Slow Cooker Ham is one of the simplest and most satisfying main dishes for the holidays. With a two-ingredient apricot-Dijon glaze and a crockpot, you can produce a juicy, flavorful spiral ham with almost no fuss—perfect for feeding a crowd while freeing up your oven for sides and baking.
Slow Cooker Spiral Ham with Apricot-Dijon Glaze
This slow cooker version was inspired by an oven-baked apricot-rum spiral ham and adapted to be rum-free and even easier. A pre-cooked spiral ham is already mostly cooked at the store — all you need to do is glaze and warm it gently. The result is tender slices that are sweet, tangy, and ideal for holiday gatherings or any special dinner.
Why This Ham Works for Holiday Meals
Spiral ham is a holiday favorite because it arrives fully cooked and ready to be glazed and warmed. Despite the ease, it still feels celebratory and always goes over well with guests.
- Simple glaze: The glaze is just apricot preserves and Dijon mustard—no cooking required, just a quick whisk and brush.
- Saves oven space: Your slow cooker handles the ham while the oven stays available for casseroles, gratins, and roasted sides.
- Consistently moist: Warming a precooked ham on low heat prevents drying, and the crockpot keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There are just three simple ingredients for this recipe. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
- Hickory-smoked spiral-cut ham: Choose a fully cooked ham that fits your slow cooker. Uncured or minimally processed options are a healthier choice if available.
- Apricot preserves: Provides a sweet, fruity base for the glaze that pairs beautifully with the ham’s saltiness.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth so the glaze isn’t overly sweet.
How to Cook Ham in a Slow Cooker
Quick overview: Make the glaze, brush it on, and warm the ham low and slow in your slow cooker. See the recipe card below for exact times and measurements.
- Make the glaze: Reserve 1 tablespoon of apricot preserves for finishing. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining preserves with Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Glaze the ham: Place the spiral ham in the slow cooker so the lid fits. Brush the glaze over the ham, coating the slices and surface.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, brushing the reserved tablespoon of preserves over the ham during the last 30 minutes.
Tips for Success
These practical tips will help you get the best results when preparing ham in a slow cooker.
- Choose the right size: A 6-quart oval slow cooker works well. Aim for a ham around 6 to 7 pounds so it fits and the lid can close.
- Adjust for fit: If the ham is too tall, turn it on its side or trim a small piece so the lid closes securely.
- Avoid the included glaze packet: Many store glaze packets contain additives. The simple apricot-Dijon glaze tastes fresher and cleaner.
Slow Cooker Spiral Ham with Apricot-Dijon Glaze
Slow Cooker Ham is the easiest main dish for the holidays. A two-ingredient glaze and a crockpot are all you need for moist, flavorful ham that never disappoints.
Yield: 16 servings (about 3 oz per serving)
Prep: 5 mins Cook: 4–5 hrs Total: 4–5 hrs
Nutrition (per serving): Calories 145 • Protein 15 g • Carbs 12 g • Fat 7 g • Sodium 851 mg • Sugar 11 g
Ingredients
- 1 (6–7 pound) hickory-smoked, fully cooked spiral-cut ham
- 5 tbsp apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Make the glaze: Reserve 1 tablespoon of the apricot preserves. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 4 tablespoons of preserves and the Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Place the ham in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, positioning it so the lid fits. If necessary, turn the ham on its side or trim a small portion to close the lid.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat the slices and outer surface. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours to gently warm the ham through.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved tablespoon of apricot preserves over the ham for a glossy finish. Remove, let rest briefly, then slice and serve.
Final Note
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a rating and a short comment to share how it turned out for you—feedback helps keep helpful recipes available.
Sides That Pair Well with Ham
Ham pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Potatoes, green vegetables, and casseroles are classic choices. Below are a few suggestions that complement the sweet and savory profile of the glazed ham.
Potatoes
Mashed, roasted, or gratin-style potatoes are comforting and crowd-pleasing alongside ham.
Vegetable Sides
Lightened-up vegetable casseroles, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a colorful squash bake offer balance and seasonal flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover ham is versatile—use it in soups, omelets, fried rice, beans, and more. Save the bone for soup stock if possible.
- Refrigerator: Store sliced ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat: Place slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover tightly with foil, and warm at 300°F (150°C) until heated through to avoid drying out the meat.
More Ham Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Spiral ham (oven-roasted variations)
- Honey-baked spiral ham
- Baked honey-mustard ham
- Ham bone soup and split pea soup with ham