Slow Cooker Smoky Raspberry Ham for Easy Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can let the ham sit with the spice rub for 30 minutes before adding the preserves. This allows the smoky chili powder to penetrate the surface of the meat more deeply.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the ham after cooking and simmer the remaining liquid in the slow cooker on the high setting for 15 minutes, or transfer it to a saucepan to reduce it over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving this ham is simple because it is already spiral-sliced. When moving the ham from the slow cooker to a platter, use two large spatulas to support the base, as the meat will be very tender.

Pour the warm glaze from the slow cooker over the slices just before serving to add extra shine and flavor. This presentation makes the dish look elegant and professional while keeping the preparation process entirely focused on ease and efficiency.

Variations

• Spicy Raspberry Ham: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness of the raspberry preserves beautifully.
• Savory Herb Ham: Incorporate a tablespoon of dried thyme or rosemary into the rub for an earthy undertone that complements the smoky flavor of the chili powder.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the meat is cooled to room temperature within 2 hours before storing.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked ham in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a covered baking dish at 325°F (165°C) with a splash of water or broth until hot throughout, about 10-15 minutes.

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the remaining glaze in a separate jar to prevent the meat from becoming too soggy.

When ready to serve again, you can gently reheat the meat with a small amount of the glaze to restore its moisture and flavor, ensuring it does not dry out during the warming process.

You can prepare the ingredients and place them in the slow cooker insert, then store the insert in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply take it out, let it sit for 20 minutes to reach room temperature, and start the slow cooker. This is a great way to have dinner ready with minimal morning effort.

Serving ideas

This smoky raspberry ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

The sweetness of the raspberry glaze contrasts well with earthy vegetables, while the smoky notes complement starchy sides. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious, reduced glaze remaining in the slow cooker.

When plating, arrange the slices fan-style on a large platter. Drizzle a generous amount of the warm raspberry and onion sauce over the top. The vibrant color of the glaze and the tender texture of the ham make this an impressive centerpiece for any dinner, whether it is a quiet meal at home or a gathering with friends and family.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Smoky Raspberry Ham for Easy Dinners

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

Ingredients

• 1 half spiral-sliced bone-in ham
• 1 large red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 tbsp smoky chili powder
• 1 cup raspberry preserves

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-sliced bone-in ham into the slow cooker insert, cut side down. Arrange the red onion rings around the base of the ham to provide a flavorful bed for the meat during the long cooking process.
2. Evenly dust the smoky chili powder over the surface of the ham, ensuring it gets between some of the slices. Spoon the raspberry preserves over the top, allowing the glaze to melt and coat the meat as it heats.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham is heated through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once finished, remove the ham to a carving board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the reduced sauce.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

950 mg

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