Unlock the secret to a stress-free holiday meal with this sensational Slow Cooker Glazed Spiral Ham recipe. Imagine a succulent ham, cooked to tender perfection, with a sweet and savory glaze that infuses every single slice. Thanks to the magic of your Crockpot, achieving this culinary masterpiece is not only incredibly easy but also consistently delicious, every single time. We’ve meticulously tested and perfected this method, so you can confidently deliver a show-stopping centerpiece without the guesswork, ensuring a memorable meal for your family and guests.
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Why a Slow Cooker is Your Secret Weapon for Glazed Spiral Ham
Preparing a beautifully glazed ham, especially for holidays or special gatherings, can often feel like a daunting task. However, with a slow cooker, all that stress simply melts away. The Crockpot isn’t just a convenient appliance; it’s a game-changer for achieving perfectly cooked, incredibly juicy ham every single time. Here’s why it’s the ultimate method:
- **Effortless Cooking:** Once you set it, you can forget it. The slow cooker handles all the work, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax. This hands-off approach is a lifesaver, particularly during busy holiday preparations.
- **Unmatched Juiciness:** The gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker ensures that your ham retains all its natural moisture. Unlike oven baking, which can sometimes dry out the meat, slow cooking keeps the ham tender and succulent from edge to bone.
- **Flavor Infusion:** This recipe truly shines because of the spiral cut. The pre-sliced nature of the ham allows the rich, aromatic glaze to seep deep into every single crevice. This means each bite is bursting with sweet and savory notes, from the crust to the very center of the ham. There are no dry, unflavored spots—just pure, consistent deliciousness.
- **Perfectly Glazed:** The slow cooker creates a moist environment that helps the glaze adhere beautifully and caramelize without burning. The result is a glistening, flavorful coating that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
- **Consistent Results:** We’ve done the extensive testing to ensure this recipe delivers perfection. You won’t have to worry about undercooked or overcooked ham; the slow cooker maintains the ideal temperature for a flawless finish every time.
Choosing the Perfect Ham for Your Crockpot
The foundation of an exquisite glazed ham starts with selecting the right cut. Understanding the different types available will help you make the best choice for this slow cooker recipe.
- Spiral Ham: For this recipe, a spiral-cut ham is highly recommended. These hams are pre-sliced in a continuous spiral around the bone, which is a huge time-saver and makes serving incredibly easy. More importantly, these cuts allow the rich glaze to penetrate deeply between each slice, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor. Most spiral hams found in grocery stores, especially around the holidays, are already cured, smoked, and fully cooked. This means your primary goal is to reheat it gently and apply an amazing glaze, making the slow cooker an ideal tool.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: While boneless hams are convenient, I personally prefer to use bone-in hams. The bone contributes significantly to the overall flavor and moisture of the ham as it cooks, resulting in a richer, more robust taste. Plus, the bone can be saved to make delicious ham broth or soups later on.
- Reading the Label: Be a savvy shopper and always check the ham’s label carefully. Many commercial hams are injected with water or solutions to increase their weight, which can dilute the natural ham flavor. Look for labels that simply state “Ham” rather than “Ham, water added” or “Ham with natural juices.” Choosing a ham with no added water will give you a more concentrated and authentic flavor profile.
- Ham Size: Ensure your ham fits comfortably into your slow cooker. For a 7-quart Crockpot, an 8 ½-pound spiral-sliced ham typically fits well with the lid on. If your ham is slightly too large, you can cover the top with heavy-duty foil to create a tight seal, trapping the heat and moisture effectively.
Essential Ingredients for Our Signature Ham Glaze
The magic of this slow cooker ham lies in its incredibly flavorful and perfectly balanced glaze. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a sweet, tangy, and aromatic coating that elevates the ham from delicious to unforgettable. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Spiral Ham: As discussed, a fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham is the star. Its pre-sliced nature ensures maximum flavor absorption from the glaze.
