Amish Holiday Hero: Slow Cooker Christmas Ham That Steals the Show

When the holidays roll around, there’s one dish that always steals the spotlight on the table — the Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham, lovingly nicknamed the “Amish Holiday Hero.” This traditional ham recipe combines the sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced flavors of a classic Amish glaze, all slow-cooked to juicy, fork-tender perfection. It’s easy, hands-off, and guaranteed to impress every guest.

Whether you’re preparing Christmas dinner, a festive gathering, or a Sunday family feast, this dish brings nostalgia, simplicity, and rich flavor to the table. It’s a tried-and-true family favorite that never disappoints.

🍖 Why You’ll Love This Amish Christmas Ham

Effortless slow cooker method – let it cook while you prep other dishes
Warmly spiced glaze with brown sugar, mustard, cloves, and ginger
Juicy and tender ham with minimal prep
Perfect centerpiece for any holiday meal
Great for leftovers — sandwiches, soups, or breakfast hashes

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity
Fully cooked bone-in ham	1 (5–6 pound)
Brown sugar	1 cup
Apple cider vinegar	½ cup
Water	½ cup
Ground mustard	1 tablespoon
Ground cloves	½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	¼ teaspoon
Ground ginger	¼ teaspoon

✅ Tip: Be sure to use a bone-in ham for best flavor and moisture. Spiral-cut hams also work well!

🔥 How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham

📍 Step 1: Prep the Ham

Remove any packaging and plastic from the fully cooked ham.
If using a spiral-cut ham, make sure the slices stay intact.
Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern (optional) for better glaze absorption.

📍 Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon ground mustard
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Whisk together until smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve.

📍 Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker.
Pour the prepared glaze over the top, making sure to coat all exposed areas.
Use a spoon to drizzle glaze in between slices if spiral-cut.

📍 Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until heated through and tender.
Occasionally baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker to enhance flavor.

🕒 Don’t overcook — the ham is already cooked, so your goal is to warm it thoroughly and infuse it with flavor.

📍 Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once done, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Spoon extra glaze over the slices for added richness.

🍽️ Perfect Pairings for Amish Christmas Ham

Make your meal truly memorable by serving the ham with classic holiday sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic butter
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
Sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble
Homemade dinner rolls or cornbread
Cranberry sauce or warm apple compote
Green beans almondine or a crisp salad with vinaigrette

💡 The sweet and tangy glaze on this ham balances beautifully with rich, savory sides.

🧊 Storage & Leftover Ideas

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F with a splash of broth or glaze to keep moist.

Creative Leftover Recipes:

Ham and cheese breakfast casserole
Split pea soup with ham
Ham salad sandwiches
Ham and potato hash
Quiche with spinach and ham

🧠 Why This Ham Recipe Works

This Amish recipe stands out because of its balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors, slow-infused into the meat without drying it out. The slow cooker guarantees juicy, tender results every time. Plus, it saves you time and oven space, which is gold during the holidays.

The mix of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar creates a deep, molasses-like flavor that caramelizes perfectly with the meat. The addition of cloves, cinnamon, and ginger adds warm holiday notes without overpowering the dish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes! Boneless hams can be used, though bone-in tends to stay juicier and has more flavor.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

Absolutely. Wrap the ham in foil and bake at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 20–30 minutes with glaze.

Can I prep it ahead?

Yes — you can prepare the glaze and refrigerate the ham in a sealed container overnight. Just pop it into the slow cooker the next day.

🎄 A Holiday Hero for Good Reason

This Slow Cooker Amish Christmas Ham isn’t just a recipe — it’s a tradition. Passed down through generations and loved for its simplicity and warmth, this dish brings family and flavor together. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or enjoying a quiet holiday meal, this ham is always the star of the table.

So this season, skip the stress — plug in your slow cooker, pour the glaze, and let the magic happen.