When I need a holiday-worthy main dish that practically runs itself, this 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Celebration Ham is one of my favorite tricks. Using a spiral sliced ham means the glaze slips into all those layers while the slow cooker keeps everything juicy and warm, so it is perfect for a July gathering when you would rather be outside enjoying the day than tied to the oven. It has that sweet-savory, glossy finish everyone expects from a celebration ham, but with almost no effort.
This ham is especially good with simple summer sides like potato salad, baked beans, fresh fruit, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. If you are serving a crowd, add slider buns or soft rolls so guests can make little ham sandwiches, and round things out with iced tea, lemonade, or a sparkling citrus drink.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Celebration Ham
Servings: 10 to 12
Ingredients
1 spiral sliced fully cooked ham, about 7 to 9 pounds
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
Directions
1. Remove any packaging from the spiral sliced ham and place it cut-side down in a large slow cooker. If needed, trim a small piece from the bottom or gently arrange the ham so the lid fits securely.
2. Pour the pineapple juice around and over the ham, then rub and sprinkle the brown sugar all over the top so it settles into some of the slices.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, basting with the juices once or twice if convenient, until the ham is hot throughout and the glaze is glossy.
4. Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter or serve straight from the slow cooker, spooning the glaze over the top before slicing or pulling apart the warm layers to serve.
Variations & Tips
Make it a little sweeter: If you like a more dessert-like holiday ham, add an extra 2 to 3 tablespoons of brown sugar over the top during the last hour so the glaze thickens a bit more.
Keep it from drying out: Since spiral hams are pre-sliced, they can dry faster than an unsliced ham. Be sure to cook on low, not high, and avoid going much past the 5-hour mark unless your ham is especially large.
Use the glaze well: The juices in the bottom of the slow cooker are great spooned over each serving. If you want a thicker sauce, pour the liquid into a saucepan after cooking and simmer it for a few minutes on the stove.
Easy leftovers: Leftover ham is perfect for sliders, breakfast casseroles, omelets, pasta, or tossed into mac and cheese. I like portioning some into airtight containers right away for easy weekday lunches.
Serving for a crowd: If your ham is very large, check that your slow cooker can hold it comfortably with the lid fully closed. A 7- to 9-pound spiral ham usually works best for a large oval slow cooker.