Name: Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup brown sugar; 3 rosemary sprigs; 10 lbs spiral cut ham; For Glaze:; ½ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup apple jelly; ¼ cup dijon mustard; 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp ground ginger

Transform your traditional holiday ham with a delightful twist by using a crockpot and apple jelly glaze. This method ensures a tender and juicy ham, infused with a sweet and tangy flavor that will impress your guests.

crockpot ham with apple jelly glaze recipe

Photos of Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze Recipe

Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Apple jelly and fresh rosemary sprigs are two items you might need to pick up at the supermarket. Apple cider vinegar is another ingredient that may not be in your pantry but can be found in the condiment section.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a caramelized crust.

Rosemary sprigs: Fresh herbs that infuse the ham with a fragrant, earthy aroma.

Spiral cut ham: A pre-sliced ham that allows the glaze to penetrate every slice.

Apple jelly: Provides a fruity base for the glaze and adds sweetness.

Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy sharpness that balances the sweetness of the glaze.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity to the glaze, enhancing the flavors.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory, umami depth to the glaze.

Ground ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note to the glaze.

One reader, Aliza Bachman says:

This crockpot ham with apple jelly glaze recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, creating a sweet and savory delight. The ham stays juicy and tender, and the glaze adds an irresistible touch. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!

Aliza Bachman

Essential Techniques for Making Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

How to melt apple jelly: Place the apple jelly in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes liquid.

How to whisk ingredients: Use a whisk to combine the melted apple jelly, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger until smooth.

How to sprinkle brown sugar: Evenly distribute the brown sugar in the bottom of the crockpot.

How to pour glaze over ham: Carefully pour the prepared glaze over the ham, making sure to separate the layers and brush each layer with the glaze.

How to add rosemary sprigs: Place the rosemary sprigs around the ham in the crockpot.

How to cover and cook in a crockpot: Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

How To Make Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

This delectable crockpot ham comes with a few simple seasonings and is easy to make! Let your crockpot do the work of cooking up this holiday ham.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¼cupbrown sugar
3rosemary sprigs,fresh
10lbsspiral cut ham,fully cooked

For Glaze:

½cuplight brown sugar,packed
½cupapple jelly
¼cupdijon mustard
3tbspapple cider vinegar
½tspgarlic powder
½tspground ginger

Instructions

Melt the apple jelly, then whisk them together with the sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger in a bowl.
Sprinkle the brown sugar in the bottom of a 6 to 7-quart crockpot.
Add the ham, then pour the glaze overtop, ensuring the layers of ham are separated and brushed with the glaze.
Add the rosemary sprigs.
Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 832.61kcal
Fat: 39.32g
Saturated Fat: 13.38g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 19.91g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.64g
Carbohydrates: 39.95g
Fiber: 6.56g
Sugar: 18.39g
Protein: 75.68g
Cholesterol: 258.55mg
Sodium: 5262.18mg
Calcium: 130.30mg
Potassium: 1354.38mg
Iron: 5.02mg
Vitamin A: 2.50µg
Vitamin C: 19.90mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Making Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

To ensure the ham absorbs the glaze evenly, use a basting brush to apply the mixture thoroughly between each slice. This not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the ham moist and tender throughout the cooking process.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

Melt the jelly ahead: Melt the apple jelly in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when preparing the glaze.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients like brown sugar, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar beforehand.

Use pre-cut ham: Buy a spiral cut ham to avoid the hassle of slicing it yourself.

Prep the night before: Assemble the ham and glaze in the crockpot the night before. Just set it to cook in the morning.

Line the crockpot: Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.

Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze Recipe

brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor, making it a good alternative.
rosemary sprigs - Substitute with thyme sprigs: Thyme has a slightly different but complementary flavor that works well with ham.
spiral cut ham - Substitute with bone-in ham: Bone-in ham can be used if spiral cut is not available, though it may require more carving.
light brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and can help achieve a nice glaze.
apple jelly - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves have a similar texture and sweetness, adding a fruity note to the glaze.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and texture, making it a good replacement.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used to achieve the same balance in the glaze.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the glaze.
ground ginger - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon offers a warm, sweet spice that pairs well with the other ingredients in the glaze.

