Effortless Elegance: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham Recipe
Imagine your home filled with the inviting aroma of a festive meal, a scent that whispers of warm spices, sweet apples, and savory ham. This isn’t just for the holidays; it’s the everyday magic that this Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham brings to your table. It’s a dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes, subtly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, yet so incredibly simple to prepare. For those moments when you desire a special meal without being tethered to the kitchen all day, this recipe is your culinary savior. My family, including my husband James who always asks for seconds, and my daughter Ariya who adores the sweet apple glaze drizzled over her mashed potatoes, can attest to its irresistible charm. Best of all, your trusty slow cooker handles the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy your day or effortlessly prepare delicious sides.

What Makes This Apple Glazed Ham Recipe So Special?
Let’s dive into the heart of this delightful creation! Our Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham transformed into a gourmet centerpiece through the magic of low and slow cooking. It’s bathed in a rich, aromatic glaze crafted from sweet apple pie filling, crisp apple cider, deep brown sugar, and a symphony of warm spices like ground cinnamon and fragrant cloves. As the ham gently simmers, it progressively absorbs these vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavors, ensuring every tender slice is infused with an incredible taste. The apple glaze slowly thickens into a luxurious, sticky, and spoonable sauce – absolutely perfect for generously drizzling over each succulent piece of ham and accompanying side dishes.
This recipe takes the grandeur of a classic holiday-style ham and makes it remarkably approachable. Forget about constant oven-watching, the hustle and bustle of a demanding kitchen, or complex, multi-step instructions. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: you combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its wonders. By dinnertime, you’ll have a magnificent, melt-in-your-mouth ham that appears to have taken hours of meticulous effort, but in reality, required almost none from you. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it solution for a truly memorable meal, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Why This Slow Cooker Ham Recipe is a Must-Try
- Effortless “Set It and Forget It” Cooking: The slow cooker is your best friend here. It ensures your ham remains incredibly juicy and tender throughout the cooking process while slowly infusing every fiber with the rich, complex flavors of the apple glaze. This method requires minimal attention, freeing you up to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
- Irresistible Apple Glaze Magic: The combination of apple pie filling and apple cider creates a glaze that’s naturally sweet with a delightful fruity tang. This bright, vibrant sweetness perfectly complements the inherent saltiness of the ham, creating a balanced and utterly delicious flavor profile that’s both comforting and gourmet.
- Completely Hands-Off Preparation: This recipe is designed for maximum convenience. You can have it prepped and ready to cook in just about 10 minutes. Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can leave it to simmer while you manage other side dishes, entertain guests, or simply kick back and enjoy your day without culinary stress.
- Feeds a Crowd with Ease: A substantial spiral-sliced ham is naturally ideal for gatherings. This recipe easily stretches to feed 10-12 people generously, making it perfect for family meals, holiday feasts, or larger parties. Plus, you’ll likely have delicious leftovers for creative sandwiches, hearty soups, and more throughout the week.
- Frees Up Valuable Oven Space: During holiday cooking, oven space is often at a premium. By utilizing the slow cooker for your ham, you liberate your oven for roasting vegetables, baking casseroles, or preparing those essential desserts, streamlining your entire meal preparation process.

Ingredient Breakdown: Understanding Each Component
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in developing the incredible flavor and texture of our Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham. Here’s a closer look at what each component contributes:
| Ingredient | Role in the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Spiral-sliced ham | Pre-cooked for convenience, its unique cut allows the glaze to seep into every layer, infusing maximum flavor as it gently warms to perfection. |
| Apple pie filling | Provides natural fruity sweetness, tender apple chunks, and the ideal body and texture to create a rich, spoonable glaze that clings beautifully. |
| Brown sugar | Contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps to create that signature sticky, slightly caramelized exterior on the ham. |
| Apple cider | Adds a fresh, tart apple flavor that brightens the glaze and ensures it remains saucy and pourable, preventing it from becoming overly thick. |
| Worcestershire sauce | A secret weapon! It introduces a crucial savory umami depth and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness, preventing the glaze from being one-dimensional. |
| Ground cinnamon & cloves | These classic warm holiday spices elevate the glaze with their aromatic, cozy, and complex notes, creating an inviting scent and taste that evokes festive gatherings. |




