster.
• Pineapple: Use pineapple rings canned in 100% juice, not heavy syrup. You will need the juice for the glaze.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup provides the best flavor. Avoid pancake syrup, which is mostly corn syrup and additives.
• Mustard: Whole grain Dijon mustard adds texture and a zesty flavor that balances the sweetness. You can use smooth Dijon if you prefer.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze and Ham
First, make the glaze. Whisk together the juice from the canned pineapple, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Next, prepare the ham by scoring the surface with a knife in a crosshatch pattern.
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the scored ham into your slow cooker. Arrange the pineapple rings on top, using toothpicks to hold them in place. Pour the prepared glaze all over the ham, making sure it gets into the scored lines.
Step 3: Cook and Baste
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. Throughout the cooking time, you can spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the pot over the top of the ham. This helps keep the top moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once the ham is fully heated, transfer it to a platter and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender result. Slice the ham and serve it with the warm pan juices.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
Serve this ham with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted green beans, or a simple green salad.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
For food safety, a fully cooked ham should be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). An uncooked ham must reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. This recipe uses a fully cooked ham.
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended. If your ham is too large to fit with the lid closed, you may need to trim it slightly.
Basting is optional but helps create a more flavorful and evenly glazed exterior. If you are not home to baste, the ham will still be delicious.
The cooking juices in the slow cooker make an excellent sauce. You can thicken it by simmering it in a small saucepan with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out.
Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham Recipe FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham. They are often smaller, so you will need to reduce the cooking time. Start checking the internal temperature after 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
My ham doesn’t fit in my slow cooker. What should I do?
A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is best for a 6-pound ham. If it is slightly too big for the lid to close properly, you can trim a small portion off one side to make it fit.
Can I cook this ham in the oven instead?
Yes. Place the ham and glaze in a roasting pan, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 325°F (165°C). Baste occasionally and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), which can take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the ham’s size.
Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Ham
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham, butt or shank portion, 6-lb / 2.7 kg
- 1 can pineapple rings in juice 20-oz / 567 g
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 80 ml
- 1/3 cup whole grain Dijon mustard 80 ml
- Toothpicks for securing pineapple
Instructions
- Drain the juice from the can of pineapple rings into a small bowl. Set the pineapple rings aside. Whisk the maple syrup and whole grain Dijon mustard into the pineapple juice until combined.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4-inch deep and 1-inch apart.
- Place the ham, cut-side down, into the basin of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Arrange the reserved pineapple rings over the surface of the ham, securing each with a toothpick.
- Pour the maple-dijon glaze evenly over the ham and pineapple.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If possible, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker every hour.
- The ham is ready when heated through. Check that the internal temperature has reached 140°F (60°C) with a meat thermometer.
- Carefully transfer the ham to a cutting board or platter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before removing the toothpicks and slicing. Serve warm with the cooking juices from the slow cooker.
Notes
