Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is sweet, savory, juicy, and very easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, while apple jelly, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices turn into a sticky glaze. It is a great ham for holidays, Sunday dinner, or any meal when you want something special without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first thing I love about this ham is how little work it takes. A big glazed ham can look like an all-day project, but the slow cooker makes it much simpler.
I also love what happens to the glaze while the ham cooks. The apple jelly melts into the brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Some runs between the spiral slices, while the rest mixes with the juices at the bottom of the crockpot. By the end, you have tender ham and plenty of sweet, tangy glaze to spoon over it.
It is the kind of recipe I like when the rest of the meal needs my attention.
- The slow cooker frees up valuable oven space.
- Apple and ham are a simple flavor match that works.
- The glaze uses easy-to-find ingredients.
- The spiral cuts let the glaze reach more of the meat.
- Leftovers are great for sandwiches, breakfast, and casseroles.
- The glaze can be mixed ahead of time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 fully cooked, bone-in spiral-sliced ham, 7 to 8 pounds
- 1 cup apple jelly
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham Recipe
Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 to 5 hours on LOW
Total time: About 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
Slow cooker size: 6 to 7 quarts
Step 1: Make the Apple Glaze
Add 1 cup apple jelly, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves to a medium mixing bowl.
Whisk for about 1 minute. The apple jelly may still have a few soft lumps. That is fine because they will melt as the ham cooks.
Step 2: Put the Ham in the Slow Cooker
Unwrap 1 fully cooked, bone-in spiral-sliced ham, 7 to 8 pounds. Remove any plastic pieces or packaging.
Place the ham cut-side down in a 6- to 7-quart black oval crockpot. Keep the crockpot straight and centered.
Step 3: Add the Apple Glaze
Pour all of the apple glaze made from 1 cup apple jelly, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves over the 7- to 8-pound spiral-sliced ham.
Use a silicone pastry brush or spoon to spread the glaze over the top and sides. Gently work some glaze between the spiral slices.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Ham
Put the lid on the crockpot. Cook the 7- to 8-pound glazed spiral ham on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
The ham is already cooked, so the goal is to heat it without drying it out. Start checking the center near the 4-hour mark. For a fully cooked packaged ham, heat according to its package directions; 140°F in the center is a common reheating target for USDA-inspected fully cooked ham.
Do not keep lifting the lid. Every peek lets heat escape.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Carefully move the cooked ham to a large round serving plate.
Spoon the hot apple glaze and juices from the crockpot over the ham. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes, then separate or cut the spiral slices and serve with more glaze spooned over each serving.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Ham can dry out when it gets too hot. Slow cooking uses gentle heat, which helps a fully cooked ham warm through without blasting the outside with high heat.
Apple jelly does two jobs. It adds apple flavor, and its sugar helps make the glaze thick and glossy. Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
Dijon mustard brings acidity and a little sharp flavor. That keeps the glaze from tasting like pure sugar. Cinnamon and cloves add warmth, but the amounts are small enough that the ham still tastes savory.
Spiral slicing also helps. The glaze can slip into the spaces between the slices instead of sitting only on the outside.
Pro Tips
- Check the size first. Make sure your ham fits in your crockpot with the lid completely closed.
- Cook on LOW. HIGH heat makes it easier to dry out a fully cooked ham.
- Keep the lid closed. The slow cooker loses heat every time you open it.
- Do not cook by time alone. Start checking the ham early with an instant-read thermometer.
- Save those juices. The sweet and salty liquid at the bottom makes an excellent finishing sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- 6- to 7-quart black oval crockpot with lid
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone pastry brush or spoon
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Large serving spoon
- Large round serving plate
- Carving knife, if needed
Substitutions and Variations
- Apple jelly: Apricot preserves can give you a sweeter, slightly fruity glaze.
- Apple cider: Unsweetened apple juice works well.
- Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar gives the glaze a stronger molasses flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Whole-grain mustard works if you like more texture.
- Cinnamon: Reduce it to 1/2 teaspoon for a less spiced glaze.
- Cloves: Leave them out if you do not enjoy their strong flavor.
- Sweeter glaze: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
Make Ahead Tips
You can whisk together the apple jelly, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider, cinnamon, and cloves up to 2 days ahead. Keep the glaze covered in the refrigerator.
The ham itself is best slow-cooked on the day you plan to serve it. This gives you the juiciest texture.
Common Mistakes
- Buying a ham that is too big: If the crockpot lid cannot close, the ham will not cook as evenly.
- Using HIGH heat to save time: A fully cooked spiral ham can dry out quickly.
- Cooking it too long: You are reheating the ham, not cooking raw pork.
- Throwing away the cooking liquid: It contains lots of apple and ham flavor.
- Adding extra salt: Ham is already salty, so this recipe does not need added salt.
- Using a raw ham: These directions are designed for a fully cooked spiral ham.
What to Serve With
This sweet and savory ham goes well with simple comfort-food sides.
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Glazed carrots
- Mac and cheese
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Dinner rolls
- Sweet potatoes
- Simple green salad
- Cornbread
Macros Information
Approximate nutrition for 1 of 12 servings, based on an average serving of ham with glaze:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sugar: 24 g
These are estimates. The exact numbers can change quite a bit based on the ham brand, how much edible meat is on the bone, and how much glaze you eat. Sodium can also vary greatly between brands.
Leftovers and Storage
Let leftover ham cool, then place it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Keep it moist: Save a little cooking liquid or glaze with the meat.
- Reheating: Warm only what you need and add a spoonful of glaze or cooking juices so the slices do not dry out.
Leftover ham is especially good in sandwiches, omelets, scrambled eggs, potato soup, pasta, or breakfast casseroles.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
A: No. The 1/4 cup apple cider and the natural juices from the ham give you enough liquid.
Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A: Yes. A boneless fully cooked ham works, but it may heat faster. Start checking its temperature earlier.
Q: Does the ham need to be completely covered with liquid?
A: No. This is not a braise. The ham sits above much of the liquid while the covered slow cooker traps heat and moisture.
Q: Why is my glaze thin at the end?
A: The ham releases juices as it heats. This naturally thins the glaze. Spoon the flavorful liquid over the slices when serving.
Q: Can I cook the ham overnight?
A: I would not. A fully cooked spiral ham can become dry if it stays hot for too long.
Q: What if the crockpot lid will not close?
A: Use a smaller ham. The lid should sit correctly on the crockpot throughout cooking.
Q: How do I know when the ham is ready?
A: Follow the heating directions on your ham package and check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer without touching the bone. For many USDA-inspected fully cooked packaged hams, 140°F is the reheating target.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham gives you a beautiful centerpiece without making dinner complicated. The ham stays tender, the apple glaze turns sweet and glossy, and your oven stays free for all those side dishes.
Give the ham plenty of glaze, watch the temperature near the end, and spoon those flavorful juices over the slices before serving. If you make it, leave a comment with how your ham turned out, any changes you tried, and any questions you have.