You know those holidays, the ones where the house is buzzing with family, kids are running wild, and you suddenly realize you haven’t even *thought* about the main course? Yeah, those are the days this crockpot spiral ham recipe is a total lifesaver. It’s the kind of dish that sounds fancy, but is honestly so ridiculously simple, it feels like a cheat code. I remember one Thanksgiving, everything was going sideways – the dog ate half the pie dough, my mother-in-law arrived two hours early, and I was starting to panic about the ham. Then I remembered this method. It was a game-changer! It frees you up to actually enjoy the chaos, knowing a perfectly tender, incredibly flavorful ham is just quietly doing its thing in the Slow Cooker. Forget dry, overcooked hams of the past; this one is consistently moist and infused with all sorts of deliciousness. It’s got that classic ham flavor we all love, but with an extra layer of depth that makes it feel truly special, all without a speck of fuss. Honestly, it’s better than any I’ve tried from a fancy deli, and way more affordable too. This crockpot spiral ham is my secret weapon for stress-free entertaining.
What is a crockpot spiral
So, what exactly *is* a crockpot spiral ham? At its heart, it’s pretty straightforward: a pre-cooked, spiral-sliced ham that you finish off in your Slow Cooker with a flavorful glaze. The “spiral-sliced” part is key here – those beautiful, thin slices are already separated, which means they cook up incredibly tender and soak up all the wonderful flavors from the glaze. Think of it as taking a good quality, ready-to-go ham and giving it a luxurious spa treatment in your slow cooker. It’s not about cooking the ham from scratch (which can be intimidating for a lot of people!), but about elevating it to its absolute best. The slow cooking process allows the connective tissues to break down beautifully, resulting in ham that practically melts in your mouth. The name itself, “crockpot spiral ham,” just tells you exactly what you’re getting: ultimate convenience and a fantastic result. It’s the perfect way to get that show-stopping centerpiece without all the traditional oven fuss and potential for dried-out meat.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin with why this crockpot spiral ham recipe is a staple in my kitchen? First off, the *flavor*. It’s just phenomenal. The glaze, which we’ll get to, creates this beautiful, slightly sweet and savory crust that perfectly complements the salty ham. It’s not overpowering, just perfectly balanced. And the texture? Imagine the most tender, juicy ham you’ve ever had – that’s what you get every single time. My kids, who can be notoriously picky, absolutely devour this. They literally ask for it for their birthdays! It’s also ridiculously simple. I mean, we’re talking minimal prep work. You basically just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something impressive but have zero energy. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. Buying a whole ham and slow-cooking it yourself is almost always cheaper than buying pre-cooked slices, and the results are exponentially better. I’ve tried other slow cooker ham recipes before, and some were okay, but this one really hits the sweet spot. It’s just so easy to get right, and the payoff is huge. It’s versatile too – perfect for a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or even just a special weeknight meal. What I love most about this is that it makes me look like a culinary genius with almost no effort. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that requires very little sweat equity from your end, which is exactly what we all need in our busy lives, right?
How do I make a crock
Quick Overview
The beauty of this crockpot spiral ham recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll essentially be placing your pre-cooked spiral-sliced ham into your slow cooker, pouring over a homemade glaze, and letting it cook on low until it’s heated through and the glaze is sticky and delicious. It’s a hands-off approach that guarantees a moist, flavorful ham with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently warming the ham and allowing the glaze to penetrate those beautiful slices. It’s the perfect method for anyone who wants a delicious, impressive centerpiece without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. You get all the flavor and tenderness you could dream of, with next to no stress. Honestly, it’s one of my go-to recipes when I need a win.
Ingredients
For the Ham:
1 (5-7 pound) pre-cooked, spiral-sliced ham. Look for one that’s good quality; it makes a difference! Make sure it fits comfortably in your slow cooker. If it’s a bit snug, don’t worry, it will shrink slightly as it heats.
For the Glaze:
1 cup packed brown sugar. Light or dark brown sugar both
1/4 cup Dijon mustard. This adds a wonderful tang that cuts through the sweetness and really balances the glaze.
