Celebrate the holiday season with this Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham—a beautifully tender, melt-in-your-mouth dish infused with warm festive spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, this ham is bathed in a sweet, tangy glaze that fills every bite with Christmas magic. It’s the ideal holiday centerpiece: rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for serving a crowd during Christmas dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a stress-free holiday meal.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Holiday home cooks who want an impressive Christmas main dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Fans of classic holiday spices like cloves, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Busy cooks needing a slow cooker recipe to save oven space during holiday chaos.
- Anyone craving a tender, juicy ham with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Why It’s Great
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: The slow cooker handles everything.
- Incredible festive glaze: Brown sugar, vinegar, and warm spices create a sweet and tangy holiday coating.
- Easy to customize: Add honey, maple syrup, citrus, or spice for your own twist.
- Great for gatherings: Serves 8–10 people—ideal for Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 1 (5–6 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Optional Glaze Variations
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat
- 1/2 cup orange juice (swap for vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large slow cooker (5–6 lb ham capacity)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ham
- Place the ham flat side down in the slow cooker to keep it moist.
- If uncut, score the top in a diamond pattern to help the glaze soak into the meat.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and ground mustard.
- Add the cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, stirring until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Ham
- Pour the glaze over the ham, coating it evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
- Baste occasionally if you’re nearby, but keep the lid closed as much as possible.
- The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F internally and is fork-tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Carefully remove the ham and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with the flavorful slow-cooker juices spooned over the top.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers for 4–5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use a boneless ham?
Absolutely. Boneless works well, though bone-in ham gives richer flavor.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
Swap it with orange juice or white vinegar with a teaspoon of honey.
How do I keep the ham from drying out?
Cook it flat side down and avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
What sides pair best with this ham?
Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh holiday salad.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham brings warmth, nostalgia, and unbeatable flavor to your holiday table. With its sweet, tangy glaze and perfectly tender texture, it’s a recipe destined to become a family tradition. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or preparing a comforting winter meal, this ham delivers effortless elegance every single time. Let the slow cooker work its magic and enjoy a festive feast your family will remember.
