Did you know the tradition of Christmas ham dates back to medieval Europe? People roasted boar to celebrate winter and honor prosperity. Over time, ham replaced boar as the festive centerpiece, and today, I’ve given it a modern twist. My Keto Slow Cooker Pulled Maple Christmas Ham brings all the traditional flavors you love but without the sugar overload. It’s proof that traditions can evolve and still feel just as special!
Why My Family Can’t Get Enough of This Ham
When this ham comes out of the slow cooker, it’s pure magic in my house. My husband sneaks bites before dinner, and even my picky kids can’t resist the sticky, maple glaze. With only 2g net carbs per serving, it’s a dish I feel good serving as a keto chef and mom of three. It’s not just food—it’s a way to bring everyone together for a meal that feels indulgent but keeps us on track.
Healthy, Festive, and Effortless
This ham is everything I love about keto cooking—flavorful, easy, and guilt-free. The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on enjoying the day. Packed with protein, nutrients, and low-carb goodness, it’s perfect for Christmas or any special occasion. If you want a recipe that’s stress-free and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this is it!
Table of Contents
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
- Festive & Keto-Friendly: This keto slow cooker pulled maple Christmas ham is perfect for holiday celebrations without breaking your carb budget!
- Low-Carb Goodness: With just 2g net carbs per serving, this dish is ideal for keto enthusiasts and low-carb lovers alike.
- Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do all the work—just 5 minutes of prep and 5 hours of hands-free cooking.
- Sweet & Savory Glaze: A sugar-free maple glaze with mustard and keto-friendly brown sugar substitute makes every bite irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s a star at Christmas, this pulled ham is versatile enough for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinners.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance, store leftovers, and reheat for easy holiday meal planning.
- Serves a Crowd: This recipe yields 8 hearty servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or festive feasts.
This ham is the ultimate combination of easy, delicious, and keto-approved—your holiday table is about to get a serious upgrade! 🎄
Ingredients Needed
- Leg ham (on the bone, scored)
- Wholegrain mustard (sugar-free)
- Keto brown sugar substitute (e.g., monk fruit or erythritol)
- Sugar-free maple syrup
- Dry sherry (or apple cider vinegar)
How to Make Keto Pulled Maple Christmas Ham
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the rind, score the fat in a diamond pattern, and rub the ham with mustard and sweetener.
- Slow Cooking: Place the ham in a slow cooker, pour in the glaze ingredients, and cook on High for about 5 hours.
- Reduce the Glaze: Once cooked, reduce the cooking juices into a sticky glaze.
- Shred & Serve: Shred the ham, drizzle with the glaze, and serve with extra mustard if desired.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
- Fridge Life: Store leftover pulled ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for quick keto-friendly meals throughout the week!
- Freezer-Friendly: Want to save some for later? Freeze shredded ham in individual portions for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave. Add a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep the ham juicy.
Serving Tips
- Holiday Hero: Serve this ham as the star of your Christmas feast with keto sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower mash.
- Lunchbox Love: Pack it into a keto wrap or lettuce cups for a quick and flavorful low-carb lunch.
- Breakfast Boost: Add shredded ham to scrambled eggs or a keto omelet for a protein-packed morning meal.
- Snack Attack: Pair it with cheese and olives for a simple keto snack or charcuterie board.
- Get Saucy: Drizzle the leftover glaze over the ham for an extra pop of flavor, or pair it with your favorite sugar-free mustard for a zesty kick.
This keto slow cooker pulled maple Christmas ham is versatile, delicious, and ready to shine in every meal—even after the holidays are over! 🎄✨
Tips & FAQs
What is the difference between a Christmas ham and a regular ham?
Christmas ham is specifically prepared for festive occasions, typically cured, smoked, and baked with a decorative glaze to make it the star of the holiday table. Regular ham refers to any cut of pork from the hind leg, served year-round in a variety of ways, without the festive presentation or glaze.
What kind of ham is best for Christmas?
A bone-in spiral-cut ham is a popular choice for Christmas. The bone adds flavor and keeps the ham moist, while spiral cuts make serving easier. Shank-end hams are also favored for their traditional shape and ease of carving. Look for high-quality, naturally smoked hams for the best results.
