Servings: 4
If you are looking for a dinner that is incredibly easy, deeply comforting, and packed with the warm, cozy flavors of fall, this 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Autumn Evening Comfort is exactly what you need. It features a fully cooked ham steak slow-cooked in a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze made with apple butter and pure maple syrup. It is the perfect hands-off meal for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight.
The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of sweet and savory flavors. The apple butter provides a deep, spiced apple flavor, while the maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness. As the ham cooks, it absorbs all these delicious flavors, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. The sauce thickens into a beautiful, glossy glaze that is perfect for spooning over the top.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the magic of slow cooking. A fully cooked ham steak just needs to be heated through and infused with flavor, making it an ideal candidate for the slow cooker. The apple butter and maple syrup create a thick, flavorful glaze that coats the ham beautifully. Cooking on low heat ensures the ham stays moist and tender without drying out.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham steak, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
Directions
- Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then place the fully cooked ham steak inside in an even layer.
- Spread the apple butter all over the ham steak, covering the top as evenly as you can.
- Pour the maple syrup over the apple butter-coated ham, cover, and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, spooning some of the warm sauce over the top once or twice if you are nearby.
- When the ham is heated through and glazed, spoon the sauce over the top again, slice if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Results
Use pure maple syrup. Pancake syrup is often made with corn syrup and artificial flavors. Pure maple syrup has a much richer, more complex flavor that makes a big difference in this recipe.
Choose a good quality apple butter. Since this is a 3-ingredient recipe, the flavor of the apple butter really matters. Look for a brand with a deep, spiced apple flavor.
Don’t add extra liquid. The ham and the apple butter will release plenty of their own juices as they cook, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
Baste the ham. Spooning the warm sauce over the top once or twice during cooking helps the ham absorb all the flavors and creates a beautiful, glossy glaze.
Watch the salt. Fully cooked ham can be quite salty. The sweetness of the apple butter and maple syrup helps balance it, but wait until the dish is fully cooked before tasting and adding any extra salt.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover ham and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to soak up the delicious glaze.
Sweet, savory, and completely hands-off, this 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Autumn Evening Comfort is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation for easy, comforting meals.