When to Serve & Perfect Serving Ideas
This versatile Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is not just for special occasions; it’s a fantastic choice for a variety of meals throughout the year:
- Holiday Feasts: Elevate your Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners with this impressive yet easy-to-make centerpiece. Its festive flavors and beautiful presentation make any holiday table feel complete and luxurious.
- Effortless Sunday Dinners: When you crave something comforting and special on a Sunday but don’t want to spend the entire day cooking, this ham is the perfect solution. It offers a homemade feel with minimal active time.
- Potlucks or Gatherings: The slow cooker’s ability to keep the ham warm and moist makes it an ideal dish for potlucks, family reunions, or any large gathering. It’s easy to transport and stays delicious until serving.
- Smart Meal Prep: Cook a large ham and enjoy the incredible benefits of planned leftovers. The tender ham makes amazing sandwiches, hearty soups, flavorful casseroles, and quick weeknight meals, making your week infinitely easier.
For a truly spectacular meal, pair this glazed ham with classic comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must to soak up every drop of that luscious apple glaze. Roasted green beans or asparagus add a fresh, vibrant contrast. Indulgent mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, and warm, fluffy fresh rolls are essential for wiping plates clean of the delicious sauce. Consider adding a crisp green salad to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing element.

Make Ahead & Expert Storage Tips
Planning ahead makes mealtime even smoother, and this apple glazed ham is perfectly suited for it. Here’s how to prepare and store your ham like a pro:
- Make Ahead: To simplify your cooking day, you can assemble all the ingredients in your slow cooker insert the night before. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, add the glaze ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The next day, just transfer the insert to the slow cooker base and begin cooking. Allow an extra 30-60 minutes for the ham to come to temperature before the actual cooking time begins.
- Storing Leftovers: Once the ham has cooled completely, transfer any leftover slices and the remaining glaze to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and it will keep deliciously for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled ham slices in freezer bags or an airtight container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw the ham thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat leftover ham and keep it wonderfully juicy, place the slices in a covered dish with a splash of extra apple cider or some of the reserved glaze. This moisture helps to prevent drying out. You can gently warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or in the microwave for smaller portions.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Once you try this Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham, it will quickly become a cherished favorite for countless reasons:
- Unbeatable Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can make this impressive dish, regardless of their cooking experience. It’s designed for convenience without compromising on flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweet, Tangy, and Spiced Glaze: The unique combination of apples, brown sugar, and warm spices creates a glaze that is incredibly flavorful, coating every single slice of ham with its sticky, aromatic goodness.
- Generous Portions for Everyone: This recipe is a fantastic choice for feeding a large family or entertaining guests, ensuring there’s plenty of delicious ham for everyone, plus ample leftovers for future meals.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s the highlight of your grand holiday feast or a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner, this ham adapts beautifully to any setting.
- Smart Kitchen Management: By using the slow cooker, you effectively free up precious oven space, which is especially beneficial when preparing multiple dishes for big gatherings, allowing you to manage your cooking workflow more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this delicious apple glazed ham:
Do I need to use a spiral-sliced ham?
While a spiral-sliced ham is highly recommended for this recipe, it’s not strictly mandatory. Spiral hams are pre-sliced, allowing the rich apple glaze to effortlessly seep between each layer, ensuring the entire roast is thoroughly flavored and incredibly moist. If you’re working with a whole ham, you can achieve a similar effect by scoring the surface in a diamond pattern. This creates channels for the glaze to penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor penetration.
Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh apples, but be aware that the texture and consistency of the glaze will be different. Fresh apples will soften but won’t provide the same thick, syrupy base as canned pie filling. If you choose to use fresh apples, I recommend sautéing them first with a tablespoon of butter, some brown sugar, and a teaspoon of cornstarch until they are tender and slightly saucy. This will help them break down and contribute more body to the glaze before adding them to the slow cooker.
Is this ham very sweet?
This ham definitely has a delightful sweetness, but it’s carefully balanced to prevent it from being overly cloying. The Worcestershire sauce introduces a crucial savory depth, and the warm spices like cinnamon and cloves add complexity, ensuring the flavor is well-rounded and not one-dimensional. For those who prefer a less sweet profile, you can easily reduce the amount of brown sugar by half or add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar to introduce a sharper tang.
Can I make this recipe without cloves?
Absolutely. If cloves aren’t to your taste or you don’t have them on hand, you can certainly omit them. Cloves have a strong, distinctive flavor, so feel free to skip them entirely if preferred. Alternatively, you can use a general apple pie spice blend, which will provide a lovely warmth and spice without the prominent clove flavor. You can also increase the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a similar aromatic profile.
How do I keep the ham moist while reheating?
The key to reheating ham without drying it out is to add moisture and cover it tightly. Place the leftover ham slices in an oven-safe dish, add a little of the reserved glaze or a splash of apple cider (or even chicken broth) to the bottom of the dish, and cover it tightly with foil. Warm it in the oven at a low temperature, around 325°F (160°C), until it’s heated through. This gentle, moist heat will help maintain its juiciness.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger ham?
Yes, you can certainly double the glaze ingredients if you’re using a larger ham, provided your slow cooker is big enough to comfortably accommodate the ham. Keep in mind that for hams exceeding 10 pounds, the cooking time might increase slightly to ensure it’s heated through evenly. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 140°F (60°C).
What size slow cooker works best?
For a standard 7–8 pound spiral-sliced ham, a 6–7 quart slow cooker is typically the ideal size. This allows enough space for the ham to fit comfortably and for the glaze to circulate without overflowing. If you have a larger ham, you might need an 8-quart or larger slow cooker.
Can I use pineapple instead of apple?
Absolutely! Pineapple is another classic pairing for ham, and it works beautifully in this recipe. You can substitute canned crushed pineapple or pineapple rings for the apple pie filling. Maintain the same quantities of brown sugar and spices, as the sweet and tangy profile of pineapple will complement them perfectly.

