This is a fantastic, simple recipe for a sweet and savory slow cooker spiral ham, perfect for the holidays or a big Sunday dinner.
Here is the step-by-step guide based on the ingredients shown
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Spiral Ham Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4-6 hours
Servings: 8-12
Ingredients:
- 1 Smithfield Spiral Sliced Ham (or similar brand, about 8-10 lbs)
- 1 can (20 oz) Pineapple Slices in 100% pineapple juice (you will use both the slices and the juice)
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (pure or pancake syrup)
Instructions:
- Prep the Ham: Remove the spiral ham from its packaging. If it included a glaze packet, set it aside (you won’t need it for this recipe, but you can save it for another use). Place the ham cut-side down into the slow cooker.
- Add Pineapple: Open the can of pineapple slices. Pour the pineapple juice from the can evenly over the ham, getting down between the slices as much as possible. Take the pineapple slices and arrange them all over the surface and sides of the ham.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and maple syrup until you have a thick, crumbly paste.
- Glaze the Ham: Using your hands or a spoon, pat and rub this brown sugar and maple mixture all over the ham, pressing it onto the sides and into the cuts between the spiral slices.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until the ham is heated through completely and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. The meat will be very tender and might want to fall apart. You can spoon the warm, syrupy glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham just before serving.
Tips for Success: - Don’t overcook: The main goal here is to heat the ham and create a glaze, not to cook it from raw. Overcooking can dry it out.
- Check the slices: If your spiral slices are tight, use a knife to make small cuts around the bone so the glaze can penetrate more easily.
- Optional “Crispy” Finish: For a slightly caramelized, crispier bark on the outside, you can transfer the cooked ham to a baking sheet after it’s done in the slow cooker and broil it in the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Make Ahead: This is a great recipe to start in the morning. Once it’s done, you can switch the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting for up to 2-3 hours until you’re ready to eat.