Okay, friends, let me tell you about a game-changer. Picture this: it’s a holiday gathering, the house is filled with the warm scent of spices, and everyone is raving about the perfectly glazed, incredibly tender ham. That’s the magic of this Crockpot spiral ham. C recipe. It’s seriously easier than roasting a chicken, and the results? Oh my goodness, they’re beyond compare! If you thought making a fantastic ham was intimidating, think again. This method is about to blow your mind. It’s way less fussy than wrestling with a giant ham in the oven, and it frees up valuable oven space for all those delicious side dishes. Honestly, it’s right up there with my famous pot roast in terms of ease and wow-factor. Plus, that sweet, savory glaze gets all caramelized and gorgeous in the crockpot. You simply HAVE to try it!
What is a crockpot spiral ham?
Think of it as the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it holiday main course. A crockpot spiral ham is exactly what it sounds like: a pre-cooked spiral-sliced ham gently heated in a Slow Cooker until it’s warm, juicy, and infused with flavor from a delicious glaze. The spiral slicing allows the glaze to penetrate every nook and cranny, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and moist ham. It’s essentially taking a shortcut (the spiral slicing is already done for you!) and letting the slow cooker do all the work. No wrestling with carving knives in front of a crowd – just beautiful, ready-to-serve slices. The name says it all really; ham made simple!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways!crockpot spiral hamRecipes are a guaranteed winner for so many reasons. What I love most is how tender and moist the ham turns out. Slow cooking prevents it from drying out, which is a common problem with oven-baked.
- Flavor Explosion:The combination of ham and sweet glaze is just heavenly. I usually go for a brown sugar and Dijon mustard glaze, but you can customize it to your liking. What is a tropical twist?
- Effortless Seriously, this is one of the easiest recipes ever. You basically just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when you don’t have time to fuss with a complicated meal.
- Budget FriendlyWhat are some good ways to feed ham to a crowd? How does the crockpot save energy compared to heating up the entire oven for hours?
- What are some of theWhat are the best leftovers of the main event? Can you use them in sandwiches, salads, soups or even omelets? What are some good ol’ ham and cheese melts?
If you love easy, crowd-pleasing recipes, you should also check out my Slow Cooker pulled pork. It’s got that same set-it-and-forget-it appeal. But honestly, for a holiday centerpiece that’s both impressive and simple, you absolutely can’t beat this Crockpot spiral ham..
How do you make a crockpot spiral ham?
Quick Overview
Making a Crockpot spiral ham cIs it ridiculously easy to do How do you make a glaze? How do you cook ham in a crockpot? Is it safe to use until it’s war What is the beauty of this method? No need to worry about drying out the ham or constantly basting it. What is the best way to enjoy a relaxing holiday with friends?
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 (7-9 pound) spiral-sliced ham: I prefer a bone-in ham for maximum flavor, but a boneless one will work too. Just make sure it fits in your crockpot!
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: 1 teaspoon saline. Does dark brown sugar add molasses to food?
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: 1 tsp This adds a nice tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- 1/4 cup honey: For extra sweetness and a beautiful, glossy glaze.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: A little acidity helps to cut through the richness of the ham.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- I love the warm, spicy flavor of ground cloves in a glaze. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This is optional.
What is the step-
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cloves (if using). Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of brown sugar.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
If your crockpot is non-stick, lightly grease it with cooking spray. How do you prevent ham from sticking to the bottom?
Step 3: Place Ham in Crockpot
Place the spiral sliced ham cut-side down in the crockpot. If your ham is too big to fit, you can trim off a small portion of the end. I had to do this last year! Don’t worry, it won’T affect the flavor.
Step 4: Pour Glaze Over Ham
How do you pour the glaze over ham? Use a spoon or your hands to spread the glaze around. I always do this – it feels like I’m really getting in there and ensuring every bit is coated.
Step 5: Cook the Ham
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until ham is heated through. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature – it’s gonna change your life! How long can you cook in a crockpot?
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the ham is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Before serving, slicing and serving. What are some of the best ways to make ham tender? Is it just beautiful sitting there, glistening with that glaze?
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
This Crockpot spiral ham cWhat are the best side dishes to serve with this pizza? What are some of my family’s favorite foods?
For a Classic Holiday Feast: Creamy mashed potatoes, Green Bean Casserole (the kind with the crispy fried onions!), sweet potato casserole with pecans, and cranberry sauce. We always have these – it’s not the holidays without them!
For a Potluck: Mac and cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, and deviled eggs. Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
For a Casual Dinner: Roasted vegetables (like Brussels sprouts or carrots), a simple green salad, and some crusty bread. Quick and easy for a weeknight meal.
Don’t forget the dessert! A slice of apple pie or a chocolate cake would be the perfect ending to your meal. We usually have both – because why not?
No matter what you choose to serve with it, this crockpot spiral ham is sure to be a hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Spiral Ham
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Spiral Ham
Here are a few tips to help you make the best crockpot spiral ham ever:
- Choose the Right Ham: Make sure the ham fits in your crockpot. If it’s too big, you can trim it down or use a smaller ham.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the ham will make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and cook until it reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Customize the Glaze: Feel free to experiment with different flavors. Add some pineapple juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, or even a little bit of bourbon to the glaze.
- Use a Crockpot Liner: This will make cleanup a breeze! I always use one, it saves so much time and effort.
- Save the Ham Bone: Use the leftover ham bone to make a delicious soup or stock.
- Add some pineapple rings: During the last hour of cooking add pineapple rings and maraschino cherries with stems to the crockpot for added flavor.
- Baste occasionally: Every hour spoon the glaze from the bottom of the crockpot over the ham.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a crockpot spiral ham that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover crockpot spiral ham:
Refrigerating: Let the ham cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the ham, you can either bake it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave it in small portions. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it will dry out.
Trust me, it’s just as good the second time around!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This crockpot spiral ham recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones. The amazing flavor, the surprising ease, and the guaranteed wow-factor make it a winner every time. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my honey-glazed chicken. It has a similar sweet and savory profile and is just as easy to make. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s become a staple in my family, and I know it will become one in yours too. Happy cooking, friends! And please, leave a comment below to let me know how your crockpot spiral ham turned out. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Crockpot Spiral Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 lbs Spiral Sliced Ham
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 0.5 cup Pineapple Juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place ham in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour mixture over the ham.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until heated through.