Easy Slow Cooker Spiral Ham with Glaze
This Slow Cooker Spiral Ham is juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky honey mustard glaze with orange marmalade. It slow cooks all day making it the perfect holiday ham when you need something hands-off but still special. Whether you’re hosting or just want an easy slow cooker ham with glaze, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
✔ No Oven Needed: Making this marmalade glazed ham in the slow cooker up valuable oven space when you’re cooking a big holiday meal.
✔ Hands-Off Holiday Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.Just glaze and go!
✔ Incredible Flavor: The honey mustard and marmalade glaze gives the ham a beautiful sticky-sweet finish.
✔ Perfect for a Crowd (or Leftovers): This is the best crockpot ham recipe for holidays. It is great for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
This crockpot spiral ham was originally created in 2016 for Kendall’s 13th birthday and now a favorite for holiday dinners and cozy weekends alike. It has been updated from the archives to add recipe tips and FAQs.
★★★★★
Reader Review
“Love luv this glaze. It is just my husband and I, so making a whole ham doesn’t happen often. I bought a small boneless quarter of a ham, sliced it 1/4 to 1/2 in. slices. Placed in a shallow bake pan, coated an baked for 30 min 375 turning and coating every 7 min. Dear hubby loved it! I make it about once a month now. Thank you!”
—Charlotte
Our Favorite Holiday Ham
September is a big birthday month in our house. Both girls celebrate just days apart, and when Kendall turned 13, she had one very specific dinner request: ham. Not pasta. Not takeout. Just ham.
She had been talking about it ever since a family potluck where we came home with leftover holiday ham, and she couldn’t get enough. Since ham isn’t something I usually make, I wanted to find a way to make it feel special without spending all day in the kitchen.
I remembered the honey mustard marmalade glaze I use on corned beef and had a hunch it would be just as good on a spiral ham. So I mixed up the glaze, basted it between the slices, and let the slow cooker do its thing.
The crockpot made it so easy. No oven juggling, no stress. Six hours later, the kitchen smelled amazing, the ham was juicy and tender, and the birthday dinner was a hit.
These days, we make this slow cooker spiral ham for the holidays. It shows up at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Easter. But honestly, we’ve also made it on a random Sunday when someone asks, “Can we have that ham again?”
Slow Cooker Spiral Ham Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy crockpot spiral ham with honey mustard glaze. Make sure to check your fridge and pantry before you shop.
Don’t forget to check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. It has the exact measurements and instructions.
- Spiral-sliced ham: Look for a bone-in, fully cooked ham. Make sure it fits in your slow cooker. Around 6–8 pounds usually works well.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. Light or dark both work.
- Honey: For richness and balance. You can use any variety you like.
- Orange marmalade: Adds citrusy brightness to cut through the richness of the ham.
- Coarse mustard: A key flavor in the glaze. I like this one for its texture and bold flavor.
- Spicy brown mustard: Adds depth and a little kick. Don’t skip it!
- Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the glaze after cooking, especially if you plan to broil the ham or serve extra glaze at the table.
How to Cook Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook spiral ham without drying it out, the slow cooker is your best friend. This spiral ham in crock pot method keeps things simple and stress-free and the ham turns out juicy and full of flavor.
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Make the glaze: Combine brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade, coarse mustard, and spicy brown mustard in a saucepan. Heat until smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
- Prep the ham: Place the spiral-sliced ham flat-side down in the slow cooker. Baste generously with the glaze, making sure to get it between the slices.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Basting occasionally is optional, but it adds extra flavor.
- Thicken the glaze (optional): Simmer the cooking liquid with cornstarch to create a thick glaze for serving or broiling.
- Broil for a sticky finish: Brush the thickened glaze over the ham and broil for a few minutes until caramelized and shiny. Serve extra glaze on the side.
The above is simply a quick summary of this easy slow cooker ham recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making this Ham Recipe
- Choose a spiral-cut ham: Bone-in or boneless both work. Just make sure it’s already spiral sliced. Cutting it yourself can be tricky, and the pre-sliced versions absorb glaze more evenly.
- Make sure the ham fits your slow cooker: If your ham is a little too tall for the lid to close, don’t worry. You can trim a bit off the bottom or top, or cover the slow cooker tightly with a double layer of foil.
