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Easy Tender Brown Sugar Spiral Ham Slow Cooker Recipe for Perfect Holiday Meals

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This slow cooker brown sugar spiral ham recipe delivers tender, juicy, and flavorful ham with a simple, hands-off method perfect for holidays and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 pounds spiral ham, fully cooked, bone-in or boneless
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Remove the spiral ham from packaging and discard any glaze packet if included. Place the ham flat-side down in your slow cooker. (5 minutes)
  2. In a bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir in ½ cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth. (5 minutes)
  3. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get into the spiral slices for maximum flavor absorption. (3 minutes)
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, basting with remaining glaze every 1 to 2 hours. The ham should be heated through and tender, with the glaze thickened and sticky. (4-6 hours)
  5. Optional: Carefully transfer the ham to a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. (5-7 minutes)
  6. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing further. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools for a beautiful sticky coating. (10 minutes)

Notes

Do not skip basting to keep the ham moist and flavorful. Cooking on low heat prevents drying out or burning the sugar. Rest the ham before serving to redistribute juices. Broiling is optional for a caramelized crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar spiral ham, slow cooker ham, holiday ham recipe, easy ham recipe, tender ham, holiday meals, slow cooker recipes

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/easy-tender-brown-sugar-spiral-ham-slow-cooker-recipe-for-perfect-holiday-meals/