This crockpot spiral ham slow cooks in a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze with pineapple and maple. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for holidays with just 5 minutes of prep.

Close up photo of crockpot spiral ham showing tender ham slices.

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Easy Spiral Ham in the Crock Pot

We love to serve this crockpot spiral ham for our Christmas dinner or as part of the Easter menu. It’s easy to make with a simple 5 ingredient brown sugar glaze plus it frees up oven space and always turns out delicious!

I love this honey baked ham recipe and this oven baked ham but cooking ham in the crockpot is so effortless! With only 5 minutes of prep, the crock pot does the cooking making this the easiest ham recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

Vertical photo crockpot spiral ham on a plate.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Ham: I use bone-in ham ranging from 7-10 pounds.
  • Brown sugar: This adds a rich, caramelized taste. Pack it tightly when measuring.
  • Maple syrup: Pure, maple flavor that contributes to the sweetness.
  • Pineapple juice: A sweet, tropical flavor that blends so nicely with the other ingredients.
  • Spicy brown mustard: Adds a tangy kick that helps balance out the sweetness.
  • Balsamic vinegar: A tart and sweet boost of flavor.

How to Cook a Spiral Ham in a Crock Pot

The process of making crockpot spiral ham in a four step photo collage.
  1. Add ham to crockpot. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray then place the ham inside.
  2. Coat with glaze. Rub glaze ingredients (except pineapple juice) over the meat using your hands. Then pour pineapple juice into the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Cover with a lid or foil. Cover with lid (or aluminum foil if lid won’t fit).
  4. Cook in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, basting twice during the last hour.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Spiral Ham

  • Cook on Low for the most tender, juicy results, high heat will dry out the spiral ham.
  • Don’t add extra water. The pineapple juice and ham’s own juices create a flavorful, steamy environment that adds moisture while slow cooking. Extra liquid can water down the glaze.
  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure the ham reaches 140°F in the center before serving.
  • Ham too big for the lid? Cover with 3 pieces of heavy-duty foil and seal it well, it cooks just fine without a tight-fitting lid.
  • Want a richer glaze? Spoon juices over the ham during the last hour, or reduce the sauce briefly on the stovetop before serving.

Serving Suggestions

I usually serve this crockpot ham at the holidays, so I like to pair it with a mix of comforting favorites like creamy mashed potatoes, a vegetable like glazed carrots or a simple salad, and a warm dinner roll to soak up the glaze.

Using Leftover Ham

Leftover crock pot ham might be the best part. I’ll dice some into scalloped potatoes and ham, toss it into a pot of ham and bean soup, or make a quick ham fried rice for breakfast the next day. It keeps well and works in just about anything including this easy ham and cheese breakfast pie

Tender slices of crockpot spiral ham on a plate.

Are you looking for more ham recipes? Ham and cheese crepes or this ham and potato casserole put leftover crock pot spiral ham to good use!

More Ham Recipes

Crockpot spiral ham on white plate showing tender slow cooked slices.

Crockpot Spiral Ham

4.98 from 47 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24
This crockpot spiral ham slow cooks in a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze with pineapple and maple. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for holidays with just 5 minutes of prep.
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Video

Ingredients 

  • 7-10 pound bone-in spiral ham
  • 1 cup light brown sugar , packed
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups pineapple juice

Instructions

  • Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Remove the ham from the wrapper and discard glaze packet, if there is one. Place inside prepared slow cooker.
  • Rub brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, and balsamic vinegar all over the meat using your hands. Pour pineapple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Cover tightly, either with the lid or aluminum foil, and cook on low 4 to 5 hours, basting twice during the last hour. You can also flip the ham during the last hour, if desired.
  • Remove from slow cooker and let rest 10 minutes. Slice the meat off the bone and serve warm.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Large ham: If the spiral ham you buy is too large for your slow cooker, don’t worry. I used a 10-pound ham and it was too big for the lid of my slow cooker to fit. Just place 3 pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil over the ham, covering tightly. You basically are steaming it with a tight seal.
Variations: You can make this glaze your own by swapping ingredients for Dijon mustard, honey, or orange juice. 
Storage: Store leftover ham in its juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 82mg, Sodium: 1588mg, Potassium: 434mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 2IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

How long does it take to cook a spiral ham in the crockpot?

About 4 to 5 hours on LOW for a 7–10 lb bone-in spiral ham. You’re just warming it through while it soaks in the glaze. Baste it once or twice during the last hour to keep it juicy.

What do I do with the glaze packet that comes with the ham?

Toss it! This homemade glaze has way more flavor than the packet mix.

Will ham dry out in the crockpot?

Not if you cook it on low. High heat can make it tough or rubbery. Slow and steady keeps it tender and moist.

How to store leftover ham?

Slice and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.