The spiral ham from the crockpot is soft, juicy, and just a little sweet. Just 5 minutes of work for you, and the slow cooker does the rest!.
Cooking a spiral cut ham in the slow cooker is a fantastic hands-off way to prepare this tasty centerpiece. The ham comes out incredibly moist, tender and flavorful after simmering for hours in the crockpot. But how long exactly should you cook a spiral ham to perfection?
Here are some tips on cook times to ensure your crockpot spiral ham turns out juicy and delicious:
Size Matters
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The size of your ham is the biggest factor in determining cook time,
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Smaller hams around 4-6 lbs may only need 4-6 hours on low,
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Average 7-8 lb hams need 6-8 hours.
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Large 10-12 lb hams may require 8-10 hours.
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Bone-in hams take a little longer than boneless.
So first determine the size of your ham and use that to estimate the cooking time needed.
Cook Low and Slow
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Cooking the ham on the low setting is best to allow the connective tissue to break down.
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High heat can lead to dried out edges. Low gently brings the ham to temp.
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If cooking a larger ham, you may need to start it the night before.
Slow and low is key for tender spiral ham cooked in a crockpot.
Use a Meat Thermometer
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An instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness.
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Ham should reach 140°F internally when done.
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Test in a few thick areas to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Checking the temp is the best way to know your crockpot ham is ready.
Add Time for Bone-In
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Bone-in hams can take 30-60 minutes longer than boneless.
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The bone shields some of the meat, slowing the cooking process.
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Plan for 8-10 hours for a big 10 lb bone-in ham.
The bone is denser than meat and requires additional time to heat through.
Allow Carryover Cooking
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When you remove the crockpot, the ham will continue cooking 5-10°F more.
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So take it out at 135° if wanting 140° for serving.
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This carryover cooking ensures it doesn’t overcook.
Factor in carryover cooking so your ham doesn’t end up overdone.
Browning the Outside
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The crockpot doesn’t brown the ham’s exterior since there is no direct heat.
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For browning, you can broil, grill, or torch the ham after cooking.
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Or place under the broiler for a few minutes just to caramelize the glaze.
Add some color to the surface of the ham through quick broiling or grilling.
Use a Meat Thermometer
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An instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness.
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Ham should reach 140°F internally when done.
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Test in a few thick areas to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Checking the temp is the best way to know your crockpot ham is ready.
Don’t Overcook
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It’s easy to overcook ham in a slow cooker if left too long.
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Once the internal temp hits 140°F, remove it to prevent drying out.
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Overcooked ham turns dry and loses its lovely texture.
Take it out as soon as it reaches the proper internal temp.
Let It Rest Before Slicing
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Let the ham sit 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
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This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
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Slice too soon and the juices can run out, causing dryness.
Resting ensures your ham stays nice and moist.
Testing Doneness of a Crockpot Ham
Since ham can dry out if overcooked, testing for doneness using a meat thermometer is highly recommended.
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Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
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It should read 140°F when done.
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If under, re-cover and continue cooking until reaching 140°F.
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Remove immediately once it hits 140°F to prevent overcooking.
Following this precise temperature will guarantee tender and juicy results every time.
Flavoring Your Crockpot Spiral Ham
While a spiral ham cooked in a crockpot is delicious on its own, you can also add extra flavor with a glaze or sauce.
Here are some easy flavor ideas:
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Brown sugar – Sprinkle on top and stir into pan juices for a simple glaze
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Maple syrup – Brush on pure maple syrup during last hour of cooking
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Pineapple – Use pineapple juice in the crockpot sauce
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Honey – Glaze ham with honey, mustard and brown sugar
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Fruit jam – Coat ham in apricot, peach or cherry preserves
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Ham
Spiral ham cooked in the slow cooker pairs nicely with these sides:
- Scalloped or au gratin potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Macaroni and cheese
- Glazed carrots
- Biscuits or corn muffins
- Fresh fruit salad
And don’t forget to drizzle the flavorful pan juices from the crockpot over your sliced ham before serving!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover crockpot ham will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place slices in a 300°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Freezing is another great way to preserve any uneaten ham for longer term storage.
Ingredient Information And Substitutions:
- Brown sugar: This adds a light sweetness that doesn’t overpower the flavors of the ham and other ingredients. I usually use light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar also works well; it just makes the taste stronger.
- Spiral Cut Ham—You can use real or fake ham bones when you make spiral cut ham in the slow cooker. I like spiral cuts better because they save me time from having to slice.
- The flavorful whiskey Jim Beam Red Stag goes well with crock pot spiral ham. Don’t worry—the alcohol will cook off. I don’t think you should use something else instead of the alcohol.
- Hot Sauce—A few drops of hot sauce give it a sour taste, but don’t worry—it’s not too spicy or strong. It tastes great! I like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, but Tabasco Sauce also works well.
How To Cook A Spiral Ham In The Crock Pot
Step 1: Prepare sauce
Mix together the half of the brown sugar, Red Stag, and hot sauce until combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Add brown sugar to crockpot
Sprinkle remaining brown sugar along the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 2: Place ham in crockpot and cover in sauce
Place the ham on top of the brown sugar and turn it so it fits well. Pour over ham.
Step 4: Cover and cook
Put the ham in the crock pot and cover it. Cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until it reaches 145 degrees. Baste a few times during the cooking period. Serve and enjoy!.
If you can find a boneless spiral ham that’s small enough, it makes cutting even easier. Around here, they only have bone-in spiral ham, and that worked as well. The biggest concern is making sure that the spiral ham fits in the crock pot.
Not for this ham recipe. I’ve found that it not extra moisture is needed. The sugar melts and combines with the juices from the ham.
4-5 days covered in the refrigerator.
Yes- I do it in the oven or in smaller portions in the microwave.
This recipe calls for cooking 6-8 hours on low in your slow cooker.
I like to save the juices and reheat the ham in the juices.
I place the juices into a pan and reduce them. If you’re pressed for time, you can just thicken the juices with a cornstarch slurry.
Yes, I freeze leftover crockpot ham in a plastic zipper bag.
I try to include IP instructions for all of my slow cooker recipes, but this one isn’t good for the IP because it doesn’t start with a lot of liquid, and liquid is an important part of IP cooking.
Slow Cooker Spiral Ham
FAQ
How long to cook an already cooked spiral ham?
What’s the best way to cook a spiral ham without drying it out?
Does ham need to be submerged in a slow cooker?
How long do you cook a spiral ham in a crock pot?
Put the lid back on the slow cooker and cook the crockpot ham for 4-5 hours on low until heated through and it reaches an internal temperature of 145F. Let the ham rest for a few minutes and then transfer the spiral ham in crock pot to a serving platter.
How do you Crock Pot A Ham?
Add the ham to the crockpot: Make sure that the spiral cut side faces downward. Mix the glaze ingredients together: Then, press the glaze into the top of the ham. Cook the ham: Cover the ham (with the lid, or foil if needed) and cook for 3-4 hours. Baste the ham with juice: Finally, let the ham rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How long do you cook a Ham in a slow cooker?
Cover with a lid or foil. Cover with lid (or aluminum foil if lid won’t fit). Cook in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, basting twice during the last hour. TIP: If the ham you buy is too large for your slow cooker, don’t worry. I used a 10-pound ham and it was too big for the lid of my slow cooker to fit.
How long does it take to cook a spiral ham?
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. It’s very simple to make a boneless spiral ham. With there not being a bone means that there is less cooking time. A spiral-sliced ham means no need to slice up the ham after it’s cooked. This saves so many steps and time.