The BEST Crockpot Ham with Homemade Glaze

4.95 from 51 votes
161 Comments

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Our Crockpot Ham sweetened with a special homemade glaze is a favorite for holidays, Sundays, and more! Never dry, always flavorful, always a hit.

Plated Slow Cooker Spiral Ham with layers cascading forward.
Featured with this recipe
  1. Ingredients in Crockpot Ham
  2. Benefits of a Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
  3. Best Maple Syrup for Slow Cooker Ham
  4. 5-Star Reviews
  5. Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Ham
  6. Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crockpot Ham
  7. Best Leftover Recipes for Ham
  8. Crockpot Spiral Ham with Maple and Brown Sugar Recipe

Christmas and Easter dinners wouldn’t be complete without a succulent ham. Dripping our homemade maple and brown sugar glaze, not the grainy packet that comes with the ham. This ham is slow cooked in the Crockpot and it always turns out perfectly! Sometimes if I can get a ham on a good sale, I will make this easy crock pot ham for Sunday dinner. Then we can make lots of different meals throughout the week with the leftover ham (more on that below, we have lots of great leftover ideas). This holiday ham is sweet, rich, and looks beautiful on a serving platter. The flavor is so sweet and savory, you will never want to use the included flavor packet again!

Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker garnished with thyme.

Ingredients in Crockpot Ham

This crock pot ham recipe could not be easier! All you need is a ham and three other ingredients to make the tastiest sauce you’ll ever try. Here’s what you need:

  • Spiral-cut ham: This recipe calls for an 8-10 pound boneless or bone-in ham. You can easily cook a larger ham, and double the ingredients for the sauce.
  • Brown sugar: About a cup
  • Maple syrup: For this recipe, use real maple syrup. The thick, sweet syrup will make the best glaze for the ham!
  • Canned pineapple juice: For best results do not use fresh pineapple juice.
Spiral Ham, brown sugar, pineapple juice, maple syrup and a Crockpot.

Benefits of a Slow Cooker (Crockpot)

Spiral hams are delicious anytime, but especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. When preparing meals for a holiday dinner or even a big Sunday dinner, oven space becomes an issue. Heating the ham in the crockpot saves oven space for side dishes and rolls and allows the meat to simmer in the glorious sauce. Another benefit of using the crock pot is that it doesn’t dry out the ham. The ham stays tender and flavorful. You can always cover the ham with foil before serving to keep it from drying out.

Maple syrup pouring on a Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker.

Best Maple Syrup for Slow Cooker Ham

For this recipe I love using REAL maple syrup. It adds such a rich, maple flavor that is hard to beat. Of course, real maple syrup is quite expensive, so if you want to use your typical Mrs. Butterworth’s (or any regular breakfast maple syrup), that’s okay too. Don’t skimp on the syrup. If you feel like you need to add a little extra, do it! Follow your heart. If syrup just isn’t your thing, you can also use honey.

5-Star Reviews

We’ve had many rave reviews on this Slow Cooker Ham recipe. Here are a few of our favorites:

I made this for Christmas and it was delicious!!
– Kimberly

This made an amazing ham! I have never made one and who knew it was so easy and flavorful! I did substitute orange juice for the pineapple juice since that is what I had on hand.”
– Beth

Thank you for helping me cook my first Thanksgiving ham ever 🙂 Your instructions are very easy to follow. Have a Happy Thanksgiving 🙂”
– Dahlia

 “I tried this today and the ham was so moist and tasty. This is the way I will cook ham from now on. Thanks!”
-Sherry

I made this for our family for the last 3 years and we all love it. It is simply and delicious. I choose to add fresh pineapple. Thank you so much! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
– Sas

Lid covering a Crockpot with Spiral Ham inside.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Ham

What is the best ham to use for Crockpot Ham?

A spiral ham works best for this recipe.

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

It only takes 2-3 hours to heat a ham in the crockpot, depending on the size of the ham.

Do you have to heat up a fully cooked ham?

No, if a ham is fully cooked you don’t have to heat it. You can serve it cold. It’s a matter of preference. However, when serving a holiday meal or formal meal, most people prefer if the ham is warmed.

Do I use the seasoning packet that comes with the ham?

No, this recipe does not use the seasoning packet. We recommend you throw it away.

What if my ham doesn’t fit in my slow cooker or Crockpot?

