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A cooked spiral ham rests in a white slow cooker. The ham is glazed and shiny, with the slices slightly separated, revealing juicy layers. The slow cooker is on a white surface, featuring control buttons on the front.

Juicy Ham in the Crock Pot

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This ham in the crock pot recipe is a tender, juicy main dish that’s foolproof and crowd-pleasing. Made with brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and mustard, it’s perfect for holidays or casual gatherings.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword comfort food, crock pot, juicy, party food
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 16
Calories 668
Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 8 pounds ham spiral-cut, bone-in
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup maple syrup pure, do not use pancake syrup
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water cold
  • Fresh herbs optional, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker

  • Spray the inside of a 7 to 8-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
    Cooking spray
  • Place the ham cut-side down into the slow cooker.
    8 pounds ham

Make the Seasoning Paste

  • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and yellow mustard to form a glaze paste.
    1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup maple syrup, 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
    A white mixing bowl filled with a brown liquid, likely a sauce or marinade, with a whisk resting inside. The bowl is placed on a white background.

Add to the Ham

  • Rub the glaze mixture all over the ham, making sure it’s coated well and gets between the slices.
    A cooked ham placed inside a white slow cooker, with its surface browned and juices collecting at the bottom. The ham appears sliced from the top portion, revealing its pink interior.

Cook the Ham

  • Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the ham. Use a meat thermometer to check.
  • Baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker twice during cooking (about every hour).
    A cooked ham rests in a white slow cooker with a ladle pouring juice over it. The ham is browned and surrounded by liquid. The slow cooker has light green handles.

Transfer to Serving Plate and Drain Fat

  • Carefully remove the ham and place it on a serving platter.
  • Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the glaze.
  • Pour the cooking juices into a OXO Fat Separator. After it separates, pour the juices into a sauce pan and discard the fat.
    A transparent gravy separator filled with brown liquid features a black handle and a red spout stopper. It has measurement markings on the side and is placed on a white surface.

Make the Glaze (on the Stovetop)

  • Bring the saucepan of liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Thicken the Glaze

  • In a small jar, shake together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
    1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
    A blue-handled pot containing brown liquid sits on a white surface. Next to it, there's a small open jar with a white lid, partially filled with a light liquid.
  • Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering liquid, stirring constantly.
  • Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the glaze thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.
    A blue pot filled with caramel sauce sits on a cork mat. A spoon is held above the pot, with caramel sauce dripping from it back into the pot, against a plain white background.

To Serve

  • Drizzle the warm glaze over the sliced ham before serving.
  • Garnish with pieces of pineapple and maraschino cherries if desired.
    Fresh herbs

Notes

Recipe Tips
  • Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of ground cloves or cinnamon for a warm, holiday-inspired twist. 
  • Ingredient Substitutions: Use apple cider instead of pineapple juice for a fall version.
  • Seasoning Customization: Want a smoky kick? Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze.
  • Preventing Dry Ham: Always check internal temperature and don’t overcook. Spiral hams are already cooked, you're just heating them through..
Recipe Variations
  • Flavor Twists: Try orange juice in place of pineapple for a citrusy version.
  • Protein Swaps: This glaze also works beautifully on pork tenderloin or chicken thighs.
  • Cooking Methods: No slow cooker? Place in a covered roasting pan and bake at 325°F for about 2 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 668kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 2708mg | Potassium: 733mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg
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