Skip the oven this holiday season and let your slow cooker do the work! This Crockpot Spiral Ham is coated in a rich glaze made with brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice, then slow-cooked until tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized. It’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing main dish that saves valuable oven space while delivering big flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making ham in the crockpot is one of my favorite hosting hacks during the holidays. Here’s why this recipe is always a winner:
- Moist & Flavorful: The pineapple juice and honey glaze keep the ham juicy, while the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully around the edges.
- Saves Oven Space: Free up your oven for casseroles, stuffing, and other holiday favorites while the ham cooks low and slow in the crockpot.
- Stress-Free: Just mix the glaze, pour it over the ham, and let the slow cooker handle the rest. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy my baked ham with orange glaze or my quick and easy air fryer ham.
What is a Spiral Ham?
Spiral ham is typically a bone-in ham that has been pre-sliced in a spiral by the butcher. It’s already cooked—so what you’re really doing is reheating it and infusing it with glaze. The pre-cut slices make serving a breeze since you can easily cut along the spiral lines for neat, even pieces.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy slow cooker ham:
- Spiral Ham (8–10 lbs): Bone-in works best for juicy, tender results.
- Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness and caramel flavor.
- Honey: Can be swapped with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Pineapple Slices + Juice: Keeps the ham moist and adds fruity tang.
- Butter: Helps the glaze cling and caramelize.
- Ground Cloves: Balances sweetness with warm spice.
How to Make Crockpot Ham
Follow these simple steps for the perfect slow cooker ham:
- Prepare the Ham: Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray. Place the ham cut side down.
- Mix the Glaze: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and cloves into a paste. Spread evenly over the ham.
- Add Pineapple: Arrange pineapple slices on top, securing with toothpicks if needed. Pour the reserved pineapple juice over the ham.
- Slow Cook: Cover with the lid (or foil if it doesn’t fit) and cook on low for 3–4 hours, until the ham reaches 145°F.
- Baste & Rest: Spoon juices over the ham, then let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Get Crispy Edges
If you love those caramelized oven-baked edges, here’s the trick:
- Transfer the cooked ham to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle on extra brown sugar.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes, just until bubbly and crisp.
- Keep a close eye—sugar burns quickly!
Tips & Variations
- Use a Large Oval Crockpot: An 8-quart slow cooker fits a 9-lb ham perfectly.
- Don’t Slice in the Crockpot: Remove the ham before carving—it’s much easier on a platter.
- Let It Rest: Resting helps the juices soak back in for maximum tenderness.
- No Pineapple? Swap with apple cider or orange juice.
What to Serve with Crockpot Ham
This holiday ham pairs perfectly with classic sides like:
- Green Bean Casserole
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Homemade Stuffing
- Cranberry Sauce
Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 8–10 lb spiral ham
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple slices, juice reserved
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Coat crockpot with nonstick spray. Place ham cut side down.
- Mix butter, brown sugar, honey, and cloves into a paste. Spread over ham.
- Top with pineapple slices and pour reserved juice over ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, until heated through (145°F).
- Baste with juices, rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Optional: For crispy edges, broil ham with extra brown sugar for 1–2 minutes before serving.