- Pineapple Juice: This isn’t just for sweetness; pineapple juice adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the ham and the sweetness of the sugars. The enzymes in pineapple juice also help to keep the ham incredibly tender and moist as it slow cooks.
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: Brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes to the glaze’s beautiful caramelization. You can opt for dark or light brown sugar, depending on your preference for intensity. For those monitoring sugar intake, a brown sugar substitute can be used effectively without compromising flavor.
- Honey: Honey adds another layer of complex sweetness and a lovely stickiness to the glaze, ensuring it coats the ham beautifully. Its floral notes complement the other flavors, creating a more rounded profile.
- Cinnamon and Cloves: These classic holiday spices are essential for that warm, inviting aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. Ground cloves offer a pungent, sweet-spicy kick, while cinnamon adds a comforting, earthy sweetness. Together, they create a traditional and irresistible aroma.
- Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect glaze consistency. Cornstarch, when mixed with a bit of water to form a slurry, thickens the ham juices into a rich, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to every slice. Unlike flour, which can sometimes clump, cornstarch creates a clear, smooth sauce.
- Water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry, ensuring it blends smoothly into the glaze without lumps.
To Score or Not to Score Your Ham
When it comes to preparing ham, many recipes suggest scoring the surface in a diamond pattern. This technique is often used to help glazes penetrate the meat and to create a visually appealing presentation. However, for a spiral-sliced ham, this step is generally unnecessary and, in fact, often counterproductive.
For this Crockpot Spiral Sliced Ham recipe, you absolutely do not need to score the ham. Here’s why:
- Pre-Sliced Perfection: Spiral-cut hams are already designed with deep cuts that extend to the bone. These cuts naturally create pathways for your glaze to seep into every layer of the ham. This means the glaze will effortlessly coat each individual slice, ensuring maximum flavor infusion without any extra effort on your part.
- Optimal Glaze Distribution: The existing spiral cuts provide a superior surface area for the glaze to adhere to and penetrate, far more effectively than any shallow scoring you could manually add. As the ham slow cooks, the glaze will work its way through these cuts, resulting in a consistently moist and flavorful ham.
While not needed for spiral ham, for those curious or if you’re ever working with a non-spiral-sliced ham, here are the traditional tips for scoring:
- First, place your ham flat side down on a sturdy cutting board. This prevents it from wobbling and ensures safety while you’re cutting.
- Grab a very sharp knife and make shallow cuts across the surface of the ham, aiming for about ½ inch deep. You’re trying to create a pattern, not cut deeply into the meat.
- Cut straight, parallel lines all the way across the ham in one direction.
- Then, turn the ham 90 degrees and cut another set of parallel lines in the opposite direction. This will create the classic diamond pattern on the surface.
- If you’re using whole cloves for added flavor and visual appeal, you can press one right into the center of each diamond. This looks beautiful and adds a subtle spice note.
- That’s it! Once scored, your ham would typically be ready to absorb glaze and cook.
But remember, for your slow cooker spiral ham, you can skip this step entirely and still achieve a spectacular result!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Glazed Ham
Crafting this incredibly juicy and flavorful slow cooker ham is surprisingly simple, yet the results are always impressive. Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping glazed ham with ease.
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by placing your spiral ham (bone-in preferred) into your large slow cooker. Ensure it fits snugly. If your ham is slightly too large for the lid to close completely, you can create a tight seal by covering the top of the slow cooker with heavy-duty aluminum foil before placing the lid on.
- Add Flavor Base: Pour the pineapple juice evenly over the ham. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar or sweetener over the entire surface. The brown sugar will melt and combine with the pineapple juice and ham drippings to form a delicious base for your glaze.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid (or foil, if needed) and cook on LOW heat for 3-4 hours. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size and initial temperature of your ham. Since most spiral hams are pre-cooked, you are essentially reheating it and allowing the flavors to meld.
