Slow Cooker Cherry Glazed Ham for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a deeper color and stickier texture, some cooks prefer to glaze the ham for the final 30 minutes of cooking. However, the slow cooker method is designed to be hands-off, so adding all ingredients at the start is perfectly acceptable for busy schedules.

If you prefer a slightly caramelized exterior, you can transfer the ham to a baking sheet after it has finished in the slow cooker and place it under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

When serving, present the ham on a large platter and use a sharp carving knife to separate the slices from the bone. The remaining juices in the slow cooker are essentially a concentrated sauce; skim off any excess fat from the surface and serve the liquid in a small boat alongside the ham. This adds a wonderful, sweet contrast to the savory meat and ensures every bite is as flavorful as the first, making for a truly memorable main course.

Variations

• Spiced Pineapple Glaze: Replace the cherry pie filling with crushed pineapple and a tablespoon of pineapple juice. The acidity of the pineapple cuts through the richness of the ham beautifully, offering a brighter, tropical flavor profile.
• Savory Mustard Infusion: Whisk two tablespoons of Dijon mustard into the cherry pie filling before pouring it over the ham. The tanginess of the mustard balances the sweetness, creating a more sophisticated, well-rounded flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Warm individual slices in a microwave-safe dish or gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water until heated through.

Allow any leftover ham to cool completely to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring to an airtight container. Keep the ham in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, the ham can be frozen. When freezing, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date and consume within 2 months for the best quality and flavor.

This dish is ideal for making ahead. You can assemble the ham and glaze ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle.

This saves significant time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations while the ham cooks unattended. Ensure the slow cooker insert has come to room temperature before switching on the unit to prevent thermal shock.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham warm as the centerpiece of your meal. It pairs exceptionally well with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the cherry glaze.

The vibrant color of the cherries makes for a beautiful presentation on a festive platter. For a more casual setting, consider serving the ham alongside warm dinner rolls and a variety of mustards to allow guests to customize their plates according to their personal preferences.

If planning for a buffet, keep the ham warm in the slow cooker on the lowest setting for up to 2 hours. This ensures that guests can help themselves to warm, glazed slices throughout the event.

Provide a pair of serving tongs and a carving fork to make it easy for guests to lift the slices without disturbing the presentation. Ensure there is plenty of the reserved glaze available for drizzling, as guests often appreciate the extra sweetness that accompanies the savory, succulent meat.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cherry Glazed Ham for Easy Entertaining

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 5 lb spiral ham
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Place the spiral ham cut-side down into the base of the slow cooker. Ensure it sits flat against the bottom for even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
2. Scatter the brown sugar evenly over the top of the ham. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the sugar, then pour the cherry pie filling over the entire surface, ensuring it drips down into the spirals.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once cooked, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). Remove the ham carefully and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.