When this happens, it is usually because the lid won’t fit on the top of the ham bone. You can cut this part of the ham off with a big, sharp knife or you can take some of the slices off the bottom of the ham and place them around the sides of the Crock Pot. It won’t look as nice, but it will cook just the same.

What is the best pineapple juice to use in this recipe?

Use canned pineapple juice. You can buy canned pineapple juice or use the juice from a can of sliced pineapple or pineapple chunks. DO NOT USE fresh pineapple juice. The acids in the juice will break down the ham.

How do I reheat leftovers?

To reheat, pop a slice or two in the microwave until hot, or you can cover in foil and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use another juice besides pineapple?

Yes, if you don’t like pineapple, orange juice is also very good with ham. You can also use apple cider.

READ MORE: 25+ Traditional and Easy Sunday Dinner Ideas

Close up of Slow Cooker Spiral Ham slices.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crockpot Ham

Wanting to make this slow cooker spiral ham but need some side dish ideas? We almost always serve this ham with our Cheesy Potato Casserole (aka Funeral Potatoes) but it is also VERY good with Parmesan Potato Halves or Dauphinoise Potatoes (scalloped potatoes). You can also serve with a salad (I love making our Christmas Salad, especially), Sautéed Peas, or even Creamy Potatoes and Peas. You can’t go wrong with any of these ideas for sides!

Best Leftover Recipes for Ham

No matter how many guests we have, we always seem to have so much ham leftover! Chop up leftover crockpot ham and use it in omeletsbreakfast casseroles, or breakfast sandwiches. So many possibilities! You can make so many meals from just one ham! Here are a few of our favorites:

Whole Slow Cooker Spiral Ham cascading layers on a platter.

Crockpot Spiral Ham with Maple and Brown Sugar

4.95 from 51 votes
Crockpot Ham sweetened with maple and brown sugar is a favorite for holidays, Sundays, and more! Never dry, always flavorful, always a hit.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 20

Video

Equipment

  • Crockpot

Ingredients

  • 1 8-10 pound spiral-cut ham (boneless ham or bone-in ham)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup canned pineapple juice (do not use fresh pineapple juice)

Instructions

  • Remove ham from packaging and place in a large (7+ quart) slow cooker. Discard flavor packet (if any). Place ham flat-side down in slow cooker, but if it doesn't fit, ham can be placed on it's side so the lid can close.
    Slow Cooker with a whole Spiral Ham.
  • Generously rub with brown sugar all over ham. Pour maple syrup and pineapple juice over the ham.
    Slow Cooker with brown sugar on top of a Spiral Ham.
  • Add lid and cook for 2-3 hours on low heat. 
    Lid covering a Crockpot with Spiral Ham inside.
  • Spoon juices over the ham and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
    Spoon with juices of Spiral Ham in the Crockpot.
  • Remove ham from slow cooker and serve!
    Plated Slow Cooker Spiral Ham with layers cascading forward.

Notes

  • Heating the ham in the crockpot saves oven space for side dishes and rolls and allows the meat to simmer in the glorious sauce.
  • Another benefit of using the Crockpot is that it doesn’t dry out the ham. The ham stays tender and flavorful. 
  • Not a fan of pineapple juice? Try apple cider or orange juice instead.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.02gSaturated Fat: 0.003gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.005gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0.03mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.1mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. I have also used Pepsi in substitution for the pineapple juice. Trying this way today. Should be as good as ever. Yum!

    1. I’m so glad you liked it! It does make holiday meal prep so much easier. Thank you for the 5-stars!

  2. 5 stars
    This is a great way to make ham! It turns out so full of flavor and it couldn’t be any easier. Love it!

    1. I usually find it at the grocery store in the meat department. Sometimes Costco or Sam’s Club will have them as well!

    1. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme that breaks down protein. It will mess with the texture of the ham.

  3. 5 stars
    This is the only way we will cook a ham it is so good it is especially good for ham sandwiches afterwards. The only thing that will make this sandwich better is if it’s on a Filipino pandesal roll

  4. 5 stars
    This is my first time i cooking a small ham in slowcooker.and will try out the glaze.cant wait how it turns out.thanks wish me luck

    1. I would check it after one hour, and go from there. The purpose is to warm the ham through since it is already cooked. So, whenever the ham is warm to the center, you are good to go!

