Crockpot 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
Scale
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
