Perfect Slow Cooker Glazed Spiral Ham

Name: Perfect Slow Cooker Glazed Spiral Ham
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 270 min
Ingredients: 1 (5-7 lbs.) ham ((boneless or bone-in ham)); ½ cup pineapple preserves ((or apricot preserves)); ½ cup light brown sugar; 1 cup apple cider ((or pineapple juice) (both work perfectly)); ¼ cup Dijon mustard ((or brown mustard)); ½ teaspoon allspice ((adjust to taste)); 2 tablespoons honey ((optional but amazing for shine + stickiness)); 2 teaspoons ground ginger ((for warmth and depth)); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional for subtle heat)); 1 (15 oz -can) pineapple chunks or rings ((stuff in between the slices))

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Whenever I need a no-stress holiday main dish, this Perfect Slow Cooker Glazed Spiral Ham is the recipe I always reach for. It turns out juicy, tender, and perfectly caramelized every single time, and the best part is that the slow cooker does all the work for me. I love making this ham for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or even casual family gatherings when I want something delicious without a lot of effort. It fills the whole house with the sweetest holiday smell, and everyone always assumes I spent hours cooking when it practically makes itself.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

I love that this slow cooker ham stays so juicy and tender, and I never have to worry about it drying out.
The sweet and tangy brown sugar and pineapple glaze melts right into the ham, and it tastes better than any store-bought glaze packet.
It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it holiday recipe, which makes my kitchen feel calmer and lets me actually enjoy the day.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

1 (5–7 lb) spiral-cut boneless ham – I like using a spiral ham because it’s already sliced and the glaze seeps into every layer.
½ cup pineapple preserves (or apricot preserves) – I use this for sweetness and a fruity flavor that makes the glaze extra glossy.
½ cup light brown sugar – This melts down and helps caramelize the outside of the ham.
1 cup apple cider OR pineapple juice – Either one adds moisture and helps keep the ham tender while it cooks.
¼ cup Dijon or brown mustard – I add this for tanginess and balance.
½ tsp allspice OR ¼ tsp cloves – These warm spices make the ham taste like the holidays.
2–3 tbsp honey (optional) – I love adding this for shine and a sticky, candy-like glaze.
2 tsp ground ginger – This gives the glaze a warm, cozy flavor.
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – Just a tiny bit of heat to balance the sweetness.

HOW TO PREPARE THE PERFECTLY GLAZED HOLIDAY SPIRAL HAM?

Time needed: 4 hours and 30 minutes

Prepare the Slow Cooker:

Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Place a 5–7 lb spiral-cut ham (boneless or bone-in) cut-side down or on its side, depending on what fits best. If the lid doesn’t fully close, cover the top with foil before placing the lid on.
Add Pineapple to the Ham Slices:

Drain a 15-oz can of pineapple chunks or rings and tuck the pieces between the slices of the ham. This adds moisture and a sweet, fruity flavor during cooking.
Prepare the Glaze:

In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup pineapple preserves (or apricot preserves), ½ cup light brown sugar, 1 cup apple cider or pineapple juice, ¼ cup Dijon or brown mustard, ½ teaspoon allspice, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Mix until smooth and well combined.

Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, allowing it to run between the slices. Spoon some glaze between layers to ensure even flavor.
Slow Cook the Ham:

Cover and cook the ham on LOW for 4-5 hours, or HIGH for 2–3 hours. The ham is already fully cooked, so the goal is to heat it through while infusing it with the glaze.

Baste During Cooking (Optional): Halfway through the cooking time, spoon some of the hot glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top of the ham to help develop a stickier, more flavorful crust.
Finish With Extra Glaze:

Once heated through, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. Pour some of the glaze from the slow cooker over the top for extra shine and flavor. If you like the crusty glaze look on the ham, transfer the ham to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes.

Allow the ham to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing along the spiral cuts and serving.

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to cook the ham before glazing it?

No, I don’t. Most store-bought hams are already fully cooked, so I’m just reheating it and adding flavor with the glaze.

Should I put the ham cut-side down or up?

I place it cut-side down so the slices stay juicy and don’t dry out.

How do I keep the ham from drying out in the slow cooker?

I make sure to cover it tightly with the lid, add liquid, and cook it on LOW only.

How do I know the ham is done?

I check that it’s warmed to about 140°F, which is perfect for a fully cooked ham.

Recipe Substitutions & Variations

I love how flexible this juicy Christmas ham recipe is. Here are a few simple swaps I use when I want to mix things up:

Swap the preserves: I use pineapple preserves for a classic pineapple glazed ham, but apricot, peach, or even orange marmalade work just as well.
Change up the spices: I switch ginger for cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves when I want a warmer holiday glazed ham flavor.
Try different liquids: I use apple cider, pineapple juice, or orange juice to keep the ham sweet and tender in the crockpot.
Add toppings: Sometimes I add maraschino cherries, orange slices, or even a little maple syrup for a fun twist on easy crockpot ham.

Cooking Tips for Recipe Success

These tips help me get the perfect juicy spiral ham every time:

I always cook the ham on LOW so it stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
I tuck pineapple chunks between the slices to make the ham extra juicy and flavorful.
I save a little glaze to brush on at the very end so the ham has that shiny, sweet finish everyone loves.

What Is Commonly Served With Juicy Christmas Ham?

I love serving this slow cooker ham with cozy holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or macaroni and cheese. For drinks, cranberry spritzers, sparkling apple cider, and warm mulled wine pair really well with the sweet glaze. This ham is perfect for Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, Thanksgiving, or any big family holiday meal. It also works great for potlucks, church dinners, and easy weekend gatherings.

How to Store Leftover Pineapple Glazed Ham for Later?

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4–5 days. I save some of the extra glaze to spoon over the ham when reheating so it stays juicy. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm the slices gently in the oven or microwave so they don’t dry out.

Can Leftover Spiral Ham Be Frozen?

Yes, I freeze leftover ham all the time, and it turns out great. I slice it first, wrap it tightly, and store it in freezer bags so it’s easy to grab for quick meals. Frozen ham stays good for about 2–3 months and works perfectly in soups, casseroles, breakfast dishes, and leftover ham dinners.

LOOKING FOR MORE HOLIDAY RECIPES? TRY THESE!

Turkey Brine for a Moist Holiday Turkey

Brined Spatchcock Turkey for the Holidays

Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe

Roasted Turkey Legs

Final Thoughts

This perfect slow cooker glazed ham is one of my favorite easy holiday recipes because it always turns out juicy, sweet, and tender with almost no effort. If you try this pineapple ham recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know how it turned out — I love hearing how it worked for you and your family. I hope it becomes a go-to for your holiday table the same way it has for mine!

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5 from 4 votes