Is Christmas ham cooked or cured?
Most Christmas hams are cured (using a wet brine or dry rub) and pre-cooked, often through smoking, making them ready-to-eat. Baking them at home adds flavor, texture, and a festive glaze to enhance the holiday experience.
What is the best ham in the world?
The Jamón Ibérico from Spain is widely regarded as the best ham globally. Made from free-range Ibérico pigs that feed on acorns, it has a rich, nutty flavor and a luxurious texture.
Why is Christmas ham so salty?
The saltiness comes from the curing process, where salt is used to preserve the ham and enhance its flavor. Pairing it with a sweet glaze or sides like roasted vegetables balances the saltiness and creates a perfect holiday dish.
These FAQs cover everything you need to know to select, prepare, and enjoy the perfect Christmas ham! 🎄
Health Benefits of Keto Slow Cooker Pulled Maple Christmas Ham
This keto slow cooker pulled maple Christmas ham isn’t just a festive delight; it’s packed with nutritional perks that make it a fantastic choice for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Here’s why it’s a win for your health:
1. Low in Carbs
- With only 2g net carbs per serving, this ham fits seamlessly into your daily carb limits, keeping you in ketosis without sacrificing flavor.
- It’s a great alternative to traditional glazes loaded with sugar, thanks to sugar-free maple syrup and keto-friendly sweeteners.
2. High in Protein
- This dish provides a whopping 28g of protein per serving, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Protein also helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on carb-heavy holiday treats.
3. Rich in Healthy Fats
- The fat from the ham and keto-friendly glaze adds a dose of healthy fats, supporting the high-fat requirements of a ketogenic diet.
- Fats also enhance the flavor and texture of the ham, making it even more satisfying.
4. Nutrient-Rich
- Ham is a good source of key nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and selenium, which support energy production, immune function, and cell repair.
5. Keto-Friendly Sweeteners
- Using sugar-free maple syrup and brown sugar substitutes like monk fruit or erythritol reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes, keeping your insulin levels stable.
6. Balanced Sodium Levels
- While ham can be naturally salty due to curing, serving it with fresh, low-sodium sides like roasted vegetables or salads helps balance your sodium intake.
7. Gluten-Free & Family-Friendly
- It’s entirely gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Plus, the sweet-savory glaze ensures even picky eaters will love it!
This recipe doesn’t just taste great—it’s a wholesome, nutrient-dense addition to your holiday table, helping you stay on track with your health goals while enjoying the festive season. 🎄
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the keto Slow cooker pulled maple Christmas ham—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨
Tender Keto Slow Cooker Pulled Maple Christmas Ham – Festive & Easy
Description
This keto slow cooker pulled maple Christmas ham is tender, juicy, and glazed with a sugar-free maple sauce. Perfect for a low-carb festive feast!
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
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Begin by scoring the fat of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze seep into the meat, infusing it with rich flavor. Coat the ham with a layer of wholegrain mustard and sprinkle it evenly with the keto brown sugar substitute.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Ham
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Place the ham in your slow cooker. Pour the sugar-free maple syrup and sherry (or apple cider vinegar) over the top. Cover and cook on High for 5 hours, turning the ham halfway through to ensure even glazing.
Step 3: Create the Glaze
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Once the ham is cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it into large chunks. Transfer the cooking juices to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid reduces into a thick, sticky glaze.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
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Drizzle the glaze over the shredded ham and serve with your favorite keto sides, like roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower mash, or a crisp green salad.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
This keto slow cooker pulled maple Christmas ham has become a holiday tradition in my home. The first time I made it, my husband couldn’t stop raving about the rich, smoky-sweet glaze—he went back for thirds! And my kids, notorious for turning their noses up at “grown-up” dishes, absolutely devoured it. My youngest even declared, “This tastes like Christmas!” That’s when I knew this recipe was a winner. It’s simple, festive, and brings the whole family to the table with smiles and full plates. Trust me, this ham is as heartwarming as the memories you’ll make serving it! 🎄
