Name: Crockpot Spiral Ham: Your Effortless Holiday Showstopper
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 8–10 lb Spiral-cut ham (fully cooked for easy heating and slicing); 1 cup Brown sugar (packed; adds sweetness and caramelization); 1/2 cup Honey (enhances natural sweetness; maple syrup is an alternative); 1/2 cup Pineapple juice (provides acidity; can swap for apple juice); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds tanginess); 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves (impacts warm spice notes; can be omitted); 1/4 cup Maple syrup (complements sweetness of glaze); 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (introduces mild heat)

The sweet aroma of spiral ham wafting through the house is a sure sign of celebration, and it’s hard to resist. That’s why I love making Crockpot Spiral Ham—it’s not only a showstopper for holiday feasts but also a breeze to prepare. Imagine a tender, juicy ham enveloped in a sticky glaze, all while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. This easy recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want to impress family and friends without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s a magnificent crowd-pleaser that can double as delicious leftovers for sandwiches or easy lunches. So, are you ready to dive into a world of comforting flavors that will elevate your festive dining experience?

Why Choose Crockpot Spiral Ham?

Ease of Preparation: This recipe takes minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy other holiday festivities while your delicious ham cooks to perfection.

Sweet and Savory: The irresistible sticky glaze marries sweet and tangy flavors, ensuring every bite is a tasty delight that everyone will love.

Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with cheesy potatoes or Hawaiian rolls for a well-rounded meal that caters to all taste preferences.

Impressive Leftovers: Leftover ham transforms easily into gourmet sandwiches, making post-holiday meals just as exciting.

Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings, this ham is sure to be the star of your table, attracting compliments from family and friends alike.

With all these wonderful features, there’s no doubt that Crockpot Spiral Ham will become your go-to for effortless holiday dining!

Crockpot Spiral Ham Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need for your Crockpot Spiral Ham!

For the Ham

Spiral-cut ham (8–10 lb) – This is the star of the dish, fully cooked for easy heating and slicing.

For the Glaze

Brown sugar (1 cup, packed) – Adds sweetness and caramelization to create that sticky goodness. Coconut sugar can be a healthier substitution.
Honey (1/2 cup) – Enhances the glaze’s natural sweetness; maple syrup is an acceptable alternative for a different flavor.
Pineapple juice (1/2 cup) – Brings out a fruity undertone, providing acidity; you can swap it for apple juice if preferred.
Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons) – Adds tanginess that balances the glaze; yellow mustard works too if you’re in a pinch.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon) – Imparts warm spice notes; feel free to omit for a more straightforward flavor.
Maple syrup (1/4 cup) – Complements the sweetness of the glaze perfectly; replace with more brown sugar if needed.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) – Introduces a mild heat; adjust to taste for a spicier kick.

With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’re all set to create a delectable Crockpot Spiral Ham that will be the highlight of your holiday table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Spiral Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Unwrap your spiral-cut ham and place it flat side down in the center of your crockpot. Ensure it’s snugly fit to prevent excessive movement during cooking. This type of ham is fully cooked, which means you’re simply warming it through, so there’s no need to worry about undercooking.

Step 2: Whisk the Glaze
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, maple syrup, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The glaze should have a thick consistency with a glossy appearance, perfect for infusing flavor into your Crockpot Spiral Ham.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze
Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to let some of it seep between the slices for enhanced flavor. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the glaze over the top and sides of the ham, ensuring all surfaces are coated. This step will create that deliciously sticky exterior everyone loves.

Step 4: Cook the Ham
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for about 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the ham to absorb the flavors of the glaze while becoming tender and juicy. If possible, every hour, open the lid and gently baste the ham with the juices pooling at the bottom to enhance the caramelization process.

Step 5: Serve the Ham
Once the cooking time is complete and the ham is heated through, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the crockpot over the top of the ham before slicing. The caramelized edges and tender texture will create an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday gathering, showcasing your culinary skills.

What to Serve with Crockpot Spiral Ham?

Creating a delightful meal alongside your spiral ham can turn a simple gathering into a memorable feast.

