This Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham is pure holiday comfort. It’s juicy, tender, and sweet with a touch of spice—like the kind of ham you’d imagine being passed around a big farmhouse table.
What’s great is that it cooks low and slow while you go about your day. No oven juggling.
Just pop it in the crockpot, pour the glaze, and let the magic happen.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe came from an old family friend who grew up with Amish neighbors. It’s been part of Christmas in my house ever since. The glaze soaks into the ham all day while the slow cooker keeps it moist and rich. It makes the whole house smell incredible.
- No oven required—frees up space for other dishes
- The glaze is sweet, spiced, and full of old-school flavor
- It’s hands-off, perfect for busy holidays
- Great for leftovers—makes awesome sandwiches
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low
Total Time: About 8 hours
What You’ll Need
- 4 to 5 lb boneless ham (pre-cooked)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup water
- 1 onion, sliced into thick rings
Pro Tips
- Slice the onion thick so it doesn’t dissolve into mush
- Use real maple syrup for the best flavor
- If your ham is larger, double the glaze
- Turn the ham halfway through cooking if it’s not fully submerged
- Spoon glaze over the top when serving to boost flavor
Tools Required
- Large oval crockpot (slow cooker)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Ladle or large spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Use honey instead of maple syrup
- Swap pineapple juice with apple cider for a cozy twist
- Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for extra depth
- Use a bone-in ham for more flavor (adjust cooking time)
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the glaze ingredients the day before and store in the fridge
- Slice the onion ahead and keep it in an airtight container
- You can prep the whole crockpot the night before and refrigerate it (just add 30 mins to cooking time if starting cold)
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Layer Onion and Add Ham
Place thick slices of 1 onion in the bottom of the black oval crockpot to create a bed. Set the 4 to 5 lb boneless ham on top of the onion slices, flat side down.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ¼ tsp ground cloves, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 cup pineapple juice, and ½ cup water until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the Glaze Over the Ham
Pour the entire glaze mixture over the ham in the crockpot, making sure it flows down and around the sides to coat the ham and onions.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid. Cook the ham on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, basting with the glaze once or twice if possible.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Carefully lift the ham from the crockpot. Slice into thick, juicy pieces and serve on a round platter with some glaze spooned over the top.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze sliced ham with glaze in zip-top bags for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of juice or water
Macros (Per Serving – about 6 oz of ham with glaze)
Calories: 380
Protein: 32g
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 30g
Sugar: 25g
Fiber: 0g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The slow cooker locks in moisture and lets the ham absorb all the sweet and spiced flavors over hours. Pineapple juice adds acidity, which tenderizes the meat while balancing the sweetness. The brown sugar and maple syrup caramelize around the edges, giving that sticky, flavorful finish.
Common Mistakes
- Using a raw ham: this recipe is for fully cooked ham only
- Letting the ham dry out: keep it cut-side down and glaze well
- Forgetting the onion: it lifts the ham off the bottom and adds great flavor
- Not basting: if you can, spoon glaze over the top once or twice during cooking
What to Serve With
- Scalloped potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- Homemade rolls or cornbread
- Cranberry sauce or a sharp mustard on the side
FAQ
Can I use a spiral ham?
Yes, just reduce cook time slightly and check early to avoid drying it out.
What if my ham is too big for the crockpot?
Trim the edges or slice off a small piece to make it fit. You can also tent with foil if the lid won’t close fully.
Can I cook it on high?
Yes, but it may not be as tender. Try 3–4 hours on HIGH and baste more often.
Is this too sweet?
It’s sweet, yes—but balanced with mustard and cloves. You can reduce the sugar if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham is a no-fuss, high-reward holiday meal. It’s packed with flavor, comes together easily, and brings that old-fashioned holiday feeling right to your table.
Try it once, and it might just become your new Christmas tradition. Leave a comment if you make it—I’d love to hear how it goes!