1. Prepare the Ham:
- If your ham is too large to fit into your crockpot, you may need to trim it slightly. Place the ham inside the crockpot, cut side down.
2. Make the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
3. Apply the Glaze:
- Pour the glaze over the ham in the crockpot, trying to cover as much of the ham as possible. Use a pastry brush to spread the glaze evenly if needed.
4. Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour. If your crockpot has a warm setting, switch to it once the cooking time is up to keep the ham warm until serving.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. Garnish with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries if desired. Drizzle some of the glaze from the crockpot over the ham before serving.
Tips:
- Spiral Sliced Ham: Using a spiral sliced ham not only makes serving easier but also allows the glaze to penetrate more deeply into the meat.
- Cooking Time: The key to a tender ham in the crockpot is not to overcook it. Since the ham is already cooked, you’re essentially just warming it through and infusing it with flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your crockpot ham with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
This crockpot ham recipe is a wonderfully simple way to prepare a mouthwatering main dish that’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to enjoy a special meal with minimal effort. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the moist and tender texture of the ham, makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.