Cheesy Potato Casserole: Creamy and indulgent, this rich casserole complements the sweet flavors of the ham beautifully, adding a comforting side to balance the meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of these sprouts provides a perfect contrast to the ham’s sweetness, making for a vibrant and nutritious addition to your table.
Hawaiian Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these rolls are perfect for sopping up the delicious glaze, making them a satisfying accompaniment to every bite of ham.
Glazed Carrots: Tender, sweet, and brightly colored, glazed carrots not only add a pop of flavor but also enhance the festive spirit of your holiday table.
Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with slivered almonds add a crunchy texture and bright color, ensuring your plate is as appealing as it is tasty.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, fruity delight, homemade cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the ham, adding a refreshing zing that brings balance to the dish.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This delightful beverage adds a festive touch, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere while pairing harmoniously with the ham’s sweet and savory notes.
Chocolate Mousse Cups: For dessert, these silky, indulgent treats bring a touch of elegance and decadence, rounding off your meal on a sweet note that everyone will adore.

Expert Tips for Crockpot Spiral Ham

Choose Quality Ham: Select a fully cooked spiral-cut ham for best results; this guarantees a juicy, flavorful dish without the risk of undercooking.
Don’t Skip Basting: Basting the ham every hour helps achieve a beautifully caramelized glaze. It enhances the flavor and prevents drying.
Monitor Your Cooker: If you’re using a different model, remember cooking times may vary. Always check for doneness to avoid over or undercooking.
Utilize Leftovers: Repurpose any leftover Crockpot Spiral Ham in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. Your delicious work won’t go to waste!
Adjust the Glaze: Feel free to tweak the glaze ingredients for personal taste. Don’t hesitate to substitute components like honey for maple syrup to create your desired flavor.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Crockpot Spiral Ham in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy holidays! You can assemble the glaze (brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, maple syrup, and black pepper) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply unwrap the ham and place it in the crockpot, then pour the prepared glaze over it before cooking. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, just set your slow cooker to low heat for about 4 hours, basting every hour for maximum flavor and texture. Your delicious ham will be just as scrumptious, making your holiday meal stress-free!

Crockpot Spiral Ham Customizations

Let your culinary creativity shine as you adapt this delicious Crockpot Spiral Ham recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute honey for maple syrup, ensuring a sweet glaze without any dairy ingredients.
Healthier Glaze: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar; it adds a lovely caramel flavor while lowering the glycemic index.
Fruit-Infused: Swap pineapple juice for orange juice for a fresh citrus twist that brightens the glaze.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the glaze for a delightful heat.
Herbaceous Twist: Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze mixture for an aromatic infusion that elevates each bite.
Extra Saucy: Double the glaze ingredients for a thicker layer over your ham, perfect for slathering on slices while serving.
Smoky Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze to create a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the ham’s sweetness.
Slow-Roasted Alternative: If you’re out of a crockpot, you can use a Dutch oven at 250°F (120°C) for an equally tender and flavorful result.

With these variations, your Crockpot Spiral Ham will always feel fresh and exciting, ensuring every celebration is uniquely delicious!

Storage Tips for Crockpot Spiral Ham

Fridge: Store any leftover Crockpot Spiral Ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: If you want to save your ham for longer, freeze it in portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen ham, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat slices in the microwave or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Sandwiches: Use leftover ham in sandwiches for a quick and tasty lunch, or add it to salads for an extra protein boost!

Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best spiral-cut ham?
Absolutely! When choosing a spiral-cut ham, look for one that is fully cooked, ideally between 8 to 10 pounds. Opt for a ham with minimal dark spots or excessive liquid in the package, which can indicate lower quality. A good rule of thumb is to select one with firm, moist meat that smells fresh.

What’s the best way to store leftover Crockpot Spiral Ham?
To keep your Crockpot Spiral Ham fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to preserve moisture and flavor. If you don’t plan to eat it within that timeframe, consider freezing it!

Can I freeze my leftover ham, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Crockpot Spiral Ham! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets, then cover it with aluminum foil. This will prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

What if the glaze didn’t caramelize as expected?
Not to worry! If you find that your glaze hasn’t caramelized as desired, increase the cooking time by an hour, and make sure you’re basting the ham regularly for optimal results. Another tip is to slightly raise the temperature, either by switching to high setting for the last hour or allowing it to rest under the broiler for a few minutes for that brown, sticky finish. Just watch it closely to avoid burning!

Can pets have food made with ham?
It’s a no-go! While your pets may adore the smell of your Crockpot Spiral Ham, avoid giving them any, especially due to ingredients like honey and spices that can be harmful. Always stick to pet-friendly treats to keep your furry friends safe.

How do I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very! If you need to cater to dietary restrictions, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index, or opt for apple juice instead of pineapple juice for a tart twist. You can also leave out the Dijon mustard if someone has a sensitivity to mustard seeds. Always read labels for any pre-packaged glazes when choosing ingredients.