Slow-Cooked Amish-Style Christmas Ham

32 2 minutes read

There’s something truly special about a slow-cooked ham during the Christmas season. The quiet bubbling of the slow cooker, the rich aroma of brown sugar and cloves filling the air, and the sight of tender, glazed slices ready to serve—it’s the essence of holiday comfort.

Amish-style cooking is all about simplicity and rich flavor, allowing basic ingredients to shine. This recipe captures that perfectly: easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and built on a slow, gentle cooking method.

Growing up, the kitchen would fill with the scent of sweet glaze and savory ham long before dinner was ready. My grandmother always believed the key was patience—wrap the ham, place it in the slow cooker, and let it cook slowly. The outcome? Meat so tender it practically falls apart and so delicious that leftovers were gone by morning.

Today, using a slow cooker keeps that tradition alive while giving you time to enjoy the season—whether that means baking treats, wrapping presents, or relaxing with a warm drink. This recipe brings that cozy holiday feeling into your home and captures the true taste of Christmas.

Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham

📝 Ingredients

Fully cooked boneless ham (4–5 lbs, placed flat side down in the slow cooker)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup maple syrup or honey (optional variation)
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons butter, sliced

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham
Place the ham flat side down into the slow cooker. Trim slightly if needed so it fits properly.

2. Mix the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider, Dijon mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and vinegar until well combined.

3. Add the Glaze
Pour the mixture evenly over the ham, then place slices of butter on top.

4. Cook Slowly
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, until the ham is heated through and very tender. Spoon some of the glaze over the ham once or twice while it cooks for extra flavor.

5. Optional: Thicken the Glaze
For a richer finish, remove about 1 cup of the cooking liquid and simmer it in a small saucepan for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Drizzle over the ham before serving.