Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Holiday Ham for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, let the ham sit in the glaze mixture for 30 minutes before turning the slow cooker on, if time permits. This allows the spices to penetrate the surface of the meat more effectively, creating a more pronounced flavor profile. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the glaze for an extra layer of warmth and complexity that really shines during the holiday season.

The leftover sauce is excellent when drizzled over roasted root vegetables or served alongside mashed potatoes. To adjust the sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly, or add a pinch of ground cloves for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can remove the ham and pears, then simmer the liquid in a small saucepan on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations

• Spicy Pear Ham: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture for a subtle, warming heat that balances the natural sweetness of the pears and brown sugar.
• Herb-Infused Ham: Tuck two sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme into the slow cooker during the cooking process to add a savory, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the fruit.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Warm gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water or juice until heated through.

Store any leftover ham and pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the meat is completely cooled before covering it to prevent condensation from affecting the texture.

Properly stored, the ham will remain fresh for up to three days, making it an ideal candidate for meal planning. Always keep the ham submerged in a little of the cooking liquid if possible, as this will help prevent the meat from drying out while it is stored in the refrigerator.

You can prepare the glaze and store it in the refrigerator up to one day in advance. Simply whisk it again before pouring it over the ham in the slow cooker. This shortens the preparation time on the day of your event, allowing you to assemble the dish in minutes.

You can also slice the ham and prepare the pears ahead of time, keeping them in separate containers until you are ready to start the cooking process in your slow cooker.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham and pears on a warm platter, pouring the thickened pan juices over the top just before presenting to guests. The contrast between the savory ham and the sweet, spiced pears makes for a beautiful visual presentation that suits any holiday table.

Using a large, shallow serving dish allows the ham slices to be displayed clearly, and you can garnish the platter with a few fresh herbs if you want to add a vibrant pop of color to the final presentation.

Pair this dish with side dishes that complement the spiced glaze, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The combination of textures and flavors ensures a well-rounded meal that feels special without being overly complicated.

Consider serving the extra glaze in a small gravy boat on the side, allowing guests to add more of the delicious, spiced pear reduction to their plates according to their own personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Holiday Ham for Easy Entertaining

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless ham, sliced into thick pieces
• 3 whole pears, halved and cored
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup pear juice
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Arrange the thick slices of boneless ham in a row inside the slow cooker insert. Place the pear halves tucked securely alongside the ham slices to ensure they cook evenly within the juices.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the ham and pears. In a small pitcher or bowl, whisk together the pear juice and Dijon mustard until combined, then pour this mixture over the contents of the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once done, ensure the ham has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving with the warm spiced pear sauce.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

950 mg

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