1/4 cup maple syrup. Real maple syrup is best for the flavor, but a good quality pancake syrup will work in a pinch. It adds a lovely subtle sweetness and shine.
2 tablespoons honey. For an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This is optional but adds such a warm, cozy note that’s perfect for holidays or chilly evenings.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves. Just a tiny bit goes a long way to add a touch of spice and depth. Be careful not to add too much, or it can become overpowering.
1/4 cup pineapple juice or apple juice. This adds a little moisture and a subtle fruity note that pairs wonderfully with ham.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
There’s no preheating required for the slow cooker, which is one of the best parts! What you *do* want to do is lightly grease your slow cooker insert. This isn’t strictly necessary if you’re using a liner, but it helps if you ever want to use it without a liner and also makes cleanup a breeze. Just a quick spray of cooking oil or a swipe with a paper towel dipped in oil is all you need. If you want to be extra fancy and ensure zero sticking, you can also place a layer of foil at the bottom of your slow cooker insert before adding the ham, but it’s usually not needed for just heating.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves (if using). Make sure to break up any brown sugar clumps so you have a nice, even mixture. This step ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar, so you don’t get pockets of strong spice flavor. It’s the foundation for our delicious glaze. Don’t skip whisking; it really makes a difference in how smooth the final glaze is.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
To the bowl with your dry ingredients, add the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, honey, and pineapple juice (or apple juice). Now, whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You’re looking for a thick, syrupy consistency. If it seems a little too thick, you can add another tablespoon of juice. If it seems too thin, add another tablespoon of brown sugar. This mixture is going to become our glorious glaze, so taste it and adjust if you like! I often add a little extra maple syrup if I’m feeling indulgent.
Step 4: Combine
Place your spiral-sliced ham cut-side down into the prepared slow cooker insert. Now, generously pour about two-thirds of your glaze mixture all over the top and sides of the ham, making sure to get some in between those lovely slices. Reserve the remaining one-third of the glaze for later. This initial glazing infuses the ham with flavor from the start, and reserving some allows us to build up that delicious, sticky crust towards the end of cooking.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This step is technically part of the ‘glaze’ but it’s where we get some of those extra flavor bombs ready! The pineapple or apple juice mentioned in the glaze ingredients actually acts as our “filling” liquid. It’s not a separate filling, but the liquid component that helps create the glaze’s perfect consistency and adds a subtle fruity undertone. Sometimes, if I have leftover pineapple rings, I’ll even tuck a few around the ham in the slow cooker, but that’s totally optional and more for presentation. The juice is usually enough!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
The “layering and swirling” in this context is all about ensuring the glaze gets into every nook and cranny of the ham. As you pour the glaze over, use a spoon or a pastry brush to gently coax some of it down between the slices. You don’t need to actively “swirl” the ham, just make sure the glaze is distributed evenly. The slow cooking process will naturally help the glaze seep down through the spiral cuts, creating that beautiful, sticky finish on every single slice.
Step 7: Bake
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The goal here is simply to heat the ham through and get the glaze nice and sticky. Since the ham is already cooked, we’re not worried about internal temperatures for safety, but rather for perfection. I always lean towards the LOW setting for a longer period because I find it results in an even more tender ham. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and the glaze looks glossy and has thickened slightly. You can peek during the last hour to check on it.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the ham is heated through and the glaze has started to thicken, remove the lid. Now, take the reserved one-third of your glaze and brush it over the top of the ham again, really focusing on getting it into those slices. This second glazing is what gives you that irresistible, caramelized, sticky exterior. Let it cook uncovered for about 15-30 minutes longer, allowing the glaze to get really tacky and beautiful. This final step makes all the difference in creating that perfect, glistening finish.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker. If you used foil, discard it. If you greased the insert, you can often just lift the ham out. Place it on a serving platter. The slices should practically fall apart. Spoon any extra glaze from the slow cooker over the ham before serving. This crockpot spiral ham is best served warm, sliced, and ready to be devoured. The glaze will continue to set a bit as it sits, so serve it relatively soon after it comes out of the slow cooker for the best sticky texture.
