Slow Cooker Spiral Ham Recipe

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Made with simple ingredients, my slow cooker spiral ham recipe is so easy to make it almost cooks itself. The flavor combination of salty, sweet, and savory will tantalize your tastebuds with every bite.

slow cooker spiral ham slices with pineapple slices on a white platter.

The slow cooking process gently heats the ham while giving the flavors time to infuse the ham with the mouthwatering combination of flavors.

My slow cooker spiral ham makes the perfect centerpiece for your next get-together, Sunday supper, brunch, and even game day.

You don't have to wait for a special occasion to serve my slow cooker spiral ham. Treat your family to the deliciousness of glazed ham and then all the wonderful things you can do with the leftovers.

You can also use the leftovers for omelets and ham sandwiches, deviled ham, split pea soup with ham, chicken cordon bleu casserole, and so much more.

Ingredients to make Slow Cooker Spiral Ham

Get set before you start! One of my favorite sayings is that an ounce of preparation equals a pound of cure. A few minutes spent prepping and measuring your ingredients makes cooking smoother, faster, and way more fun.

Can I add other flavors to the ham?

How to make Slow Cooker Spiral Ham

Pour the juice from the canned pineapples into a medium mixing bowl (set the slices to the side).
Add the honey into the bowl with the pineapple juice and whisk to combine.
Spread half of the brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the ham inside the slow cooker on top of the brown sugar.
Cover the top part of the ham with the remaining brown sugar. Then, pour the juice mixture over top of the ham.
*Optional: Place a few of the pineapple slices on the top of the ham to add moisture.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and let it cook.*Baste the ham with the juices from the slow cooker a few times during the cooking process.

While letting the ham rest, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan over medium-high heat and let it reduce by half until it's thickened.
*Whisk the mixture as needed.

glazed slow cooker spiral ham on a white platter.

Brush the slow cooker spiral ham with the glaze reduction and serve with your favorite sides and additional glaze.

Chef Tips

When the cooking process is completed, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before serving or slicing if you use an unsliced ham.
Please don't overcook the ham as it can dry out even in the slow cooker. Baste every hour for best results.

Recipe Variations & Adjustments

Rub the ham with Dijon mustard or brown mustard, then add the brown sugar.
You can also add other seasonings, such as cloves and cinnamon, to complement the natural flavors of the ham and glaze.
If you're not a fan of pineapple, you can easily replace the pineapple juice with apple juice, orange juice, or your favorite beer.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover ham refrigerated in an airtight container for 5-6 days. It can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for 6-8 weeks.
Reheat in a skillet with a small amount of butter or olive oil until warmed.

Recipe FAQ's

Can a ham be overcooked in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Although slow cookers cook low and slow, you can still overcook just about anything you make in the slow cooker. Remember that you're starting with a fully cooked ham, so all you're really doing in the slow cooker is reheating and infusing it with flavors.

How long does it take to cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker?

Typically, a spiral ham needs about 4-6 hours on low heat in a slow cooker. The exact time depends on the size of the ham and the slow cooker you are using.

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Ryan Littley