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    The Life Jolie » Main/Entree » Crockpot Spiral Ham

    Crockpot Spiral Ham

    Published: Apr 1, 2019 · Modified: Mar 28, 2023 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Wanna prepare your holiday ham the easy way? Make this Crock Pot Ham! Made with a spiral ham, brown sugar, bourbon and hot sauce, it's just 5 minutes of work for you and the slow cooker does the rest!

    Crockpot Spiral Ham is tender, juicy, and slightly sweet & tangy thanks to the combination of brown sugar and hot sauce. Just 5 minutes of work for you, and the slow cooker does the rest!

    Brushing juices onto a spiral ham.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Crockpot Ham
    • Ingredient Information And Substitutions:
    • How To Cook A Spiral Ham In The Crock Pot
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Tips For Making Sliced Ham
    • More Slow Cooker Recipes To Try...
    • Crockpot Spiral Ham

    Why You'll Love This Crockpot Ham

    Ham in a slow cooker is a great way to make an already easy main dish effortless. I’ve come across a variety of ham recipes in the past. Many were delicious! And I was excited to put my own spin on this- it tasted great with Scalloped potatoes and Garlic Green Beans.

    Now, of course, I included brown sugar. But from there, I added some unexpected items to bring a little depth to the recipe. Jim Beam Red Stag brings a deep sweetness  (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!), and a few dashes of hot sauce add a nice zing without actually making it spicy. Here's why I love this recipe:

    • Dump and go recipe
    • Incredibly flavorful
    • Great for entertaining and holidays
    • Family friendly
    • Easy
    A straight on image of a spiral ham on a platter with oranges and parsley.

    Ingredient Information And Substitutions:

    • Brown Sugar - Adds a subtle sweetness that isn't overbearing but adds enhances the flavor of the ham and other ingredients. I usually use light but dark brown sugar works great as well- it just gives a deeper flavor.
    • Spiral Cut Ham - It's fine to make slow cooker spiral ham with bone-in or boneless ham. I prefer spiral cut because it's takes the work out of slicing.
    • Jim Beam Red Stag - The flavorful whiskey is the perfect addition to crock pot spiral ham. Don't worry; the alcohol cooks off! I don't encourage you to substitute anything for the booze.
    • Hot Sauce - A few dashes of hot sauce adds a zesty flavor, but don't worry; it's not spicy or overwhelming. Just delicious! I like Franks Red Hot but Tabasco Sauce works great as 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.

    Sauce of brown sugar, Jim Beam Red Stag and Hot sauce all mixed together in a bowl.

    Step 2: Add brown sugar to crockpot

    Sprinkle remaining brown sugar along the bottom of the crockpot.

    Brown sugar in the bottom of a 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.

    Sauce being poured on a spiral ham in a crockpot.

    Step 4: Cover and cook

    Cover and cook the spiral ham in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or until it reaches 145 degrees. Baste a few times during the cooking period. Serve and enjoy!

    A hand placing the cover on the crockpot.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should I use bone-in or boneless ham?

    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.

    Do you add water to ham?

    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.

    How long does crockpot ham last?

    4-5 days covered in the refrigerator.

    Can you reheat sliced crock pot spiral ham?

    Yes- I do it in the oven or in smaller portions in the microwave.

    How long to cook a spiral ham?

    This recipe calls for cooking 6-8 hours on low in your slow cooker.

    How do you keep sliced ham moist when reheated?

    I like to save the juices and reheat the ham in the juices.

    How do you make a brown sugar glaze for ham in a slow cooker?

    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.

    Can I freeze sliced ham?

    Yes, I freeze leftover crockpot ham in a plastic zipper bag.

    Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

    Although I try to provide IP directions for all of my slow cooker recipes, this particular recipe isn't ideal for instant pot cooking as it doesn't start with much liquid, and liquid is an important component to instant pot cooking.

    Sliced ham on a plate with green beans.

    Tips For Making Sliced Ham

    • Shape and size matter. My ham was around 7 pounds. Be mindful of the shape and size of the ham when purchasing. You want to make sure it will fit into the bowl of the slow cooker and fit under the cover.
    • When you place the ham into the slow cooker, place it whichever way will best allow it to fit into the pot and still be able to cover it.
    • Mix the sauce well. You'll know it's ready to pour because it will be completely liquid.
    • Use the juices to moisten the ham when serving. You can also thicken it into a more traditional ham glaze.
    • Reheating and leftovers: This reheats well in the oven (mix in juices and cover to maintain moisture) or as individual servings in the microwave. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
    Spoon pouring juices on a spiral ham.

    More Slow Cooker Recipes To Try...

    • Say goodbye to dry and tough pork chops: these Smothered Crock Pot Pork Chops are the ultimate fall-apart tender comfort food. With just 4 ingredients, this easy dinner will be your new go-to dump dinner!
      Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops
    • A square image of Bbq pulled chicken slow cooker style on a bun. on a white plate with bbq sauce, apple cider and a light blue cloth behind it out of focus.
      Easiest Ever Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
    • A square image of slices of corned beef on a white plate with potatoes and carrots in the background on the plate.
      Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage (Instant Pot and Slow Cooker)
    • This Pot Roast Recipe couldn't be easier. Just throw a few very common ingredients into your crockpot or instant pot and then relax knowing you've got a seriously delicious dinner ahead of you!
      Pot Roast Recipe (Slow Cooker + IP)

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!

    Brushing juices onto a spiral ham.

    Crockpot Spiral Ham

    Jessy Freimann
    Crockpot Spiral Ham is tender, juicy, and slightly sweet & tangy thanks to the combination of brown sugar and hot sauce. Just 5 minutes of work for you, and the slow cooker does the rest!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 167 kcal

    Equipment

    • slow. cooker
    • Bowl
    • Whisk

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups brown sugar, divided
    • 1 6-8 pound spiral cut half ham, bone-in or boneless
    • 1 1.7 ounce Jim Beam Red Stag bottle (airline bottle)
    • 2-3 dashes hot sauce, like Frank's Red Hot

    Instructions
     

    • In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, Red Stag and hot sauce until well combined. Set aside.
    • Place remaining brown sugar in an even layer on the bottom of the crock pot.
    • Place the ham on top of the sugar, turning it whichever way you need to to fit the top of the pot on.
    • Pour over the ham and use a brush to make sure it's covered evenly if necessary.
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees, basting a few times throughout cooking. Slice and serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    • Shape and size matter. My ham was around 7 pounds. Be mindful of the shape and size of the ham when purchasing. You want to make sure it will fit into the bowl of the slow cooker and fit under the cover.
    • When you place the ham into the slow cooker, place it whichever way will best allow it to fit into the pot and still be able to cover it.
    • Mix the sauce well. You'll know it's ready to pour because it will be completely liquid.
    • Use the juices to moisten the ham when serving. You can also thicken it into a more traditional ham glaze.
    • Reheating and leftovers: This reheats well in the oven (mix in juices and cover to maintain moisture) or as individual servings in the microwave. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3slicesCalories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 0.1gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 59mgSugar: 43gCalcium: 37mgIron: 0.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Comments

    1. Toni says

      April 05, 2019 at 2:02 am

      This is such a fabulous ham! Looks really amazing!
      Reply
    2. Toni says

      April 05, 2019 at 2:05 am

      This is such an amazing ham recipe!
      Reply
      • Jessy Freimann says

        April 09, 2019 at 10:23 pm

        Thanks Toni!
        Reply

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