What to Serve It With
This crockpot spiral ham is so versatile, it fits into pretty much any meal! For breakfast, I love slicing off a few pieces and serving them alongside some fluffy scrambled eggs and a side of crispy hash browns. It’s a hearty way to start the day, especially on a weekend morning. A nice, strong cup of coffee is essential! For a more elegant brunch, I’ll plate it up with some fresh fruit salad, maybe some mini quiches, and a mimosa or a sparkling cider. The ham adds a beautiful savory element that balances out sweeter brunch items. As a dessert, it might sound odd, but a small, thin slice of leftover ham is *amazing* with a piece of cornbread or even just on its own if you’re craving something savory after a sweet meal. It’s like a little flavor reset button. But for the ultimate cozy snack, I love serving it on small toasted bread rounds with a smear of CREAM CHEESE and a dollop of spicy mustard – it’s like a mini-ham sandwich that hits the spot every time. My family also loves it with a side of roasted root vegetables in the fall, or a light, crisp coleslaw in the summer. It truly is a centerpiece that goes with almost anything!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Spiral Ham
I’ve made this crockpot spiral ham more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think make it even better. First, about the ham itself: I always try to find a ham that’s not overly salty. Some hams can be really briny, and while the glaze helps, it’s good to start with a base you enjoy. When you’re putting the ham in the slow cooker, don’t be afraid to really get that glaze down *between* the slices. I often use a small spoon or even a pastry brush to gently push some of the glaze into those nooks and crannies. This ensures every bite is infused with that sweet and savory goodness. For the glaze, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness or tang to your liking. If you love a spicier ham, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture before you pour it over. I’ve also experimented with different juices – orange juice can add a lovely citrusy note if you’re feeling adventurous! One mistake I made early on was not reserving enough glaze. That second basting step, where you add the reserved glaze and cook uncovered, is CRUCIAL for getting that beautiful, sticky, caramelized exterior. So, make sure you have that bit set aside! Regarding cooking time, all slow cookers are a little different. It’s better to check on it a bit early than to overcook it and have it get dry, even though it’s already cooked. You’re just heating it through and thickening the glaze, so the cooking time is more flexible than with raw meat. I usually start checking around the 3-hour mark on low. Finally, for serving, let it rest for just a few minutes after you take it out of the slow cooker before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for an even more tender and moist ham. And don’t forget to spoon any extra delicious glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top – it’s liquid gold!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this crockpot spiral ham, besides how easy it is to make, is how well it stores and reheats. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can leave the ham at room temperature for up to two hours while serving. After that, it’s best to store it. For refrigerator storage, I usually wrap any remaining ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will stay delicious and moist in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When it comes to reheating, I have a couple of favorite methods. The easiest way is to simply wrap individual slices in foil with a splash of water or broth and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through. This keeps them nice and moist. Alternatively, you can put a few slices in a skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of water or broth, covering the skillet, and warming them gently. This also works really well. If you’re reheating a larger portion, you can place it back in the slow cooker on low for an hour or so, adding a splash of liquid. For freezer instructions, I wrap individual portions very tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen ham overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The key for all reheating methods is to go low and slow to avoid drying out the meat. And remember, that beautiful glaze might not be as prominent after reheating, so don’t be afraid to add a touch of honey or brown sugar to your reheating liquid to bring back some of that sweetness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to method for the most ridiculously easy and delicious crockpot spiral ham. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. It’s perfect for those big holiday gatherings when you need all hands on deck for other things, or even just for a fantastic Sunday dinner that tastes like you slaved over it for hours. I really hope you give this a try. It’s become a beloved recipe in my family, and I’m pretty sure it will become one in yours too. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my slow cooker pulled pork or my easy Baked Chicken recipes, which are also designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Let me know in the comments below how your crockpot spiral ham turns out, and if you discover any amazing glaze variations! Happy cooking, everyone!
Crockpot Spiral Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Spiral cut ham
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place the spiral ham in your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and cinnamon.
- Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Ava Brooks is the home cook behind RecipeSharingHub, sharing dependable, step‑by‑step recipes for busy weeknights and easy weekend bakes. When not testing dishes, Ava snaps kitchen photos and answers reader questions in the comments. Discover the latest recipes or join the newsletter for new ideas each week.