        1. 5 stars
          This has been my “go to” ham recipe for the last two years. I also smeared a thin layer of Dijon on the skin before adding the other ingredients. So tasty and easy. I have never been a “ham fan” nut you converted me. Thanks so much for sharing. Merry Christmas everyone !

  5. 5 stars
    So wonderful to be able to make this in the slow cooker – really easy and frees up valuable oven space, for sure! And I love that this recipe has both brown sugar and maple flavor – YUM! Happy holidays, ladies!

  6. 5 stars
    Thank you for helping me cook my first Thanksgiving day ever 🙂 Your instructions are very easy to follow.Have a Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

  7. I only had a 8lb. spiral ham but when I put it in my large oval crock pot the lid did not fit on it properly because of the bone..still going to use it since the ham is already cooked. Hopefully I am not the only one with this issue 🙂 Thanks for your time sharing!

  8. fo you or can you add the pineapple chunks in it also? i see a pic with them in but not in directions. if so do ypu add them for the whole time or later in the process?

  9. 4 stars
    I made this for Christmas, following the recipe with a 10-lb spiral sliced ham. There was way too much juice, and my ham ended up quite soggy. It was quite tasty, but didn’t look so good, and basically fell apart as we tried to take it out. Next time I will cut the amount of pineapple juice and maple syrup.

    1. I know from family experience that any meat cooked in the crock pot SHOULD fall off the bone. That’s usually a sign that its fully cooked and delicious.

    1. No, a honey glazed ham will work fine. If you are worried about it being too sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar and maple syrup to 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup maple syrup. Thanks for asking!

    1. I usually use canned, but I don’t see why not! You would just need to add more juices since the canned kind comes with juices.

  10. I am SO excited about making my Christmas ham in my crock pot! My son was judt telling me hr went to dinner at a friend’s house and they had a crockpot cooked ham. Said it was the most tender, juicy, flavorful ham he’d ever eaten. So I went “surfing” and came across your recipe. Sounds delicious, without the endless oven basting and cleanup. Thank you so much. I will be sure to let you know how it comes out. Also, I found it very helpful to read the Q&A … any question I had was answered in that section. So, kudos to you for such a great website. All bases covered! Thanks again. 😊

    1. Yes! You can use water and the ham juices that are in the ham packaging. You can also use sugar-free juices. As long as there is some liquid in the slow cooker, the ham will be delicious and moist.

  11. 5 stars
    How long should it cook in a oven? At what temperature? And what temp. on a thermometer? It’s a 10lb. spiral cut ham.

    1. Cook it in the oven for 20 minutes per pound of ham at 325 degrees. The internal temperature should reach 140 degrees. Thanks for asking!

  12. I always buy a pre cooked bone in half ham, not spiral sliced. Usually
    7-8 lbs. Would your recipe work? Anything I need to know?

    1. This recipe is for a spiral ham, so I can’t speak to how it would affect the taste or texture to use a different ham. Let us know how it works if you do use it!

    1. Yes, it will still work. If you cook the ham whole, increase the cooking time to 3-4 hours depending on the size of your ham. It would also work great to slice your ham and then heat it in the crock pot/slow cooker. This will give more flavor and moisture to each slice. Thanks for asking! Good luck!

  13. 5 stars
    This made an amazing ham! I have never made one and who knew it was so easy and flavorful! I did susubstitute orange juice for the pineapple juice since that is what I had on hand.

  14. 5 stars
    Making this for Thanksgiving today, it smells amazing, can’t wait to try it! Thanks for the recipe & Happy Thanksgiving!

        1. For this recipe you use 1 cup (8oz) of canned pineapple juice. You can use pineapple juice from a can of pineapple or just the straight-up pineapple juice in a can. Hope this helps!

  15. Hi, I want to cook my
    Ham in the crockpot. I’ve always made it in the oven but am not going to have the space this time. Does it come out similar to the way it cooks in the oven? I always have such great reviews for my ham, I’m apprehensive cooking it in the crockpot.

    1. We absolutely love the way this ham comes out! I can’t tell a difference between it and the oven. I hope it goes well for you!

  16. 5 stars
    My mother in law gave me a 10ib double glazed bone in, spiral cut, ham but I don’t believe it’s pre-cooked…. can I still use this recipe?

