Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender slow-cooked ham glazed with maple syrup, brown sugar, and studded with warm cloves, ideal for a festive holiday centerpiece. This american-inspired holiday ready in about 315 minutes pairs pounds bone-in smoked ham, pure maple syrup, packed brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 10 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Score the surface of a 5-pound bone-in smoked ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, about 1/4 inch deep, then stud each diamond with whole cloves, using about 20 cloves evenly distributed.
  2. Step 2: Place the ham in the slow cooker with 1 cup water at the bottom to keep it moist during cooking.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Brush the maple glaze all over the ham, reserving some glaze for later.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, basting the ham every hour with the reserved glaze, until heated through and caramelized on the outside.
  6. Step 6: Remove the ham and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to serve warm with extra glaze on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds bone-in smoked ham from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves?

American holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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