Delicious Variations & Creative Substitutions
One of the joys of cooking is customizing recipes to suit your taste or what you have on hand. This apple glazed ham is a fantastic canvas for experimentation:
- Explore Different Fruits: While apple is divine, consider swapping it for other fruits. Pineapple, in crushed or ring form, offers a tropical tang. Cranberries (fresh or canned sauce) provide a lovely tartness, especially around winter holidays. Even pitted cherries can create a rich, dark fruit glaze.
- Maple Syrup Twist: For a deeper, more complex sweetness with earthy undertones, replace half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup. This adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
- Sweet-and-Spicy Version: If you enjoy a kick, introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze. This creates an exciting contrast of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that keeps every bite interesting.
- Honey Apple Ham with Dijon: For a different kind of tang, swap the brown sugar entirely for honey and add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze. The Dijon adds a sharp, savory bite that cuts through the sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the ham.

How to Make Apple Glazed Ham in the Oven
While the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience, if you prefer using your oven, need your ham ready a bit faster, or simply don’t have a slow cooker, this apple glazed ham recipe adapts beautifully. The oven method delivers the same incredible sweet-savory flavor and tender slices, often with a slightly more caramelized and glossy finish:
- Prepare Your Ham: Begin by placing your spiral-sliced ham, flat side down, into a sturdy, large roasting pan or a deep baking dish. Ensure the dish is large enough to contain all the glaze without overflowing.
- Craft the Glaze: Generously spoon the apple pie filling over the top of the ham, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, sprinkle the packed light brown sugar over the apples, followed by a generous drizzle of the apple cider and Worcestershire sauce. Finish by dusting with the ground cinnamon and cloves. Gently encourage some of the glaze to drip between the ham slices.
- Seal for Moisture: Crucially, cover the roasting pan very tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This step is essential for trapping all the steam and moisture within the pan, which helps to keep the ham incredibly juicy and prevents it from drying out during baking.
- Bake Low and Slow: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the ham for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding the bone) reads an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Since the ham is pre-cooked, you’re primarily warming it through and allowing the flavors to meld.
- Regular Basting: To ensure maximum flavor and a beautifully glazed exterior, baste the ham frequently. Every 30 minutes or so, carefully remove the foil and spoon some of the accumulated apple glaze from the bottom of the pan over the top and into the crevices of the ham. Recover tightly after basting.
- Optional Caramelized Finish: For that irresistible, glossy, and sticky caramelized glaze, remove the foil completely during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Alternatively, for an even quicker caramelization, you can carefully broil the ham on HIGH for 2-3 minutes at the very end. Be sure to watch it continuously during broiling to prevent burning, as sugar can caramelize very quickly.
While the oven method does require a bit more attention and “babysitting” compared to the hands-off approach of the slow cooker, the delicious results – tender, flavorful slices with a perfectly glazed crust – are well worth the effort and make for an impressive presentation.