Presentation Tips for Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

Choose a stylish platter: Select a large, elegant serving platter that complements the colors of the ham and glaze.
Slice and fan out the ham: Carefully separate the spiral-cut ham slices and fan them out in a circular pattern on the platter, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Brush with extra glaze: Just before serving, brush the ham slices with an additional layer of the apple jelly glaze to give them a glossy finish.
Garnish with fresh rosemary: Place the cooked rosemary sprigs around the ham for a touch of greenery and to enhance the aroma.
Add apple slices: Thinly slice a fresh apple and arrange the slices around the ham for a pop of color and a hint of the apple jelly flavor.
Serve with a side of glaze: Pour some of the remaining apple jelly glaze into a small, elegant bowl and place it next to the ham for guests to add more if desired.
Use microgreens for a fresh touch: Sprinkle a handful of microgreens over the ham and platter to add a fresh, vibrant element to the dish.
Highlight the brown sugar base: Ensure that the brown sugar sprinkled at the bottom of the crockpot is visible on the platter, adding a caramelized look and extra sweetness.
Serve with complementary sides: Pair the ham with sides like roasted vegetables or a potato gratin to create a complete, gourmet meal.
Finish with a light drizzle of glaze: Just before presenting to the judges, lightly drizzle a bit more of the apple jelly glaze over the entire dish to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Essential Tools for Making Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

Crockpot: A slow cooker used to cook the ham slowly and evenly, ensuring it absorbs all the flavors of the glaze.
Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the apple jelly, light brown sugar, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger to create the glaze.
Whisk: Essential for blending the glaze ingredients smoothly and evenly.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the precise amounts of brown sugar, apple jelly, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder and ground ginger accurately.
Basting brush: Helps to brush the glaze between the layers of the spiral cut ham.
Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat from the ham if necessary.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to place the ham while preparing it for the crockpot.
Tongs: Handy for placing the ham into the crockpot and adjusting it as needed.
Serving platter: Used to present the cooked ham beautifully once it's done.
Serving utensils: Necessary for serving the ham to guests.

Storing and Freezing Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

Let the ham cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent the ham from drying out and keep it fresh for longer.
Store the leftover crockpot ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the back.
If you want to freeze the leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen ham can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat the leftover ham, place it in a baking dish with a little bit of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the ham in the microwave. Place the ham in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water or chicken broth, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per serving, or until heated through.

How to Reheat Leftover Crockpot Ham

To reheat leftover crockpot ham with apple jelly glaze, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low temperature will help prevent the ham from drying out during the reheating process.
Place the leftover ham in a baking dish, along with any remaining glaze. If you're running low on glaze, you can whip up a quick batch by melting together equal parts apple jelly and dijon mustard, with a pinch of garlic powder and ground ginger for added flavor.
Cover the baking dish with foil, which will help lock in moisture and prevent the edges of the ham from burning. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and let it reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 135°F (57°C).
If you prefer a crispier exterior on your reheated ham, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and create a deliciously sticky coating on the surface of the ham.
For a quicker reheating option, you can also use the microwave. Place individual portions of ham on a microwave-safe plate, and heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be sure to baste the ham with any leftover glaze between intervals to keep it moist and flavorful.
If you find yourself with an abundance of leftover ham, consider repurposing it into new dishes like ham and bean soup, ham and cheese quiche, or ham fried rice. The sweet and savory flavors of the apple jelly glaze will add a unique twist to these classic recipes.

Interesting Fact About Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

A fun fact about this crockpot ham recipe is that the apple jelly glaze not only adds a sweet and tangy flavor but also helps to keep the ham moist during the slow cooking process.

Is Making Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze Cost-Effective?

This crockpot ham with apple jelly glaze recipe is quite cost-effective. The main ingredient, spiral cut ham, can be pricey, but it serves a large number of people. The apple jelly, brown sugar, and dijon mustard are affordable pantry staples. The rosemary sprigs add a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $30-$35 USD for a household of 4 people.

Is This Crockpot Ham Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The crockpot ham with apple jelly glaze recipe is a delicious but not particularly healthy dish. Here's why:

The recipe calls for a large amount of sugar, both in the glaze and sprinkled in the bottom of the crockpot. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues.
Ham is often high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
The recipe lacks vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients, making it an unbalanced meal.

However, there are some positive aspects:

Using a lean ham can reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
The apple cider vinegar in the glaze may have some potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and regulating blood sugar levels.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar used in the glaze and omit the brown sugar sprinkled in the crockpot.
Use a low-sodium ham to decrease the overall sodium content.
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as sliced apples or sweet potatoes, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
Serve the ham with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Use a sugar substitute, like monk fruit or stevia, to sweeten the glaze instead of brown sugar and apple jelly.

