Let’s dive into the simple steps to create a mouthwatering spiral ham in a slow cooker that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.There’s something wonderfully comforting about a juicy spiral ham, especially when it’s cooked to perfection with minimal effort. And what better way to achieve this than with your trusty slow cooker?
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time5 hourshrs
Total Time5 hourshrs10 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy ham recipe, easy slow cooker recipe, ham glaze, ham recipe, spiral ham recipe
Servings: 12servings
Calories: 581kcal
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5poundspiral-cut hambone-in or boneless, whichever you prefer
1cupbrown sugar
1/2cuphoney
1/2cuporange juice
1/4cupDijon mustard
2teaspoonsground clovesoptional, for added flavor
Pineapple slices and maraschino cherriesoptional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by lining your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker: Unwrap the spiral-cut ham and place it into the slow cooker, flat side down. If your ham is too large to fit in one piece, you may need to cut it to fit, but try to keep it as intact as possible.
Apply the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can use a basting brush to spread the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham for maximum flavor.
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the ham on low for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your ham, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness periodically.
Baste Occasionally: If you’re around during the cooking process, feel free to baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker every hour or so. This will help keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Garnish and Serve: Once the ham is cooked to perfection and has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. If desired, garnish the ham with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Slice and Enjoy: Allow the ham to rest for a few minutes before slicing it. Serve slices of this deliciously tender spiral ham alongside your favorite side dishes for a memorable meal that’s sure to impress.
Tips:
For a caramelized finish, you can broil the ham in the oven for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker.
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.
Now that you know how easy it is to cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker, you can enjoy this delectable dish any time of year, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a casual weeknight dinner. Happy cooking!