Okay, picture this: Is there Christmas Eve, the family’s buzzing around, and the aroma of cinnamon and pine is filling the house. But the oven is already packed with side dishes, and the thought of wrestling with a giant ham for hours is not worth it. What is it like to have hours of shivers down your spine? When I pull out my secret weapon, I can’t believe it’s my weapon.Crockpot Spiral Ham.Is this recipe a game changer? Is it easier to cook ham than roasting it? Think of it as the holiday dinner version of your favorite slow-cooked Pulled Pork – just way more flavorful.
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What is a crockpot spiral ham?
What exactly is a ‘she’?Crockpot Spiral Ham:What does it sound like? What is a pre-cooked, spiral-sliced ham that you gently heat and glaze in your crockpot, or Slow Cooker? What is the easiest way to get a holiday centerpiece without all the fuss? Stress of oven-roasting The slow cooker warms the ham, infusing it with flavor from the glaze and keeping it moist. incredibly juicy. What is a “set it and forget it” holiday cooking?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do I love this book?Crockpot Spiral Ham recipe, but let me give you the highlights. First, the flavor is simply incredible. The combination of the smoky ham with the sweet and tangy glaze is just divine. It’s that perfect balance of savory and sweet that everyone craves during the holidays. Plus, the Slow Cooker method keeps the ham unbelievably moist – no more dry, tough ham!
Second, it’s unbelievably simple. I mean, seriously, you just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. No basting, no temperature monitoring, no wrestling with a giant, unwieldy ham. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights *and* during the holidays when you’re already juggling a million other things.
Third, let’s talk about cost-efficiency. A spiral ham is already a pretty economical choice, but by cooking it in the crockpot, you free up your oven for all those delicious side dishes. Plus, the leftovers are amazing! I make ham sandwiches, ham and bean soup, even ham and cheese omelets – the possibilities are endless.
What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can customize the glaze to your liking – I’ve tried honey mustard, brown sugar, even maple syrup variations! This recipe is infinitely adaptable, and it always delivers a show-stopping, mouthwatering ham.
How do you make a crockpot spiral ham?
Quick Overview
Making a Crockpot Spiral Ham: is seriously the easiest way to cook a ham, ever! You’ll basically nestle your spiral ham into your Slow Cooker, slather it with a delicious glaze, and let it slowly warm to perfection. The beauty of this method is that the slow cooker keeps the ham incredibly moist and infused with flavor, all while freeing up your oven for other holiday dishes. Trust me, you’ll never go back to roasting a ham again!
Ingredients
For the Ham:
* 1 (7-9 pound) fully-cooked spiral-sliced ham. I usually go for the bone-in kind because I think it adds more flavor, but a boneless ham will work too. Just make sure it fits in your crockpot!
* 1 cup pineapple juice. This adds a touch of sweetness and helps to keep the ham moist.
For the Glaze:
* ½ cup brown sugar, packed. Light or dark brown sugar works – use what you have on hand!
* ¼ cup Dijon mustard. This adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
* 2 tablespoons honey. Adds extra sweetness and makes the glaze nice and sticky.
* 1 tablespoon Apple Cider vinegar. A little acidity helps to cut through the richness of the ham.
* 1 teaspoon ground cloves. This adds a warm, festive spice that complements the ham perfectly.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
First, you’ll want to take your spiral ham out of the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the glaze adhere better. Then, place the ham cut-side down (flat side down) in your slow cooker. If your ham is too big to fit snugly, you can trim a bit off the bottom – just be careful not to cut too much off! I always do this when I have an oval ham, and the crockpot is round. Save that little bit of extra ham for snacking!
Step 2: Add Pineapple Juice
Pour the pineapple juice over the ham. This will help keep it moist and add a subtle sweetness. If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use apple juice or even water in a pinch, but I really recommend the pineapple juice for the best flavor.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until well combined. The glaze should be smooth and thick. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick – it’s surprisingly delicious!
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get it into all the crevices of the spiral slices. You can use a spoon or a pastry brush to help spread the glaze. Don’t worry if some of the glaze drips down into the bottom of the slow cooker – that’s totally fine!
Step 5: Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is heated through. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. How do you cook ham? I always start checking my phone at 3 am just to be safe.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the ham is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. What should I do before slicing and serving? This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. I like to drizzle some glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the sliced ham before serving.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice the ham along the spiral cuts. Serve immediately and enjoy! What are some great side dishes to serve with ham?
What should I serve it with?
This Crockpot Spiral Ham.is a holiday superstar, but it’s also great for everyday meals. What are some of my favorite ways to serve it?
For a Holiday Feast:Serve it with classic side like mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato, and arugula. What is cranberry sauce? Don’t forget the dinner rolls!
What’s a good weeknight dinner?What is a good side salad to serve with it?
For Sandwiches: Slice the ham thinly and pile it high on your favorite bread with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
In Soups and Salads: What areDice ham and add it to soups, salads or omelets for a boost of flavor and protein.
My family has a tradition of making scalloped potatoes the day after we have ham. What are some of the best ham recipes?
How do I make a crockpot spiral ham?
Want to make sure your Crockpot Spiral Ham.What are some tips for a successful business?
How do I choose the right size ham? Make sure your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker. If it’s too big, you can trim it down, but be careful not to cut off too much.
Don’t Overcook It: The ham is already cooked, so you’re just heating it through. Overcooking it will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and pull it out when it reaches 140°F (60°C).
Customize the Glaze: Get creative with your glaze! Try adding different spices, herbs, or sweeteners to create your own unique flavor. I’ve even seen people add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for an extra kick.
Use a Slow Cooker Liner: This will make cleanup a breeze! Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Save the Bone: If you use a bone-in ham, save the bone to make ham and bean soup. It adds so much flavor!
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to try new things. You might just discover your new favorite way to make Crockpot Spiral Ham!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Crockpot Spiral Ham:
Storing: Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat the ham, you can either slice it and microwave it for a few seconds, or you can bake it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. I like to add a little bit of water or broth to the baking dish to keep it moist.
I’ve found that the glaze holds up really well in the fridge. It’s just as delicious a few days later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for the easiest, most delicious Crockpot Spiral Ham you’ll ever make. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s incredibly simple, it keeps the ham moist and flavorful, and it frees up your oven for other dishes. Plus, the leftovers are amazing! What’s not to love?
If you’re looking for other easy and delicious holiday recipes, be sure to check out my blog for more inspiration. And if you try this recipe, be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy cooking!
Crockpot Spiral Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 piece Spiral Sliced Ham (approx. 6-8 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place the spiral ham in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the mixture over the ham.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until heated through.