- Don’t skimp on the glaze: The sugar and honey are what give the ham that glossy, sticky coating. Now’s not the time to go light. Use the full amount for the best flavor and texture.
- Broiling is optional (but worth it): If you don’t have space in your oven, you can skip the broil step. But if you can swing it, a quick blast under the broiler gives the glaze a caramelized, slightly crisp finish that’s so worth the extra minute.
What to Serve with Crockpot Spiral Ham
This crockpot spiral ham is perfect for holiday dinners, family celebrations, or cozy weekends at home.
Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, prepping for Christmas dinner, or looking for the perfect Easter side dishes, I’ve got you covered.
For Thanksgiving and Christmas, this marmalade glazed ham in the slow cooker goes great with these favorite sides:
- Apple Cider Roasted Squash: Acorn squash is roasted with a hint of apple cider for a sweet and savory side that’s simple yet elegant.
- Garlic Bacon Green Beans: Rich, earthy mushrooms elevate these sautéed green beans. Delicious alongside the sweetness of glazed ham.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with salty bacon and tangy balsamic make a perfect holiday pairing.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A colorful winter salad with sweet squash, juicy pomegranate, tangy cheese, and candied walnuts.
- Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy mashed potatoes made extra flavorful with nutty browned butter and grated parmesan.
For Easter, we love to serve this slow cooker marmalade glazed ham with these sides:
- Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of thin potatoes in a creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for Easter or any spring celebration.
- Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots: Naturally sweet carrots caramelize in the oven with a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Grilled Asparagus: Smoky and crisp, this grilled asparagus comes together fast and adds a pop of green to the table.
Slow Cooker Spiral Ham FAQs
Got questions about how to make or store this ham with orange marmalade glaze? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions. Still wondering about something? Drop your question in the comments and I’ll get back to you!
What if my ham doesn’t fit in the slow cooker?
Don’t worry, you’ve got options!
If your slow cooker is too small, you can cook the spiral-sliced ham in a large Dutch oven or braiser with a lid. Here’s how:
- Place the ham inside the pot and baste it on all sides with the honey mustard glaze. Be sure to pour some between the spiral slices for extra flavor.
- Cover with the lid and bake at 300°F for about 3 to 4 hours, basting every 1½ hours if you like.
- When it’s done, transfer the ham to an oven-safe platter.
- Remove 1 cup of the cooking liquid and simmer it in a small saucepan with cornstarch to thicken.
- Glaze the ham and broil briefly to get that sticky, caramelized finish.
Other workarounds if your ham is just slightly too big:
- Try a roasting bag: These oven-safe bags create a steamy, slow-cooked effect in the oven—just like a slow cooker.
- Trim to fit: If the lid won’t quite close, you can trim a bit off the top or bottom of the ham.
- Use foil instead of the lid: Tightly cover the top of the slow cooker with a double layer of foil. It’ll still trap in plenty of heat and moisture.
How much ham should I serve per person?
For bone-in ham, plan on about ¾ pound per person. For boneless ham, ½ pound per person is usually enough.
How do you reheat leftover ham?
You can reheat ham in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or warm it gently in a slow cooker. Add a splash of broth or water and cover to keep it moist.
Can You Freeze Leftover Ham?
Yes, very easily! If you wind up with leftover ham, slice it up and wrap it in aluminum foil. Then store the foil-wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag.
I like wrapping the ham in foil first so I can thaw just a little at a time for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. Need step-by-step instructions? Check out my full tutorial: Guide to Freezing Ham
How Do You Store the Leftover Ham Bone?
Make sure you save the ham bone if you want to make homemade stock or add flavor to soups like split pea or potato ham. The process is nearly identical to making turkey stock, just swap the ham bone in place of the turkey carcass.
If you’re not ready to use it right away:
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days, or
- Freeze it in a large zip-top bag or vacuum sealer for up to 1 year.
When you’re ready, just thaw it and use it like you would a turkey carcass for stock. Need help with freezing tips? I walk through the steps in this post: How to Freeze Ham.