    1. This recipe is only for pre-cooked ham. You would probably have to adjust the cooking time quite a bit.

    1. Yes, if it is smoked that means it was cooked. I would still always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the meat to see when it is done.

    1. With this recipe you are really just warming the meat since it is already cooked. Maybe start with 2 hours and check it with a meat thermometer until it reaches the desired temperature. Hope this helps!

  17. 5 stars
    I am trying this for the first time today….I did not realize my ham was so tall. my lid does not fit….so I have covered the top with aluminum foil to act as the cover will this work do you think?

    thanks

    1. Yes, that should work fine and I do this all the time. Cover it tightly with foil and it will work like a dream. Hope this helps!

    2. 5 stars
      I wish I would have read this! I just took a hammer and Screwdriver to the bone so I could split it in half!

  18. I have a frozen ham that will be done with this recipe. What is the suggested time in the crockpot?

    1. Will you have time to thaw it first? The only problem from going very cold to hot is that the meat can become tough. You can try cooking it on low for a longer amount of time but we haven’t ever done it this way so I can’t tell you for sure. If you try it let us know how it turns out!

  19. Just wondering A lot of the other recipes I’m reading say to cook for six or seven hours on low but you are says 2 to 3 ?

    1. Honestly I think that 6-7 hours is too long. It is already pre-cooked, you just need to warm it. I REALLY don’t like my ham dried out and I think when it cooks for so long it makes it too dry. Totally my opinion though.

      1. Thanks for the suggestion to use honey instead! I have a jar of honey but was going to make a run to the grocery to buy maple syrup. You just saved me a trip! 🙂

  20. 5 stars
    Great recipe for Sunday dinner! My husband and son gave it five stars because it is flavorful, moist and tasty. I always use this to avoid overheating the kitchen. A few simple sides make a complete and delicious dinner without hours of kitchen prep.

    1. So glad you liked this so much! And yes, you can’t beat how EASY it is, right?? My husband loves that it doesn’t get dry like most ham dinners.

  21. This looks so good. I always have a problem with spiral hams getting warm all the way through. Does this come out warm? I tried another recipe but our ham came out like jerky. Thanks!

  22. This looks delicious. Question, do you mix the juice and syrup together prior to pouring over the ham or are they drizzled on separately? Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    1. You can do it either way, just for simplicity’s sake we usually just pour it all on separately. Hope this helps!

        1. You can use apple juice or canned mandarin oranges as a substitute in this recipe. I hope that helps!

      1. 5 stars
        I made this for our family for the last 3 years and we all love it. It is simply and delicious. I choose to add fresh pineapple. Thank you so much! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

        1. I am so glad you guys enjoyed it! Pineapple sounds like a delicious addition! Thanks for the 5-star rating!

        2. 4 stars
          I tried this and used fresh pineapple juice rather than canned. I combined everything in crockpot and drove an hour to my Dad’s where I plugged it in and started heating. After 1 hr on high and 4 hrs on low, the pot was full of juice and the meat was mostly mush. Flavor was good but texture, icky! Was this because of using fresh vs already canned pineapple juice? Are there enzymes in pineapple that digest protein?!

          1. It actually does. The enzyme contained in fresh pineapple breaks down the amino acid bonds in proteins. That is why people recommend eating fresh pineapple after a large protein meal (like Thanksgiving dinner) to help digestion. Also, the recommended cooking time for this recipe is 2-3 hours on low. Thank you for sharing your experience. I will make a note on the recipe to not use fresh pineapple juice for future reference.

      2. I have. 7 quart slow cooker. The shape of my ten pound spiral ham makes it a tight fit in the slow cooker, . Could I replace the lid with aluminum foil so it doesn’t touch the top of the slow cooker lid? Please let me know. This is for Easter dinner and will keep my oven free to cook other things, Thank you,

        1. Yes, you can absolutely cover with foil! Sometimes I will cover with foil and then lightly just place the lid over the top just so it holds in that heat a little better. Hope this helps!

        2. What can I use in place of the pineapple juice. I’m panicking one of my guests is allergic to pineapple.

          Thank you,
          judy

          1. You could probably get away with orange juice, it would give it a different taste but it will still be good!

          2. Apple Cider is a fantastic substitution…. and it pairs well with the brown sugar and Maple