Slow Cooker Spiral Ham
The easy slow cooker spiral ham is made with an easy brown sugar pineapple glaze. It cooks for just 4 hours in the slow cooker, and it turns out so tender, moist, and packed with sweet and tangy flavors.
Servings: 15 people
Calories: 415kcal
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 pound spiral bone-in ham (fully cooked) thawed if previously frozen
- 1 ½ cups canned pineapple juice
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Make the brown sugar pineapple glaze: In a saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring.
- Prep ham: In a large 8-quart slow cooker, arrange the ham flat side down. Make sure the lid is able to close fully. If not, trim off part of the top bone, or the the bottom part of the ham until the lid fits properly.
- Brush half of the prepared glaze on the ham, including in between the slices. Reserve the rest of the glaze for later.
- Slow cook: Cover and slow cook on LOW for 3.5 hours, or until center registers 140 degrees F, basting every 1 hour or so using a baster. Do not cook on high setting, you need slow and steady heat. Note: The ham will release plenty of juices as it cooks, so there is no need to add water.
- Broil and caramelize: When ready, carefully remove the ham and transfer to a large sheet pan lined with foil. Brush with some of the reserved glaze (warm it up again to loosen it up). Broil in the oven for about 5 to 6 minutes until the exterior is caramelized and the edges are slightly charred.
- Serve: Let the glazed spiral ham cool slightly before carving. Serve with some of the juices from the slow cooker and any remaining glaze, if desired.Enjoy!
Notes
- Slow cooker size: Oval-shaped 8 quart crockpot.
- Ham size: An 8-10 pound spiral ham (fully cooked). I use Costco's applewood smoked spiral ham - it's delicious!
- There is no need to add water into the slow cooker, the ham will release plenty of juices.
- Although this ham is already fully cooked, they should still reach at least 140 degrees F in the center for best flavor and texture.
- Cook on LOW. Don’t cook on the HIGH setting.
- Prep ahead: Make the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat before using to loosen it up.
- Storage: Place leftover slow cooker ham in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in smaller portions for up to 3 months.
- Canned pineapple juice: Apple juice or apple cider.
- Spices: Add any spices you'd like. Cinnamon is a good one for that festive warmth.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values (per serving) are approximates only.
Nutrition
Serving: 3slices | Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 177mg | Sodium: 2809mg | Potassium: 724mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg