Slow Cooker Apricot Dijon Spiral Ham is the ultimate solution for a spectacular, fuss-free holiday centerpiece or a special Sunday dinner. This recipe takes the convenience of a pre-sliced spiral ham and elevates it to extraordinary heights with a sweet, tangy, and deeply flavorful glaze that slowly caramelizes as it cooks. The slow cooker is the perfect vessel for this task, gently reheating the ham without ever risking dryness, while simultaneously allowing the flavors of the glaze to penetrate every single slice. The result is an incredibly juicy, tender ham that is bursting with a complex flavor profile, making it appear as though you spent hours laboring over the oven.
The genius of this dish lies in the balance of its simple glaze. Sweet apricot preserves and brown sugar meld perfectly with the sharp, tangy punch of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, creating a sauce that is neither cloyingly sweet nor overly pungent. The addition of warm ground cloves and black pepper adds a subtle, spicy depth that complements the smoky saltiness of the ham beautifully. As the ham slow cooks, this glaze reduces into a sticky, glossy coating that seals in the ham’s natural juices and forms a delectable crust on the edges of each spiral slice. This method guarantees a moist, flavorful ham with minimal effort and maximum reward, freeing up your oven for all the other essential dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Effortless Elegance: Achieve a stunning, gourmet-quality ham without any of the stress or oven-space juggling typical of a big meal.
• Perfectly Moist & Tender: The slow cooker gently reheats the ham, ensuring it remains incredibly juicy and never dries out.
• Complex, Balanced Glaze: The combination of apricot, Dijon, and spice creates a sophisticated sweet-and-savory glaze that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Set It and Forget It: After a quick five-minute prep, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other things or simply relax.
Ingredients:
- 1 spiral-cut ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Position the Ham in the Slow Cooker
• Unwrap the spiral-cut ham and place it cut-side down into the bowl of a large (6-quart or larger) slow cooker. The pre-sliced spirals should be facing upwards. Ensuring the ham is flat and stable prevents it from shifting during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
• In a medium bowl, combine the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are completely smooth and well incorporated into a thick, homogenous glaze.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze
• Using a spoon or a silicone brush, pour and spread the apricot Dijon glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Take care to get the glaze in between the slices where possible, as this will flavor the ham from the inside out.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
• Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Set the appliance to the LOW heat setting. Cook for 4–5 hours. Every hour, carefully remove the lid and use a baster or a spoon to collect the juices from the bottom of the pot and redistribute them over the top of the ham. This basting process builds layers of flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized finish.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
• The ham is done when it is thoroughly heated. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (without touching the bone) should read at least 140°F (60°C). The edges will be beautifully caramelized.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
• Using sturdy tongs and a large carving fork (or two large forks), carefully transfer the hot ham to a large serving platter. It will be very tender. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Skim any excess fat from the glaze remaining in the slow cooker, then drizzle this reduced, flavorful sauce over the sliced ham when serving.
Tips:
• No Need for Liquid: Do not add any water or broth to the slow cooker. The ham will release its own juices as it cooks, which will mix with the glaze to create the basting liquid and eventual serving sauce.
• Glaze Adaptations: Feel free to experiment with the glaze. Orange marmalade can be used in place of apricot preserves for a different citrus note. A tablespoon of soy sauce can also be added for a touch of umami depth.
• Pre-Trimming: Some hams have a thick layer of external fat. If yours does, you can trim it down to about a 1/4-inch layer to allow the glaze to better penetrate the meat.
• Crisping the Top (Optional): For an extra-textural finish, place the glazed ham under a broiler for 2-3 minutes after it’s done in the slow cooker. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store any leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The glaze and ham should be stored together.
• Freezer: Leftover ham freezes excellently. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring it’s covered with some of the glaze, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in a covered skillet with a splash of water over low heat, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Slow Cooker Apricot Dijon Spiral Ham is a guaranteed showstopper that simplifies your cooking process without compromising on flavor or presentation. It is the ultimate trick for a stress-free, deliciously impressive meal that celebrates the art of effortless cooking. Enjoy
