Crockpot Ham with Apricot Glaze and Rosemary Recipe
Introduction
This slow-cooked crockpot ham is perfect for an easy, flavorful meal that practically makes itself. The apricot glaze with warm spices adds a deliciously sweet and tangy touch to a tender spiral ham. It’s a simple yet impressive dish ideal for holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 8 to 10 pound spiral ham (fully cooked, see notes for other ham)
- 2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
- ½ cup apricot preserves (or apple jelly, or orange marmalade)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the apricot preserves. Whisk in the ½ cup brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently to combine.
- Step 2: Sprinkle ¼ cup light brown sugar evenly on the bottom of a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker.
- Step 3: If your ham has a plastic disk in the center, carefully remove and discard it. Place the ham on a cutting board or baking sheet and score the top by making shallow ⅛-inch deep criss-cross cuts across the surface.
- Step 4: Gently separate the layers of the ham and brush some of the glaze between the slices. Place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the remaining glaze evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Add the fresh rosemary sprigs if using, then cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 135℉. Remove and let rest before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use apple jelly or orange marmalade if apricot preserves aren’t available for a slightly different but equally tasty glaze.
- If your ham is larger than 10 pounds, check for a slow cooker lid extender or tent foil slightly to fit, and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Add cloves to the scored surface of the ham for a warm, aromatic twist.
- For a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar by a tablespoon or two.
Storage
Store leftover ham covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 275℉ covered with foil to keep it moist, or slice and warm in the microwave. The glaze can be spooned over when reheating for extra flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a ham that is not fully cooked?
This recipe is designed for fully cooked, spiral-cut ham. Using a raw or partially cooked ham requires much longer cooking times and different handling, so stick with fully cooked ham for best results.
What if my slow cooker is smaller than 6 quarts?
If your slow cooker is smaller, try cutting the ham to fit or use a larger slow cooker for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding to ensure the glaze penetrates well and the ham heats evenly.
PrintCrockpot Ham with Apricot Glaze and Rosemary Recipe
This Crockpot Ham recipe features a fully cooked spiral ham glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of apricot preserves, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Ideal for easy holiday meals or family gatherings, this recipe requires minimal preparation and results in a juicy, flavorful ham infused with a delicious glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- ½ cup apricot preserves (or apple jelly, or orange marmalade)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Ham and Additional Ingredients
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (for slow cooker base)
- 8 to 10 pound spiral ham (fully cooked, see notes for other ham types)
- 2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the apricot preserves or chosen jelly. Whisk in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute while stirring continuously to combine all the flavors into a smooth glaze.
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Sprinkle ¼ cup of light brown sugar at the bottom of a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker. This helps create a warm, sweet base for the ham and prevents sticking.
- Prepare the Ham: Remove any plastic disk from the center of the ham if present and discard it. Place the ham flat on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score the top surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern about ⅛ inch deep to allow the glaze to penetrate and flavor the ham thoroughly.
- Glaze the Ham: Carefully separate the layers of the spiral-cut ham and brush some of the prepared glaze into these layers to infuse flavor. Place the ham into the slow cooker and pour the remaining glaze evenly over the top. Add rosemary sprigs if using to enhance the aroma and taste.
- Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the ham on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, ensuring the ham is heated through and the glaze is nicely set.
Notes
- The ham must be fully cooked before starting this recipe; it is heated and glazed in the slow cooker.
- If your ham is larger than 10 pounds or does not fit well into your slow cooker, consider using a larger slow cooker or cutting the ham accordingly.
- The scoring on top of the ham allows the glaze to seep inside, enhancing the flavor throughout.
- Rosemary is optional; it adds a subtle herbal note but can be omitted if preferred.
- Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure the ham has warmed properly without drying out.
- If you want a thicker glaze at the end, you can strain the cooking liquid and simmer it briefly on the stove until reduced.
Keywords: crockpot ham, slow cooker ham, glazed ham, spiral ham recipe, holiday ham, easy ham recipe
