Hosting a holiday dinner is stressful enough without having to play Tetris with your oven. Between the potato casserole, the roasted asparagus, and the dinner rolls, oven space is prime real estate on Easter Sunday.
Enter the ultimate hosting hack: The Crockpot Spiral Ham.
Not only does using the slow cooker free up your oven completely, but it also solves the biggest problem with spiral hams: dry meat. The slow cooker traps the steam and moisture, gently warming the ham while infusing it with a sticky, sweet, and tangy Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze. It is melt-in-your-mouth tender and takes exactly 5 minutes of prep time.
🛒 The Ingredients (Only 4 Items!)
Since you are buying a “fully cooked” spiral ham, we aren’t actually cooking the meat—we are just gently heating it and infusing it with flavor.
- 1 (8 to 10 lb) Bone-in Spiral Cut Ham: Pro-Tip: Make sure to measure your slow cooker first! An 8-pound ham usually fits perfectly in a standard 6-quart oval Crockpot. If it’s slightly too tall, just cover the top tightly with heavy-duty foil instead of the glass lid!
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed.
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice (or Apple Cider).
- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard.
- Optional Garnish: Pineapple rings and Maraschino cherries.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Generously spray the insert of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to make clean-up easier later.
Step 2: Place the Ham
Unwrap your spiral ham and discard the seasoning packet it comes with (our homemade glaze is much better!). Place the ham flat-side down into the slow cooker. Gently separate the slices slightly with your fingers so the glaze can get inside.
Step 3: The Sticky Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard until it forms a thick, wet paste.
Step 4: Pour and Rub
Pour the glaze directly over the top of the ham. Use a pastry brush or your hands to rub the glaze all over the outside and down in between the spiral slices. (If you are using pineapple rings, use toothpicks to pin them to the outside of the ham now).
Step 5: Slow Cook (Low and Slow!) 🛑
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Do not cook this on High! High heat will dry out the edges of the ham. You just want it warmed through to the center.
Step 6: Baste and Serve
Once the ham is heated through, carefully remove it to a serving platter. The bottom of your slow cooker will be full of incredible, sweet ham juices. Use a ladle to scoop up those pan juices and baste the ham generously before serving.
💡 The “Crispy Edges” Hack:
If you love those caramelized, slightly crispy edges on your ham, simply transfer the warmed ham from the slow cooker to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon the juices over it, and pop it under your oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes right before placing it on the dinner table. Watch it closely so the sugar doesn’t burn!
