If you’re ready to delight a crowd with minimal fuss, this Maple-Citrus Celebration Ham is the perfect solution. Using a slow cooker is a game-changer—it keeps the ham moist and juicy, and your oven remains free for other dishes. Get ready for a sweet and savory feast that practically cooks itself.
Ingredients
- 1 (10-pound) fully-cooked ham, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by prepping your slow cooker. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate a 10-pound ham with the lid securely in place. If your ham has a thick rind or skin, use a small knife to score it in a diamond pattern; this helps the glaze soak in. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cloves (if using). The goal is to create a rich, balanced glaze that complements the salty ham.
Place the ham flat-side down in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over it, making sure the sides and top are well coated. Cover and cook on Low for about 6 to 7 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender. If possible, baste the ham with the pan juices once or twice during cooking to keep it extra moist. When the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F, it’s ready.
Use a sturdy set of tongs or two large forks to carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker. Transfer it to a serving platter and tent it with aluminum foil to rest for about 10 minutes. If you like a thicker glaze, you can pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and simmer until slightly reduced. Spoon the glaze over your ham just before serving.
This recipe will have your family and friends swooning over its sweet layers of orange and maple. It’s fit for a holiday spread or a special weekend meal. Bonus points? Leftovers transform easily into sandwiches or become the star ingredient in a hearty soup. If sodium is a concern, look for a reduced-salt ham and adjust the added salt as needed.
You can also switch up the flavors with apple cider or pineapple juice, substitute honey for the maple syrup, or skip the cloves for a milder taste. No matter how you serve it, this slow-cooked ham is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—simple enough for anyone to pull off yet fancy enough to make any occasion memorable.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
