Slow Cooker Cherry Glazed Ham for Easy Entertaining

Elevate your next dinner with a succulent ham that practically cooks itself. By utilizing the slow cooker, you achieve a level of tenderness that is difficult to replicate with high-heat methods, while the cherry glaze creates a sophisticated finish.

This slow cooker cherry glazed ham is the ultimate solution for stress-free meal planning. Whether preparing a festive holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe relies on the gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker to infuse the meat with deep, sweet, and aromatic notes.

The combination of dark brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and tart cherry filling creates a complex, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the ham heats through. It is a reliable, straightforward method that guarantees a moist result every time, allowing more time to focus on side dishes or spending time with guests.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker environment creates a self-basting effect, which is crucial for large roasts like spiral ham. As the cherry pie filling and sugar melt, they create a thick syrup that slowly permeates the slices.

This consistent moisture prevents the outer edges of the ham from drying out, a common issue when roasting in a traditional oven. The low temperature ensures that the connective tissues break down gently, resulting in a tender texture that makes carving effortless.

Using a slow cooker also frees up valuable oven space, which is particularly beneficial during large gatherings or holiday meal preparations. Because the cooking process is entirely contained, the kitchen remains cool, and the risk of overcooking is significantly reduced.

The steady heat allows the flavors to meld over several hours, ensuring that the cinnamon and fruit notes are distributed evenly through the spirals, resulting in a perfectly glazed, professional-quality dish with minimal active preparation time.

Notes and substitutions

When selecting a spiral ham, opt for one that is pre-sliced, as this allows the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat. The size of the ham should be appropriate for the capacity of the slow cooker; a 5 to 7 lb ham typically fits well in a standard 6-quart oval model. Ensure the ham is placed cut-side down to keep the moisture concentrated within the center of the meat, preventing the slices from splaying out too early.

For the best results, use a high-quality cherry pie filling that contains whole cherries, as this provides a better texture for the final glaze. While ground cinnamon is standard, ensure it is fresh to maximize the aromatic impact.

If the slow cooker has a tendency to run hot, check the ham after 3 hours to ensure it does not become too soft. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature before serving to ensure food safety standards are met.

• Cherry pie filling: Apricot preserves or orange marmalade for a different fruit profile.
• Brown sugar: Dark muscovado sugar or honey for a deeper molasses flavor.

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Serving platter