Crockpot Spiral Ham: Effortless 4-Hour Meal

Name: Crockpot Spiral Ham: Effortless 4-Hour Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-10 lb) spiral-cut ham, fully cooked; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

by Fenna Saul

August 6, 2025

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Crockpot spiral ham has become my absolute go-to for effortless holiday meals, and I bet it will for you too! There’s something incredibly comforting about the sweet, savory aroma filling your home without hours of standing over a hot stove. I remember one year, I was juggling grandkids and a million other things, and I thought, “There has to be an easier way!” That’s when I discovered these simple spiral ham slow cooker instructions. This easy crock pot spiral ham recipe delivers a perfectly tender, juicy ham with a glistening glaze that everyone raves about. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Spiral Ham

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy cooks, offering a delicious centerpiece with minimal fuss. You’ll love how incredibly tender and juicy the ham turns out, infused with a sweet and savory glaze. It’s wonderfully budget-friendly, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, the prep time is unbelievably short, letting you spend more time with loved ones. This slow cooker spiral ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and its family-friendly nature means everyone will be asking for seconds. It truly is the best slow cooker spiral ham recipe for stress-free entertaining!

Ingredients for Crockpot Spiral Ham

Gathering your ingredients is the easiest part of making this incredible crockpot spiral ham with brown sugar glaze. You’ll need a fully cooked, 8-10 lb spiral-cut ham. The brown sugar is key for that classic sweet crust, and I like to use 1 cup of packed brown sugar for the perfect caramelization. For the glaze’s liquid base and a touch of sweetness, we’re using 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup pineapple juice. The pineapple juice adds a subtle fruity note that complements the ham beautifully. A little bit of 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard adds a slight tang, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves provides a warm, aromatic depth. Finally, 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper round out the flavor profile for a truly juicy crockpot spiral ham.

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How to Make Crockpot Spiral Ham

Learning how to cook spiral ham in crock pot is a game-changer for holiday meals. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! Just follow these easy steps for a tender, flavorful ham with a beautiful glaze.

Step 1: Unwrap your fully cooked, 8-10 lb spiral-cut ham. Place it cut-side down in your slow cooker. If it seems a bit too tall, don’t worry, you can trim a small slice off the bottom to help it fit snugly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, let’s whip up that amazing glaze! Whisk together 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (if using), 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. The aroma of the brown sugar and maple syrup is just heavenly.
Step 3: Pour this glorious glaze mixture evenly over the spiral ham. I like to gently lift some of the slices to let the glaze seep down between them, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This is a key part of how to cook spiral ham in crock pot for maximum taste.
Step 4: Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 4 hours. If you can, baste the ham with the delicious juices collected at the bottom of the crockpot every hour. This basting really helps create that wonderfully moist crockpot spiral ham.
Step 5: Once the ham is heated through and the glaze has caramelized beautifully, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon some of that rich glaze over the top. You’ve just mastered how to cook spiral ham in crock pot!

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Spiral Ham

Follow these simple tips to ensure your crock pot spiral cut ham is a showstopper every time. These little tricks make a big difference in the final flavor and texture, guaranteeing a delicious meal.

Always use a fully cooked ham. The slow cooker is for heating and glazing, not cooking raw meat.
Don’t overcook! The crockpot spiral ham cooking time is a guideline; check with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
For extra caramelization and a sticky glaze, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.
If your ham is too tall for the slow cooker, you can trim a small portion off the bottom to help it fit.

What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Spiral Ham?

The real secret to a perfect tender crockpot spiral ham is the glaze and slow, gentle cooking. Allowing the glaze to seep between the slices and basting occasionally ensures moisture and flavor penetrate deeply, resulting in that sought-after tender texture. For more cooking tips, check out these general cooking tips.

Can I make Crockpot Spiral Ham ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ham and glaze ahead of time! Place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over it. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, simply turn on the slow cooker, adjusting the cooking time slightly if the ham is cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Spiral Ham?

A common mistake is overcooking, which can dry out the ham. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Another pitfall is not allowing the glaze to caramelize; try removing the lid for the last 30 minutes to achieve that sticky finish. For more information on safe cooking temperatures, consult the USDA.

Crockpot Spiral Ham: Effortless 4-Hour Meal - Crockpot Spiral Ham - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Spiral Ham

This glorious crockpot spiral ham is so versatile, it’s perfect for any meal, from casual Sunday dinners to festive holiday feasts. For a classic pairing, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant green bean casserole. Don’t forget a dollop of your favorite mustard on the side! If you’re looking for something a little different, try serving it with a side of roasted pineapple rings – the sweetness of the pineapple complements the ham beautifully, making it a fantastic crockpot spiral ham and pineapple combination. Roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh, crisp salad also make wonderful accompaniments, balancing the richness of the ham. You might also enjoy our crispy roasted cauliflower as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Spiral Ham

When you’re planning your holiday menu, knowing the nutritional breakdown of your centerpiece is helpful. This recipe makes about 10 servings, and here’s what you can expect per serving of this delicious crockpot spiral ham.

Calories: 380
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 1500mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ham and glaze ingredients used. For more healthy eating ideas, explore our weight loss recipes.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Spiral Ham

One of the best things about this crockpot spiral ham is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Once your delicious crockpot spiral ham has cooled slightly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled ham tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. This makes enjoying crockpot spiral ham leftovers super convenient!

When you’re ready to reheat your ham, there are a couple of great methods. For a quick reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low for about an hour with a little liquid. Just be sure not to overheat it, so you maintain that wonderfully tender texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Spiral Ham

What is the best crockpot spiral ham cooking time?

The ideal crockpot spiral ham cooking time is typically around 4 hours on low for an 8-10 pound ham. However, this can vary depending on your slow cooker’s wattage and the thickness of the ham. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for a perfectly heated, tender crockpot spiral ham.

Can I use a different glaze for my crockpot spiral ham?

Absolutely! While this brown sugar and maple glaze is fantastic, feel free to get creative. A cherry or apricot glaze works wonderfully, or you could try a spicy mustard glaze for a different flavor profile. The key is to ensure your glaze has enough moisture and sugar to caramelize nicely during the cooking process.

How do I make my crockpot spiral ham juicy?

To achieve a truly juicy crockpot spiral ham, make sure you’re using a fully cooked ham to begin with. The slow cooker’s main job here is to heat it through gently. Basting the ham with the glaze and juices every hour during cooking also significantly helps to keep it moist and flavorful. Don’t skip this step if you want the best results!

What kind of ham is best for the slow cooker?

A pre-sliced, spiral-cut ham is ideal for the slow cooker because the slices help the glaze penetrate deep into the meat, ensuring flavor in every bite. Look for an 8-10 pound fully cooked ham. If your ham is slightly too large to fit, you can usually trim a small slice off the bottom to help it sit better in the crockpot.

Variations of Crockpot Spiral Ham You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and methods to create your own signature crockpot glazed spiral ham. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Maple-Dijon Glaze: Swap the pineapple juice for more maple syrup and increase the Dijon mustard to 3 tablespoons for a bolder, tangy flavor that still caramelizes beautifully.
Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of sriracha to the brown sugar mixture for a subtle kick that complements the sweetness.
Orange-Cranberry Glaze: Use orange juice instead of pineapple juice and stir in 1/4 cup of whole-berry cranberry sauce for a festive, fruity twist perfect for holidays.
Smoked Paprika Rub: Instead of a glaze, create a rub with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of chili powder. Apply it generously to the ham before slow cooking for a smoky, savory crust.