- Check Internal Temperature: To ensure your ham is perfectly done and safely reheated, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Prepare the Glaze Base: Once the ham is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside on a cutting board or serving platter. Now, it’s time to transform the flavorful liquid left in the bottom of the slow cooker into your rich glaze. Carefully pour this liquid into a medium saucepan or skillet. Place the saucepan on your stovetop over medium heat.
- Infuse with Aromatics: Add the honey, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to the liquid in the saucepan. Whisk gently to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, letting the spices bloom and their aromas develop.
- Create a Cornstarch Slurry: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms. This step is crucial for thickening the glaze without any undesirable clumps. Start with the smaller amount of cornstarch and water (e.g., 2 tablespoons of each), as you can always add more if needed.
- Thicken the Glaze: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering glaze mixture in the saucepan, whisking continuously as you pour. Continue to stir until the glaze begins to thicken to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s not thick enough, prepare another small slurry with an additional tablespoon of cornstarch and water and slowly whisk it in until the desired thickness is reached.
- Final Glazing and Rest: Once the glaze is perfectly thickened, pour it generously over the prepared spiral ham, allowing it to cascade into the cuts. For the best flavor and juiciness, let the ham rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Crockpot Spiral Sliced Glazed Ham
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 7-8 pounds fully cooked ham I prefer bone-in and spiral cut.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sweetener or sugar Dark or light.
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2-4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2-4 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Add the ham, pineapple juice, and brown sugar or sweetener to the slow cooker. (My slow cooker is 7 quart).
- Cook for 3-4 hours on low heat. Ensure the ham is finished by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham and ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Once the ham has cooked, pour the liquid from the bottom of the slow cooker into a saucepan or skillet on medium heat to make the ham glaze.
- Add the honey, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir.
- Add the cornstarch and water to a small bowl and stir to combine. I start with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
(If the glaze still needs thickening you will repeat this step with an additional tablespoon of each and so on.)
- Add the cornstarch slurry mixture to the glaze. Stir as you pour and add it in slowly. Stir until the glaze thickens.
- Pour the glaze over the ham. Allow the ham to rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- I discard the glaze packet that comes with the ham as our homemade glaze is far superior.
- As mentioned, I don’t find it necessary to score a spiral-sliced ham due to its pre-cut nature.
- Typically, flour can be substituted for cornstarch as a thickener in many recipes. However, for this ham glaze, I’ve observed that flour tends to form large, undesirable clumps. Therefore, I strongly recommend against using flour for this recipe.
- The cornstarch and water slurry is absolutely crucial in thickening the ham glaze to the perfect consistency. The exact amount you’ll need can vary because the volume of liquid remaining in your slow cooker after the ham cooks will differ. This liquid includes the natural juices and concentrated flavor from the ham itself, and its quantity is unique to each ham. Continue to mix cornstarch and water, then add the slurry slowly to the glaze, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired velvety texture.
- If you prefer a more rustic look and an intensified clove flavor, you can use full cloves. They can be pressed directly into the ham (especially if scoring a non-spiral ham) using toothpicks to secure them.
- My 7-quart Crockpot can comfortably fit an 8 ½-pound spiral sliced ham with the lid on. If your ham is too large for your slow cooker, don’t worry! You can easily cover the top opening of your slow cooker with heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a tight seal as it cooks.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the absolute best flavor and juiciness, I always recommend preparing this glazed ham on the day you plan to serve it, especially for holiday celebrations. There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly cooked and glazed ham. However, if you’re looking to minimize stress on a big day, you can certainly prepare the ham up to 3-4 days in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator, and gently reheat it before serving. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight, making for delicious leftovers!
Selecting the right ham is crucial for a successful and delicious outcome. For ease of serving and excellent glaze penetration, spiral-sliced hams are a fantastic choice. They are pre-cut around the bone, meaning the “hard part” of slicing is already done, and the glaze can easily seep into every crevice, ensuring flavor throughout. You’ll still need to cut along the bone to release the slices, but the presentation is always beautiful. When purchasing, pay close attention to the labels. Some hams are pumped with water or solutions, which can dilute their natural flavor. Always look for a label that simply says “Ham” – avoid “Ham, water added” or “Ham with natural juices” for a richer, more authentic taste. For a more comprehensive guide on buying hams, refer to this complete resource.
