spiral ham in crock pot recipe

The Best spiral ham in crock pot recipe

I started making our holiday ham in the slow cooker a few years ago and I have not used the oven for it since. A spiral ham is already cooked and sliced before it gets to my kitchen, so all it really needs is gentle heat and some moisture to come out tender. I set it in the crock pot with a little liquid in the bottom, turn it to low, and let it go for about four to five hours. That keeps my oven free for the sides and takes one big task off my list on a busy day.

My kids like this one because the slices pull apart easily and they can serve themselves without much help. We eat it for Easter and Christmas, and sometimes on a plain Sunday when I want leftovers for the week. Sandwiches, ham and eggs, and ham in soup all come out of one meal, so the cost feels easier to justify. It also works on a weeknight since there is nothing to baste or watch.

Ham brings a good amount of protein to the plate, which is part of why I do not mind my kids filling up on it. It is salty by nature, so I do not add any salt, and I use low sodium broth or plain water in the bottom of the pot instead of pouring on extra glaze. If you are feeding a smaller group, a smaller spiral ham works the same way. Just start checking it a little earlier so it does not dry out.

🥘Ingredients

👨‍🍳Directions

🔧Equipment

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

📝Notes

Watch Video Of How Crock Pot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze Works

This crock pot spiral ham is always a good idea because it frees up the oven and gives you tender, flavorful slices with almost no effort. It works well for family gatherings since you can start it early and have plenty of room for sides and desserts. I keep coming back to it for holidays and Sunday dinners because it is simple, reliable, and everyone at the table is happy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

1. How long does a spiral ham take to cook in a crock pot?

Most spiral hams sold at the grocery store are fully cooked, so the slow cooker is really reheating and infusing flavor rather than cooking from raw. Plan on about four to six hours on low for a six- to eight-pound ham, or three to four hours on high if you are short on time. The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F in the thickest part, away from the bone.

2. Do I need to add liquid to the crock pot?

Yes, a little liquid helps create steam and keeps the ham from drying out against the hot ceramic insert. Pour about half a cup of water, broth, or apple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the ham. Avoid filling it higher than that, since the ham will release plenty of its own juices as it heats.

3. What size spiral ham fits in a slow cooker?

A six- to eight-pound spiral ham fits comfortably in a standard six-quart oval slow cooker. If your ham is larger than that, trim off a few slices or cut the ham in half so the lid sits flush. A tight lid is what holds the steam in, so never force a ham into a cooker it does not fit.

4. Can I put a frozen spiral ham in the crock pot?

It is best to thaw the ham in the refrigerator first, usually 24 to 48 hours depending on size. Starting from frozen adds several hours of cooking time and can leave the center cold while the outside overcooks. If you are in a pinch, add an extra two to three hours on low and confirm the internal temperature reaches 140°F before serving.

5. How do I keep the ham from drying out?

Keep the lid closed as much as possible so the steam stays trapped, and baste the ham with its own juices once or twice during cooking. Spooning the glaze over the top only during the last 30 minutes also helps, since sugary glazes can scorch if they sit against the heat for hours. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.