slow cooker ham is a lifesaver when the oven’s already packed or you just want an easy win for the holidays. Picture this: people drifting into the kitchen, mouths watering, wondering what smells so ridiculously good. All while you’re not even breaking a sweat. This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham in the Crock Pot? She’s not just a looker, but a full-on five-star restaurant showstopper too. Nobody needs to know how simple it is. Pinky swear, after making it once, I never looked at baked ham the same. 
Why Cook Ham in a Slow Cooker?
Okay, here’s the thing. The oven gets crowded during big meals. Or, maybe it’s just a Tuesday and you crave amazing ham without actually cooking. Using a slow cooker for ham, especially something like this maple bourbon glazed ham, changes the vibe entirely. It stays juicy. Like, juicier than any old oven-baked one. No overcooked edges or dried-out slices. Plus, the glaze soaks in from all angles. Every bite—sweet, a little smoky, hint of warmth from the bourbon. And the best part? You dump it in, let it go while you do anything but babysit your food. That’s why I’m such a fan of this method. Friends stop by and ask, "HOW did you get it so delicious?" and I laugh way too loudly because it’s just that easy.
“I never thought ham could be this tender and flavorful. Now I make it for every family get-together!” – Trina R.
Best Cut and Size to Use
Not all hams are created equal. You need the right chunk if you want show-stopping results in your crock pot (slow cooker ham newbies, listen up). Personally, I swear by a bone-in, spiral-cut ham, roughly 7-8 pounds. You want it to fit cozy in your slow cooker but not so stuffed that juices can’t circulate. Spiral-cut is my fave because it just soaks up that sticky maple bourbon glaze in all the little crevices. It kind of falls apart in the best way. But hey, if you’re feeding a smaller crowd? You can cut back and grab a 4-5 pounder, still get loads of flavor. Stay away from presliced deli-style hams for this though. Trust me, it’s just not the same texture, and the result ends up like something you’d grab from a buffet line at a sad wedding. For more cozy dinner options, check out this hearty beef barley stew slow cooker comfort meal—it’s also perfect for chilly nights. 
How to Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze
This glaze is what takes your slow cooker ham from nice to mind-blowingly good. Here’s how I throw mine together: Grab real maple syrup (the darker the better), brown sugar—light or dark, honestly doesn’t matter in a pinch—plus a splash of bourbon. Not a bourbon drinker? Don’t stress, the booze boils off, adding flavor without any boozy punch. Stir it all up with some Dijon mustard, a splash of apple cider vinegar, plus a hit of black pepper and a pinch of cinnamon. Pop it in the microwave or a little saucepan just until it’s smooth and warm. Smells like a little bottle of heaven. Then you’re pouring it allll over the ham right in the crock pot. Some folks add a splash of orange juice or toss in some cloves. I say try it once, then make it your own! Got picky eaters? You can barely taste the bourbon—it’s mostly sweet, smoky, and sticky. So good. If you’re into easy slow cooker comfort, seriously, check out this classic chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker next.
Cooking Steps for Juicy Results
Let’s make it foolproof: Pat the ham dry before you do anything else, especially if it’s in that watery stuff from the store. Place it flat side down right in your slow cooker. Pour that gorgeous maple bourbon glaze alllll over the top, making sure some seeps in between the slices. Pop on the lid. No peeking till close to done—leave it alone so the heat stays trapped.
For an average 7 to 8-pound ham, set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for about 4-6 hours. Not too long, though! Too long and it might dry out. Baste it once or twice with the glaze. By the end, the ham is going to be so tender and steamy you’ll barely need a knife. Bonus tip: If you want the outside super sticky and caramelized, stick the cooked ham under your broiler for three minutes at the very end (just watch it so it doesn’t go from gorgeous to burnt in ten seconds). Seriously easy. To wash it all down, try a mug of slow cooker mulled cider—perfect sidekick for any holiday meal.
Serving Tips
Let’s get to the best part: the eating. Here’s what I love to do:
- Spoon some extra glaze over each slice. Don’t skip this step. Trust me, everyone loves that sticky sweet stuff.
- Pair it up with fluffy mashed potatoes or cornbread. Y’know, soak up the sauce.
- Leftover ham makes a killer sandwich. Hot mustard, a little cheese, soft roll—bam, next day lunch heaven.
If you’re fixing a bigger spread, try throwing in some classic beef stew perfect in the slow cooker for guests who love comfort food variety. And don’t forget the veggies—roasted carrots or green beans keep it feeling balanced.
Storing Leftovers
Don’t toss those leftovers, please. Cover them tightly (seriously, wrap or an airtight food container) and pop in the fridge. They’ll keep for four days, easy. Or, freeze slices with extra glaze for a treat later in the month. Reheat gently in the microwave or wrapped in foil in the oven—just until warm. Pro tip: Chopped leftover ham rocks in omelets, pasta, or even tossed in a healthy turkey chili in the slow cooker for a tasty twist. There’s always a way to use every last bit, and I kind of think leftovers sometimes taste even better.
Common Questions
How much liquid should I use?
Honestly, just the glaze is enough. Hams give off their own salty broth so you really don’t have to add extra water.
What if my ham is too big for the crock pot?
You can trim off a chunk so the lid fits snug, or cover well with heavy-duty foil if it kind of sticks up. Don’t stress.
Can I skip the bourbon?
Absolutely. Sub in apple juice or more maple syrup. Still crazy good.
Do I need to baste?
Not must-do, but basting once or twice keeps the top extra juicy.
Can I prep ahead?
Oh yeah. You can glaze and refrigerate the night before, then just pop it in and cook the next day.
Ready to Wow Your Crowd? Give This a Go!
Seriously, if you want a holiday (or anytime) meal that drops jaws, make this maple bourbon glazed slow cooker ham. It’s the lazy cook’s secret for a stress-free showstopper. The glaze is unreal—trust me. Pair with favorites like classic chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker or hearty beef barley stew. If you’re craving more ideas, take a peek at the Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze – Dinner at the Zoo (honestly, tons of helpful tips over there). For a full-on warm-and-cozy feel, my favorite is sipping slow cooker mulled cider while slicing into this gorgeous ham. It’s easy, guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and hey—even the leftovers rock. Happy cooking, friends! 
Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham in the Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A succulent, easy-to-make ham glazed with maple bourbon, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (7–8 pounds)
- 1 cup real maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pat the ham dry and place it flat side down in the slow cooker.
- Prepare the maple bourbon glaze by mixing maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps between the slices.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, basting once or twice with the glaze.
- For a sticky finish, place the ham under the broiler for 3 minutes after cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven. Great for sandwiches and other dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
