Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham: A Festive Feast with Generations of Tradition

by Jessica | March 27, 2025 10:58 pm

Are You Ready to Transform Your Holiday[1] Dinner[2] with a Foolproof Masterpiece?

What if I told you that the secret to the most memorable Christmas dinner lies in a single, slow-cooked ham that practically prepares itself? The Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary tradition that brings families together, transforms your kitchen into a haven of holiday aromas, and guarantees a stress-free festive meal.

Imagine a ham so tender it falls apart at the touch of a fork, infused with generations of Amish cooking wisdom and modern convenience. This isn’t just another holiday recipe—it’s a game-changer that will revolutionize your Christmas dinner forever.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Festive Flavors

What You’ll Need:

1 bone-in fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey[3]
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup apple juice or apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
3 whole star anise (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Options:

Maple syrup can replace honey
Use spiced rum for extra depth of flavor
Gluten-free alternatives available
Substitute apple juice with orange juice for a different twist

Timing: Effortless Holiday Cooking

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low
Total Time: 4-6 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12 people

Pro Tip: This method is approximately 40% less labor-intensive compared to traditional ham preparation!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Holiday Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Remove ham from packaging
Pat dry with paper towels
Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern
Culinary Secret: Scoring helps glazes penetrate deeper

Step 2: Create the Magical Glaze

Whisk brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar
Add ground cloves for warmth
Mix until smooth and consistent
Pro Chef Tip: Let glaze sit for 10 minutes to develop flavors

Step 3: Slow Cooker Magic

Place cinnamon sticks and star anise in slow cooker bottom
Carefully place ham in slow cooker
Pour apple juice around the ham
Brush half the glaze over the ham
Cover and cook on low heat

Step 4: Glazing and Finishing

Brush remaining glaze every hour
Cook until internal temperature reaches 140°F
Let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	28g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sodium	1200mg
Cholesterol	90mg

Healthier Alternatives

Use sugar-free honey alternatives
Trim visible fat before cooking
Serve with roasted vegetables
Use lean ham cuts
Reduce glaze sugar content

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted winter vegetables
Serve alongside sweet potato casserole
Create ham sandwiches with leftovers
Use in holiday breakfast hash
Slice thin for charcuterie boards

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook—ham is already fully cooked
Use a meat thermometer for precision
Don’t skip the resting period
Avoid lifting slow cooker lid too frequently
Ensure even glaze distribution

Storing Tips

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
Store in airtight container
Consume within 3-4 days
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
Reheat gently to maintain moisture

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham proves that holiday cooking can be both traditional and effortless. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, delicious Christmas dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of ham? A: Bone-in, fully cooked hams work best. Adjust cooking time for different sizes.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Check ingredient labels, but most ingredients are naturally gluten-free.