If you’ve ever wanted to serve up a delicious, tender, and effortlessly flavorful ham without heating up your entire kitchen, this Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe is your new best friend. It’s super simple to throw together, and the slow cooker does all the magic, resulting in a juicy spiral-cut ham infused with a sweet and tangy glaze that’s perfect for any special occasion or holiday meal. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever baked a ham the old-fashioned way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to this recipe’s success, but don’t worry—they’re all straightforward pantry staples that come together beautifully. Each ingredient contributes a layer of flavor or moisture that makes this ham outstandingly juicy and decadent.
- 7-8 lbs. cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham: The star of the dish, already spiral-sliced for easy serving and remarkable tenderness.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard): Adds a subtle tang and helps the glaze stick beautifully to the meat.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes and creates that mouthwatering crust on the outside.
- â…” cup pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a rich depth of flavor, balancing the savory notes perfectly.
- 1 cup apple cider (or apple juice): Infuses moisture and fruitiness to keep each bite juicy and tender; avoid vinegar to keep the flavor smooth.
How to Make Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by spraying your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray—this little trick prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Place the spiral ham neatly in the center, ensuring it fits snugly but comfortably.
Step 2: Apply the Mustard Coating
Using a brush or the back of a spoon, spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the surface of the ham. This tangy layer acts as the perfect base for your sweet glaze to cling to later on.
Step 3: Add the Brown Sugar Rub
Generously rub brown sugar all over the mustard-coated ham. This will melt into a delectable crust during cooking, helping transform the ham’s exterior into a sticky, flavorful delight.
Step 4: Pour Maple Syrup and Apple Cider
Drizzle the pure maple syrup and apple cider evenly over the ham, which naturally keep it moist throughout the long cooking process while imparting that characteristic sweet and slightly fruity undertone.
Step 5: Slow Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the ham on low for 3 hours. This slow and gentle heat warms the ham thoroughly while allowing the flavors to meld and penetrate deeply.
Step 6: Rest and Prepare the Glaze
Once the ham is warm and fragrant, transfer it to a serving platter and tent loosely with foil to keep it warm. This resting period gives the juices time to redistribute inside the meat for extra tenderness.
Step 7: Reduce the Cooking Juices
Pour the flavorful juices left in the crockpot into a medium pot and bring them to a boil on the stovetop. Let the sauce reduce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon — this is your luscious glaze!
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Brush or drizzle the reduced sauce generously over the spiral ham right before serving. The shiny, sticky glaze will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
How to Serve Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme adds a lovely herbal aroma and an attractive pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the golden brown glaze. Orange slices or pineapple rings also work great for a tropical touch.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a bit of indulgence, try a cheesy scalloped potato or honey-glazed carrots to continue the sweet-savory theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh fruit and colorful veggies. Alternatively, carve slices tableside to impress guests with the ham’s beautiful spiral cuts and juicy texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover ham tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick sandwiches or adding to salads.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers for longer, slice the ham into portions and freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Properly stored, the ham should maintain quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. You can also reheat the glaze to brush over the ham for that fresh-out-of-the-crockpot taste.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can! A boneless spiral ham works just as well, though cooking times might vary slightly. Just make sure the ham fits comfortably in your crockpot.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or molasses are excellent alternatives that deliver similar sweetness and depth of flavor.
Do I need to add water or broth to the crockpot?
No need! The apple cider or juice provides plenty of moisture to keep the ham tender and infuse flavor during the slow cooking process.
How do I know when the ham is done?
This recipe uses a pre-cooked ham, so you are essentially warming it through and glazing it. Three hours on low is perfect to heat the ham thoroughly without drying it out.
Can I double the glaze for a thicker coating?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the brown sugar and maple syrup proportions if you want a more pronounced glaze. Just keep the apple cider quantity enough to avoid it becoming too thick in the crockpot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth ham that’s bursting with flavor and takes minimal effort, this Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe is undoubtedly a winner. It’s a fantastic way to create a comforting centerpiece for family dinners or festive gatherings—with the bonus of your crockpot doing all the work. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise it will become a staple recipe you’ll return to time and time again!
Print
Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy Crockpot Spiral Ham recipe that features a tender bone-in spiral-cut ham glazed with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce. Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings, this recipe requires minimal prep and slow cooking to infuse amazing flavors.
Ingredients
Ham and Glaze
- 7–8 lbs. cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- â…” cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup apple cider (or apple juice, not apple cider vinegar; orange or pineapple juice also work)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the spiral-cut ham in the center of the crockpot.
- Apply Mustard: Brush the entire surface of the ham evenly with the Dijon mustard, providing a flavorful base for the glaze.
- Add Brown Sugar: Rub the brown sugar all over the surface of the ham to add sweetness and help caramelize the glaze.
- Pour Maple Syrup and Apple Cider: Pour the pure maple syrup and apple cider evenly over the ham, ensuring good distribution of the glaze liquids.
- Cook the Ham: Cover the crockpot and cook the ham on the low setting for 3 hours, allowing it to warm through and absorb the glaze flavors slowly.
- Rest the Ham: Once cooked and heated through, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce the Glaze: Pour the remaining juices from the crockpot into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the sauce until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, concentrating the flavors.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush or pour the reduced sauce over the ham just before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham for best results.
- If you don’t have Dijon mustard, grainy mustard is a great alternative.
- Apple cider can be substituted with apple juice, orange juice, or pineapple juice depending on your flavor preference.
- Watch the glaze reduction carefully to avoid burning.
- This recipe is perfect for holidays and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
