There’s something so comforting about a spiral ham, isn’t there? It’s tender, juicy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. But here’s the best part: this Crockpot Spiral Ham is ridiculously easy to make! Toss it in your slow cooker, let it do its magic, and in a few hours, you’ve got a sweet, tangy, and caramelized ham that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The pineapple glaze is the star here—just the right mix of sweetness and zest to make the ham sing! Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, this recipe is one you’ll come back to over and over again.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked spiral ham (7-10 lbs)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Tools:
- Slow cooker (large enough for the ham)
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
Pro Tips
- Keep the ham moist: Add the pineapple juice to the bottom of the slow cooker—this will keep the ham juicy and flavorful.
- Use foil to prevent burning: If your ham is sticking out of the slow cooker, cover it tightly with foil to trap the heat.
- Glaze in layers: Baste the ham with the glaze a couple of times during cooking for maximum flavor.
- Slice before serving: While spiral hams come pre-sliced, give it a quick once-over with a knife to loosen the slices—it makes serving so much easier.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the ham rest for 10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Possible Substitutions and Variations
- No pineapple? Use orange juice instead! It’s a slightly different flavor but still delicious.
- Low sugar option: Swap brown sugar for a sugar substitute like monk fruit or coconut sugar.
- Add a smoky twist: Mix a bit of smoked paprika into the glaze for a hint of smokiness.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up slightly before using.
- Cook the ham ahead of time and keep it warm in the slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting until ready to serve.
Instructions
1. Prep the ham
Place the spiral ham cut side down in your slow cooker. Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of the cooker.
2. Make the glaze
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat over medium until it forms a thick glaze (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Glaze the ham
Use a basting brush to generously coat the ham with the glaze. Cover the slow cooker with the lid (or foil if the ham sticks out).
4. Cook the ham
Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 4-5 hours, basting with the glaze every hour.
5. Add pineapple and cherries
During the last hour, arrange pineapple slices and cherries on top of the ham. Baste with more glaze to coat them.
6. Serve
Once done, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any leftover glaze.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat slices in the microwave or oven, adding a bit of leftover glaze to keep them moist.
Wrap-Up
There you have it! An easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing Crockpot Spiral Ham with Pineapple Glaze that’s perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s one of my go-to dishes for family gatherings. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your experience or any questions you have. Happy cooking! 😊
