The holidays are all about family, flavor, and festive gatherings, and nothing says holiday dinner quite like a beautifully glazed ham. This slow cooker boneless carver ham recipe pairs the rich sweetness of Maple Balsamic with savory notes from Basik’s Prime Rub, creating a dish that’s both simple and show-stopping.
Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re looking for a stress-free holiday centerpiece, this ham is a recipe you can rely on. Plus, with a few simple balsamic variations, you can customize it to suit your family’s taste.
Why Balsamic Works Wonders with Ham
Balsamic vinegar isn’t just for salads—it’s a flavor powerhouse, especially during the holidays. Its natural acidity balances the richness of ham, while the sweeter varieties add depth and warmth to the glaze.
In this recipe, Maple Balsamic is the star. Its cozy, sweet notes of maple complement the natural saltiness of the ham, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the slow cooker. The result? A ham that’s juicy, tender, and packed with holiday flavor.
If you want to switch things up, here are a few other delicious balsamic options:
- Fig Balsamic – Deep, fruity, and perfect for a classic holiday taste.
- Cinnamon Pear Balsamic – Warm and subtly spiced, adding a cozy winter flavor.
- Black Cherry Balsamic – Rich and slightly tangy, for a gourmet twist that’s sure to impress.
No matter which balsamic you choose, your ham will come out savory, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Adding Savory Depth with Basik’s Prime Rub
For an extra layer of flavor, this recipe features Basik’s Prime Rub Seasoning Blend. With garlic, black pepper, celery, paprika, and Mediterranean sea salt, the rub gives the ham a savory foundation that complements the sweet-tangy balsamic glaze perfectly.
Simply rub the ham before cooking, then let the slow cooker work its magic. The combination of savory spices and sweet balsamic creates a flavor profile that’s both balanced and festive.
Simple Steps for a Stress-Free Holiday Ham
- Rub the ham with Basik’s Prime Rub (optional, but highly recommended).
- Mix the Maple Balsamic glaze with brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, water, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Pour half the glaze over the ham and slow cook for 3–4 hours on low.
- Add the remaining glaze during the last 30 minutes, and optionally broil for extra caramelization.
- Slice, drizzle with juices, and serve!
A Centerpiece Your Family Will Love
Pair this ham with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls for a complete holiday feast. Leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for sandwiches or adding to soups.
With Maple Balsamic, Basik’s Prime Rub, and optional balsamic variations like Fig, Cinnamon Pear, or Black Cherry, this ham is versatile, flavorful, and sure to impress every guest at your holiday table.
Whether you’re feeding a small family or a full crowd, this recipe takes the stress out of holiday entertaining while still delivering gourmet flavor and festive flair.
Slow Cooker Holiday Ham with Maple Balsamic Glaze
When the holidays get busy, let your crockpot do the work! This boneless carver ham is simmered in a sweet and tangy Maple Balsamic glaze that makes every slice melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s effortless, elegant, and perfect for Christmas dinner or any festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless carver ham (2–3 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Basik’s Prime Rub Seasoning Blend
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup honey (or pure maple syrup for extra richness)
- ¼ cup AOOC Vermont Maple Balsamic
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
- 2 tablespoons water or apple cider
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm holiday note)
Instructions
Prep the ham: Rub the Basik’s Prime Rub evenly over the entire surface of the ham.
- Place the ham in your slow cooker.
- Whisk the glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Maple Balsamic, mustard, and water (plus cinnamon if using).
- Glaze the ham: Pour half the mixture over the ham. Reserve the rest.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, just until the ham is warmed through and infused with flavor.
- Finish with glaze: In the last 30 minutes, pour the remaining glaze over the ham. For a caramelized finish, transfer to a baking dish, brush with glaze, and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve: Slice and drizzle with the rich maple-balsamic juices from the slow cooker.
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