A large slow cooker, typically 6 to 8 quarts, is ideal for cooking a full-sized spiral ham. My 7-quart Crockpot, for example, comfortably accommodates an 8 ½-pound spiral-sliced ham with the lid fitting perfectly. If your ham is a little larger and the lid doesn’t quite seal, you can simply cover the top of the slow cooker with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will create a tight seal, trapping the heat and moisture necessary for the ham to cook thoroughly and remain juicy.
Since most spiral hams are fully cooked and smoked when purchased, the goal in the slow cooker is primarily to reheat it thoroughly and allow the glaze flavors to infuse. For a typical 7-8 pound ham, cook it on Low heat for 3-4 hours. Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 145°F (63°C).
A good rule of thumb when planning your meal is to estimate about ½ pound of ham per person. If you’re expecting a crowd or hope for plenty of leftovers (which you definitely will with this delicious ham!), you might consider increasing that to ¾ pound per person. This ensures everyone gets a generous serving and there’s enough for seconds, or for making delightful meals later.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious ham for days to come. Store any leftover ham tightly sealed in an airtight container or wrapped snugly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You might even find that the flavor improves overnight as the ham continues to soak in all that incredible glaze!
Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent way to extend the life of your leftover ham. To freeze, wrap individual portions or larger chunks tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. For optimal freshness and flavor, the ham can be frozen for 1-2 months. While technically frozen hams remain safe to eat indefinitely, the quality (texture and taste) can start to diminish after a couple of months. Thaw frozen ham overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Leftover ham is fantastic for sandwiches, soups, casseroles, omelets, and more!
Serving Suggestions for Your Glazed Ham
A beautifully glazed ham, especially one so effortlessly prepared in the slow cooker, deserves an equally impressive spread of side dishes. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, here are some ideas to complement your succulent main course:
- Classic Comforts: Creamy mashed potatoes, rich scalloped potatoes, or a decadent sweet potato casserole are always crowd-pleasers. Their soft textures and savory flavors beautifully contrast the ham.
- Green Vegetables: Balance the richness with fresh, vibrant greens. Try roasted asparagus, green bean casserole, or simple steamed broccoli with a hint of lemon.
- Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or a medley of root vegetables bring earthy sweetness and a satisfying texture.
- Breads: Warm dinner rolls, flaky biscuits, or a crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or ham juices.
- Salads: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the meal, offering a refreshing counterpoint.
- Fruit Sides: Beyond the pineapple in the glaze, consider serving cranberry sauce, apple sauce, or a fresh fruit salad for an extra burst of sweetness and acidity.
Don’t forget the leftover potential! Cold ham sandwiches, ham and cheese omelets, ham added to soups or casseroles, and even ham fried rice are all fantastic ways to enjoy your delicious creation long after the initial meal.
More Ham and Main Dish Recipes to Love
If you loved this slow cooker ham, explore more delightful main course recipes to impress your family and friends:
- Southern Baked Ham with Pineapple
- Hearty Ham, Potato and Vegetable Soup
- Quick Air Fryer Honey Glazed Ham
- Tender Slow Cooker Cornish Hens
- Savory Ham Hocks and Beans
- Flavorful Traeger Smoked Ham
- Rich Slow Cooker Duck
Explore More Slow Cooker Favorites
The slow cooker is an incredibly versatile tool for creating delicious, hands-off meals. Discover more Crockpot recipes that will simplify your cooking and delight your palate:
- Slow Cooker Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Juicy Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast
- Tender Slow Cooker Oxtail
- Comforting Slow Cooker Beef Roast
- Hearty Slow Cooker Neck Bones
- Classic Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
- Easy Slow Cooker Chili Mac
- Authentic Slow Cooker Gumbo
- Watch step-by-step video instructions on how to make this recipe on Youtube.
- Watch the Tiktok Video here.