The Perfect Slow Cooker Ham Recipe for the Holidays

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Amish Holiday Hero: The Perfect Slow Cooker Ham Recipe for the Holidays

The Amish Holiday Hero is a crowd-pleasing dish that steals the show at every gathering. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a festive holiday meal, this slow-cooked Amish Christmas ham is sure to be the star of your table. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, along with the tender, juicy ham, creates a delightful dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s incredibly easy to make, especially with the help of a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is not only flavorful but also simple, making it a go-to choice for those who want to impress their guests with minimal effort.

Why Choose Amish Holiday Hero for Your Holiday Meal?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and convenience. Slow cooking the ham ensures that it becomes meltingly tender, while the glaze made from brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices like cloves, cinnamon, and ginger imparts a rich sweetness and subtle spice to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a holiday party, or a festive dinner, this dish will stand out for its comforting flavors and effortless preparation. You can spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen, making it the ultimate holiday hero.

Ingredients for Amish Holiday Hero (Slow Cooker Ham)

To make this incredible Amish Holiday Hero ham, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 5-6 pound cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

These simple ingredients come together to create a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the salty, savory ham. The slow cooker works its magic, infusing the flavors deep into the meat and making the ham extra tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Amish Holiday Hero Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by preparing your slow cooker. Place the ham into the slow cooker with the flat side facing down. This positioning ensures that the glaze will cover the surface of the meat more evenly as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, mustard powder, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. This will be the flavorful glaze that coats the ham and infuses it with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Step 3: Coat the Ham

Pour the prepared glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring that it is completely covered. The liquid should pool around the edges of the ham and begin to seep into the meat. This allows the ham to absorb the flavors as it cooks, making each slice a burst of deliciousness.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ham

Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the ham cook for 6-8 hours, or until it is thoroughly heated through and tender. The slow cooking process allows the brown sugar glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful sticky coating on the ham. Be sure to baste the ham with the juices from the slow cooker every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest the Ham

Once the ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Resting the ham allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

After the ham has rested, slice it into thick pieces. Drizzle the cooked juices from the slow cooker over the slices for an extra layer of flavor. Serve the ham alongside your favorite holiday sides, and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your meal.

Tips for the Perfect Amish Holiday Hero

  • Choosing the Ham: For the best results, use a cooked ham—either bone-in or boneless—as it tends to be more flavorful and tender after slow cooking. Bone-in hams often have more flavor, but boneless hams are easier to slice and serve.
  • Adjust the Glaze: If you like your ham sweeter, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. For more tang, consider adding a splash more apple cider vinegar. You can also experiment with spices, adding a little more cinnamon or ginger to suit your taste.
  • Basting: Be sure to baste the ham every hour with the cooking juices to keep it moist and infuse it with extra flavor. This will also help the glaze caramelize and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
  • Serving Suggestions: This Amish Holiday Hero ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, and stuffing. You can also serve it with a tangy mustard sauce or cranberry chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Leftovers: Leftover ham can be used for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. The sweet and savory flavors of the ham make it a versatile ingredient for post-holiday meals.

Why Amish Holiday Hero Is the Perfect Holiday Dish

The Amish Holiday Hero slow cooker ham is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. The combination of tender, juicy ham and the sweet and spicy glaze makes each bite a memorable one. With its ease of preparation and amazing flavor, this ham is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a hassle-free holiday meal without compromising on taste. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a large holiday gathering, this dish will never fail to impress.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that combines ease, flavor, and holiday spirit, look no further than the Amish Holiday Hero slow cooker ham. With minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping meal that everyone will love. The mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors makes this ham a perfect choice for any occasion, especially the holidays.

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