The Brown Sugar Glazed Crock Pot Ham is a showstopping centerpiece for any holiday table. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s the perfect dish for busy home cooks who still want to impress guests with deep flavor and mouthwatering tenderness. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich glaze of brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice, this spiral ham delivers both sweetness and savory satisfaction in every slice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for Easter, Christmas, or any family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for years to come.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (7-8 lb) bone-in spiral sliced ham
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1 ½ cups brown sugar
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¾ cup maple syrup
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1 cup pineapple juice
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1 teaspoon ground mustard
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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Pineapple slices (optional for garnish)
Directions:
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Remove ham from packaging and discard the glaze packet. Place the ham cut-side down into a large slow cooker.
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In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground mustard, cloves, and cinnamon until smooth.
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Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender.
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Baste the ham every hour with the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Optional: Broil the ham for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking for a caramelized finish.
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Garnish with pineapple slices before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
A Beloved Classic with a Slow Cooker Twist
This Brown Sugar Glazed Crock Pot Ham is more than just a holiday main dish—it’s a timeless classic reimagined for the modern kitchen. Traditionally reserved for oven-roasting, spiral ham gets a much-needed update with the convenience and flavor infusion that only a slow cooker can offer. Whether you’re prepping for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a special Sunday dinner, this recipe simplifies the process while enhancing the taste.
Spiral hams are pre-cooked and pre-sliced, making them incredibly user-friendly, but they also have a tendency to dry out during reheating. That’s where the slow cooker shines. It creates a moist cooking environment that keeps the meat tender and juicy from edge to edge. Combine that with a rich brown sugar and pineapple glaze, and you get a ham that’s perfectly sweet, slightly tangy, and deeply savory with every bite.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
There are plenty of ways to cook ham, but this Crock Pot version stands out for several reasons:
- Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep and no basting in the oven, it’s one of the easiest ways to prepare a holiday main dish. Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’re free to focus on sides or entertain guests.
- Flavor-Packed Glaze: The brown sugar, pineapple juice, and maple syrup create a luxurious glaze that penetrates the slices of the spiral ham, coating each layer with sweet and savory goodness.
- Perfect Texture: Because it’s cooked slowly at a low temperature, the ham stays tender and moist throughout, without the risk of drying out like oven-baked versions.
- Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, the final result looks festive and beautiful on a platter, especially with pineapple slices or fresh herbs for garnish.
- Scalable for Gatherings: Whether you’re serving a small group or a large holiday crowd, spiral hams come in various sizes and the recipe scales beautifully.
An Ideal Centerpiece for Holidays
This dish has become a go-to centerpiece for holiday meals thanks to its balance of rich flavor and visual appeal. The combination of sweet brown sugar and maple syrup with acidic pineapple juice makes for a glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering exterior. Garnished with pineapple rings and perhaps some maraschino cherries, it evokes nostalgic memories of traditional holiday meals while feeling fresh and current.
The aroma alone—warm, spicy, and sweet—is enough to make your home feel festive. And since it requires little attention during cooking, it also allows you to be more present with your loved ones, which is what holidays are truly about.
Great for Leftovers
Another major advantage of this recipe is its versatility after the big meal. Leftover ham is incredibly flexible and can be used in everything from sandwiches and omelets to soups, casseroles, and fried rice. The flavorful glaze clings to each slice, enhancing whatever dish you repurpose it in. This extends the life of your meal prep and ensures nothing goes to waste.
Nutritional Benefits of Ham (in Moderation)
Ham, particularly the bone-in variety, is a great source of high-quality protein and contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, especially thiamin and niacin. When prepared in a homemade glaze, like in this recipe, you have full control over the ingredients and can limit excess preservatives and sodium found in some store-bought glazed hams.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Crock Pot Ham turns out perfectly every time:
- Use a spiral-sliced, bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. The bone helps retain moisture, and the spiral cut ensures the glaze gets into every bite.
- Don’t skip basting every hour if possible. It’s not essential, but it will enhance the caramelization and flavor of the glaze.
- If your ham is too large for your slow cooker, don’t worry. You can trim it slightly or cover it with foil and place the lid as tightly as possible over the foil to retain heat.
- Finish with a broil for a restaurant-style crust. After slow cooking, place the ham under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sugars further and add a slight crisp to the edges.
Budget-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Despite its luxurious appearance and flavor, this recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. Spiral hams often go on sale around holidays, and the rest of the ingredients—brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and spices—are pantry staples. With the ability to serve a large crowd and provide multiple leftover meals, this dish is a smart choice for anyone hosting a gathering on a budget.
Customizable Glaze Options
While the brown sugar and pineapple combination is a classic, this recipe also lends itself well to experimentation. Here are a few twist ideas:
- Add orange juice or zest for a citrusy brightness.
- Swap maple syrup with honey or molasses for a deeper flavor profile.
- Add a touch of heat with cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to contrast the sweetness.
- Infuse herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for a more aromatic and earthy taste.
Perfect Pairings
This Crock Pot Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it extremely versatile. Consider serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots
- Macaroni and cheese or baked stuffing
- Green beans almondine or a crisp apple slaw
For dessert, something citrusy like lemon bars or a tart apple pie helps balance out the sweetness of the ham.
A Crowd Favorite for All Skill Levels
You don’t need to be a seasoned cook to master this dish. Whether you’re cooking for the first time or you’re a confident host looking for a no-fuss main course, this ham will reward you with gourmet flavor and holiday-worthy presentation without the stress.
Conclusion
Over time, this Crock Pot Ham has earned its place in many households as a go-to favorite because it checks every box: simple, affordable, elegant, and full of flavor. The glaze brings comfort food warmth, while the spiral cut makes serving easier and quicker when everyone’s gathered around the table. It’s a recipe that feels like home, and one that can be passed down or brought back again and again for family gatherings, potlucks, and every special moment in between.