Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham
Every home cook needs a showstopping holiday ham recipe in their arsenal, and this Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham might just become your new tradition.
I’ve made it countless times, and guests always ask for the recipe.
What’s not to love? The maple-brown sugar glaze creates this irresistible sticky-sweet coating that caramelizes perfectly. The pineapple juice adds a subtle tang, while those traditional Amish spices warm everything up.
The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you prep other dishes.
No oven-watching, no temperature stress—just set it, forget it, and impress everyone.
What Ingredients are in Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham?
This Amish Christmas Ham recipe combines sweet and savory elements that blend together beautifully during the slow cooking process. The ingredients create that perfect holiday flavor profile we all crave—a little sweet, a touch tangy, with just enough spice to make things interesting.
I’m particularly fond of how the maple syrup and brown sugar work together to create that gorgeous sticky glaze that’s absolutely signature to a proper holiday ham.
- 1 fully cooked boneless turkey ham (4-5 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup pineapple juice (or apple cider for variation)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but traditional in Amish holiday dishes)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- Whole pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
While the recipe calls for a turkey ham specifically, you could certainly substitute a traditional pork ham if you prefer. Just make sure whatever ham you choose is fully cooked before it goes into the slow cooker—we’re fundamentally warming it through and infusing it with flavor rather than cooking it from raw.
And those optional pineapple rings and cherries? They’re not just for decoration, though they do make for a beautiful presentation. They also add little bursts of sweetness that complement the glazed ham perfectly. Worth the extra couple of dollars at the grocery store, in my opinion.
How to Make This Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham
Making this Amish Christmas Ham couldn’t be simpler, and that’s what I love about slow cooker recipes—they do all the hard work while you go about your day.
Start by placing your 4-5 pound fully cooked boneless turkey ham flat side down in your slow cooker. This positioning helps the ham soak up all that delicious glaze as it cooks. If your ham is a bit too large for your slow cooker (we’ve all been there), simply trim it slightly or slice it in half to fit comfortably. Remember, we want the lid to close properly so all that wonderful steam and heat stays trapped inside.
Next comes the magical glaze that transforms this from ordinary ham to holiday masterpiece. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of packed brown sugar, ½ cup of pure maple syrup, ½ cup of pineapple juice (though apple cider makes a lovely alternative), 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves (which adds that traditional Amish holiday flavor), and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar until everything is smooth and well combined.
Pour this glorious mixture evenly over your ham, making sure it seeps between the slices if you’re using a spiral-cut variety. Those little pockets between slices? They’re flavor treasures waiting to be filled. Then scatter those 2 tablespoons of cubed butter over the top—they’ll melt and add richness to the glaze as everything cooks.
Cover your slow cooker, set it to LOW, and let it work its magic for 4 to 6 hours. During the cooking time, I recommend opening the lid occasionally (not too often, mind you) to baste the ham with the collecting glaze. This helps build up those layers of flavor and keeps the ham moist and succulent.
When it’s done, your turkey ham should be heated through and wonderfully tender, with the glaze reduced to a slightly thickened consistency. For an extra touch of festive charm, arrange some pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top before serving—it’s that classic holiday ham look that makes everyone at the table smile in anticipation.
Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Amish Christmas Ham shines as a centerpiece dish, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary needs or personal preferences without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Don’t have maple syrup? Honey works beautifully, lending a delicate sweetness that my grandmother always preferred.
For a boozy twist, I sometimes swap the pineapple juice for apple cider or even a splash of bourbon (my secret holiday weapon).
Dietary restrictions? Turkey ham can be replaced with plant-based alternatives—just reduce cooking time by an hour.
The spice profile is flexible too. Cinnamon instead of cloves? Absolutely divine, trust me.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham
Nothing complements a succulent Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham quite like the perfect array of side dishes that honor tradition while satisfying hungry holiday guests.
I always serve creamy scalloped potatoes—their bubbling cheesy goodness pairs wonderfully with the sweet glaze of the ham.
My grandmother taught me that every holiday table needs something green, so buttery green bean casserole is non-negotiable.
Add some soft dinner rolls for sopping up that delicious ham juice, trust me.
For a truly authentic Amish-inspired meal, don’t forget the sweet-tart apple sauce.
Made it from scratch last year and my mother-in-law actually asked for the recipe!
Final Thoughts
As this heartwarming Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham recipe comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on how it’s become a cherished tradition in my own home.
The aroma that fills the kitchen, the tender meat glistening with that sweet-savory glaze—it simply captures the essence of holiday magic.
I’ve watched family members’ eyes light up when this ham takes center stage on our table. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about recipes rooted in tradition.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your immediate family, this Amish-inspired dish brings people together, creating memories that last long after the dishes are done.
Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the turkey ham flat side down in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham.
- Scatter the cubed butter over the top of the ham.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
- Occasionally baste the ham with the collecting glaze during cooking.
- Optional: Before serving, arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top for garnish.