What to Make with Leftover Ham
Not sure what to do with the extra ham? These easy leftover ham recipes are perfect for cozy meals throughout the week. From comforting soups to make-ahead breakfasts, here are a few of our favorites:
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I hope this slow cooker spiral ham becomes a favorite in your family too!
Easy Glazed Slow Cooker Spiral Ham Recipe
This slow cooker spiral ham is juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky honey mustard glaze with orange marmalade. A hands-off holiday favorite!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Orange Marmalade Jam
- 2 tablespoons Coarse Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Spicy Brown Mustard
- 8 lb. Spiral Sliced Ham
- 1 - 3 teaspoons Cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade jam, coarse mustard, and spicy brown mustard.
- Cook over medium low heat, while whisking, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from heat.
- Place the spiral sliced ham inside the crock of a large slow cooker (or electric roaster).
- Using a pastry brush, baste the ham on all sides, making sure to pour some of the glaze in between the layers.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 - 8 hours, basting every 2 hours if desired.
- After the ham has cooked for 6 - 8 hours, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to an oven safe platter.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Remove 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and transfer it to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the cornstarch, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired thickness is achieved.
- Then, brush the thickened glaze over the outside of the ham and in between the layers.
- Place the oven safe ham in the oven on the second to lowest rack.
- Cook under the broiler and broil for 5 - 10 minutes, or until the glaze is thick and shiny.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Notes
FAQs Covered in the Post
Check out the answers to these common questions in the blog post
- How much ham should I serve per person?
- What if my ham doesn’t fit in the slow cooker?
- How do you reheat leftover ham?
- Can you freeze leftover ham?
- How do you store the leftover ham bone?
- What should I make with leftover ham?
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 497Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 194mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gProtein: 67g
Teresa says
This looks so good but, what do you suggest in lieu of the mustard. My husband hates all mustard??
Katie says
I suppose you could leave it out.
Pixie says
Does the ham need to be pre-cooked or can I put a raw ham in using this recipe?
Katie says
In my experience ham is usually precooked but it is cold from the grocery store. I always use a pre-slice spiral ham in this recipe. Unfortunately I haven’t seen a raw ham so I can’t comment on that.
sabrina says
a gorgeous recipe, whether for Thanksgiving or not! Thank you for this recipe, haven’t made this type of ham recipe in years, great reminder!
Rebecca says
I want to do this Thanksgiving morning, but will need to use the oven as my ham is too big. Any suggestions on how long to oven bake?
Katie says
It depends on what temperature you are wanting to cook the ham at. If you cook it very low, around 225-250 degrees F, in the oven in a dutch oven with a lid, you can cook it longer as if you are slow cooking it. If you want to cook it for less time then you would increase the heat to 350 degrees F and cook it around 10-15 minutes per pound. Hope that helps. Enjoy!
McCoy says
I would love to try this recipe for Thanksgiving. But we will be in an RV for the holiday and the oven is not big enough, and has no broiler option. If we skipped the oven step would it still work? Or any suggestions? Thanks!
Katie says
Yes, you can skip the oven/broiler. Just boil and thicken some of the glaze in a saucepan, with cornstarch wisked if necessary, and serve with the glaze. Does that make sense? Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!
Charlotte says
Love luv this glaze…..it is just my husband an I so making a whole ham doesn’t happen often. I bought about small boneless quarter of a kentucky legends ham, sliced it 1/4 to 1/2 in. slices. Placed in a shallow bake pan, coated an baked for 30 min 375 turning and coating every 7 min.. ..dear hubby loved it! i make it about once a month now…Thank you!
Katie says
YUM! So glad you like it!
Savana says
If you use a pre cooked ham, do you cook it for the same amount of time?
Katie says
Yes this was a precooked spiral ham I got at Costco.
Jessica says
Can you use like a pre-cooked spiral sliced ham? The sort that you just put in the oven to warm and glaze?
Katie says
Yes
Tony Marra says
Can you suggest cooking times for smaller hams? I might use a quarter ham.
Katie says
I have not done a ham that small, but I would cook for 2 – 3 hours for a smaller ham and test the tenderness of the meat and if it is hot all the way through. If not, I suggest checking at 30 minute intervals after the initial 2 – 3 hours. Good luck!