Spiral Ham in Crockpot Recipe: Easy, Sweet, and Savory

Cooking a spiral ham in a crockpot is one of the easiest ways to prepare a tender, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the ham to absorb all the delicious flavors of the glaze, making each slice juicy and full of flavor. This recipe for spiral ham in the crockpot is simple, hands-off, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With a sweet and savory glaze that combines brown sugar, honey, and mustard, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why Make Spiral Ham in a Crockpot?

Here’s why you’ll want to try cooking your spiral ham in the crockpot:

• Hands-off Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of everything, leaving you with more time to focus on other dishes or relax.
• Tender Ham: The slow cooking process ensures that the ham stays juicy and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Perfect for Large Meals: Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a family dinner, the crockpot is the perfect way to cook a large ham with minimal stress.
• Easy Cleanup: Since everything cooks in the crockpot, clean-up is a breeze. No need to monitor the oven or fuss with multiple pots and pans.

Ingredients for Spiral Ham in Crockpot

You only need a few simple ingredients to make a delicious spiral ham:

• 1 spiral ham (about 8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Spiral Ham in Crockpot Recipe

Cooking spiral ham in a crockpot is incredibly easy, and here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Set Up the Ham in the Crockpot

Place the spiral ham in the bottom of your crockpot, flat side down. If your ham is too large to fit, you can trim the edges slightly to fit it into the pot.

Step 3: Coat the Ham with Glaze

Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure it gets into the spiral cuts and all around the ham. Use a spoon or brush to ensure the glaze coats the entire ham.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ham

Cover the crockpot and cook the ham on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze has thickened. The slow cooker will keep the ham moist while the glaze caramelizes.

Step 5: Baste the Ham

Every hour or so, spoon some of the glaze from the bottom of the crockpot over the top of the ham to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Step 6: Serve

Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired, and serve with the remaining glaze from the crockpot.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Spiral Ham

• Don’t Overcook: Spiral ham is already cooked, so you just need to heat it through. Avoid cooking it for too long to prevent it from drying out.
• Use the Glaze Generously: Make sure to pour the glaze over the ham during the cooking process to allow it to soak into the spiral cuts.
• Keep It Moist: If the ham starts to dry out, add a bit of water or broth to the crockpot to create steam and keep it moist.
• Save the Drippings: After serving the ham, don’t throw away the delicious drippings! Use them to make a flavorful gravy or sauce for side dishes.

How to Store Spiral Ham in Crockpot

Leftover spiral ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you have leftover glaze, store it separately in a small container. You can reheat the ham in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of glaze to keep it moist.

For longer storage, spiral ham can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice the ham before freezing for easier portioning, and reheat it in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.

Ways to Serve Spiral Ham in Crockpot

This spiral ham is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides:

• Classic Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a fresh salad for a traditional meal.
• Sandwiches: Use leftover ham for sandwiches or sliders, adding a bit of mustard or cheese for extra flavor.
• Breakfast: Slice the leftover ham and serve it with scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast.
• Salads: Add slices of ham to a fresh salad for a protein-packed lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ham?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use a bone-in ham or even a boneless ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in hams may take a little longer.

Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the glaze up to 3 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you’re ready to use it.

Can I cook the ham on high heat?

While you can cook the ham on high, it’s recommended to cook it on low for the best results. Low heat ensures that the ham remains moist and that the glaze doesn’t burn.

Final Thoughts

Making spiral ham in a crockpot is an easy, hands-off way to prepare a tender and flavorful meal. The sweet and savory glaze adds depth of flavor, while the slow cooking process ensures the ham stays juicy and tender. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

So, grab your spiral ham, throw it in the crockpot, and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and simple to make. And when you try this recipe, be sure to come back and let us know how it turned out!