Editor's Opinion on This Crockpot Ham Recipe

This crockpot ham with apple jelly glaze recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The apple jelly and brown sugar create a luscious glaze, while the dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar add a tangy depth. The rosemary sprigs infuse a subtle herbaceous note, complementing the ham beautifully. Cooking it in a crockpot ensures the ham remains moist and tender. This dish is perfect for a festive gathering or a comforting family meal. Overall, it's a well-balanced and flavorful recipe that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the crunch of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, their edges caramelized to a golden brown. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the apple jelly glaze on the ham. This side dish brings a delightful contrast of textures and flavors to your meal.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with the rich aroma of roasted garlic. These potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, providing a smooth and savory base that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes of the ham. A sprinkle of chives on top adds a fresh, green touch.

Cranberry Walnut Salad: A vibrant salad bursting with the flavors of fresh cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and crisp mixed greens. Tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette, this salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory ham. The cranberries add a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the glaze.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with a luscious mix of honey and butter, then roasted until they achieve a slight caramelization. These carrots are a sweet and savory delight that harmonizes with the apple jelly glaze on the ham. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: End your meal on a high note with a warm, comforting bread pudding infused with the flavors of apples and cinnamon. This dessert is a nod to the apple jelly glaze on the ham, creating a cohesive and satisfying dining experience. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even more indulgent.

Similar Recipes to Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze

Maple Glazed Ham: Dive into the sweet and savory world of Maple Glazed Ham. This recipe combines the rich flavors of maple syrup with a hint of mustard and cloves, creating a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the tender ham. Ideal for festive gatherings or a special family dinner.

Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham: Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham. The combination of juicy pineapple and caramelized brown sugar creates a delightful contrast to the savory ham. This dish is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your holiday table.

Honey Mustard Glazed Ham: Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with Honey Mustard Glazed Ham. The honey adds a natural sweetness, while the mustard provides a zesty kick. This glaze is sure to make your ham the star of any meal, whether it's a casual dinner or a festive celebration.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham: Add a burst of fruity flavor to your ham with Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham. The tartness of cranberries combined with the citrusy zest of oranges creates a vibrant and delicious glaze. This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of fruit in their savory dishes.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Crockpot Ham

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are then baked until golden and bubbly, creating a delightful bite-sized treat. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the earthy mushrooms, making each bite a burst of flavor. Perfect for any gathering, these Stuffed Mushrooms are sure to impress your guests.

Bruschetta: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic Bruschetta. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic are combined with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This vibrant mixture is then spooned onto toasted baguette slices, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The crisp bread pairs perfectly with the juicy, flavorful topping, making this Bruschetta an irresistible start to any meal.

Desserts:

Apple Crisp: Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen. This delightful treat features tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, oat streusel. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect end to your meal.

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of pumpkin and spices blended into a luscious cheesecake. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, while a dollop of whipped cream on top makes it irresistible. This dessert is perfect for any fall gathering.

Why trust this Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze Recipe:

This recipe combines the sweetness of apple jelly and brown sugar with the tanginess of dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. The rosemary sprigs add a fragrant herbal note, making the spiral cut ham incredibly flavorful. Cooking it in a crockpot ensures the ham stays moist and tender. This well-balanced glaze will elevate your holiday meal, impressing your guests with minimal effort.

Share your thoughts on the delicious Crockpot Ham with Apple Jelly Glaze recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

The ham is already pre-cooked, so you're really just heating it through and letting the flavors meld. After 4 to 5 hours on low in the crockpot, it should be perfectly heated. You can check with a meat thermometer; it should read 140°F.

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of mustard, like honey mustard or spicy brown mustard, feel free to use that instead of Dijon. It will slightly change the flavor but should still be delicious.

What if I don't have apple jelly?

No worries! You can substitute apple jelly with apricot or peach preserves. They will give a slightly different but still tasty glaze.

Can I cook the ham on high instead of low?

I wouldn't recommend it. Cooking on low allows the flavors to really penetrate the ham and keeps it moist. Cooking on high might dry it out and won't give the same depth of flavor.

Do I need to baste the ham during cooking?

It's not necessary, but if you want to, you can. The glaze will naturally seep into the layers of the spiral-cut ham, but basting it once or twice during cooking can add even more flavor.