Creative Leftover Ideas
One of the best parts of making a large ham is the promise of delicious leftovers! Don’t let a single slice go to waste. Here are some fantastic ways to repurpose your Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham:
- Elevated Ham Sandwiches: Move beyond basic. Layer thinly sliced leftover ham on crusty artisan bread, add sharp Swiss cheese, a smear of tangy Dijon mustard, and crisp lettuce for a truly gourmet sandwich experience.
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: Don’t discard the ham bone! Use it, along with diced leftover ham, to create a deeply flavorful, comforting ham and bean soup. It’s a fantastic slow cooker meal in itself, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Quick Ham Fried Rice: For a lightning-fast weeknight dinner, dice the ham and toss it into a wok or large skillet with leftover rice, your favorite chopped vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), scrambled eggs, and a splash of soy sauce. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying.
- Savory Breakfast Casserole: Transform your mornings by adding diced ham to an egg-and-cheese bake. Combine it with hash browns or cubed potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and plenty of cheese for an effortless make-ahead breakfast or brunch.
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Gratin: Layer thinly sliced cooked potatoes with diced ham, a creamy sauce, and plenty of cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. A perfect comforting side or light main.

Budget Breakdown (Approximate, U.S. Prices)
Feeding a crowd doesn’t have to break the bank, especially with a dish as economical and satisfying as this apple glazed ham. Here’s an approximate cost breakdown, based on typical U.S. grocery prices, demonstrating the excellent value this recipe offers:
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Spiral-sliced ham (8 lbs) | $24.00 |
| Apple pie filling (2 cans) | $5.00 |
| Brown sugar & spices | $1.50 |
| Apple cider | $2.50 |
| Worcestershire sauce | $1.00 |
Total Estimated Cost: approximately $34.00 for 12 generous servings. This breaks down to an incredible $2.80 per serving, making it a highly cost-effective and delicious option for any meal, especially larger gatherings where quality and value are paramount.

Lighten-Up Version / Lower Calorie Options
For those looking to enjoy this delicious apple glazed ham with a lighter touch, here are some simple adjustments you can make without sacrificing flavor:
- Choose a Leaner Ham: Opt for a leaner cut of ham, or trim any excess visible fat from your spiral-sliced ham before cooking. This will naturally reduce the overall fat content and calories per serving.
- Reduce Brown Sugar: Cut the amount of brown sugar by half, or consider replacing it with a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia. These alternatives can provide sweetness with significantly fewer calories and carbohydrates.
- Unsweetened Applesauce Swap: Instead of apple pie filling, use unsweetened applesauce. This will reduce the added sugars while still providing a lovely apple flavor and helping to thicken the glaze. You might need to add a touch more spice to compensate for the flavor difference.
- Skip or Lighten Butter (if using): If you’re adding butter to the glaze or for basting, either omit it entirely or use a light butter alternative. The ham itself provides plenty of richness.
Reader Favorite Tips and Ideas
Our readers have shared some fantastic tips that consistently enhance this Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham. Incorporate these to elevate your cooking experience:
- Frequent Basting for Maximum Flavor: Don’t underestimate the power of basting! Spooning the flavorful apple glaze over the ham every hour during cooking ensures that every part of the meat is consistently bathed in the sweet and savory liquid, leading to a deeper flavor penetration and a more uniform glaze.
- Broil for a Caramelized Finish: For an absolutely irresistible, glossy, and slightly crispy glaze, transfer the cooked ham to a baking sheet and broil it for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. Watch it very closely, as sugar can burn quickly, but this step creates a beautiful, caramelized crust that is a real showstopper.
- Save Leftover Glaze: That sticky, sweet, and spiced glaze at the bottom of the slow cooker is pure gold! Don’t let it go to waste. Spoon any remaining glaze into a container and save it to drizzle over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert twist.

Why Apple with Ham Isn’t as Weird as It Sounds: A Culinary Harmony
If the idea of pairing sweet apples with savory ham feels a little unconventional, rest assured, you’re not alone! Many first-timers express a hint of surprise, but the truth is, fruit glazes and salty ham are a culinary combination as old as time. Think of classic pineapple-glazed hams, sticky apricot hams, or the beloved honey-mustard ham—all demonstrate this exquisite balance. Apples, in particular, bring a natural sweetness and a mild, refreshing tang that acts as the perfect counterpoint to the inherent saltiness and richness of the ham. It’s a masterful dance of flavors that truly awakens the palate.
The culinary magic happens when the natural acids in the apples interact with the savory ham, tenderizing the meat slightly while infusing it with bright, fruity notes. When combined with warm, comforting spices like cinnamon and cloves, alongside the deep, caramel sweetness of brown sugar and the crispness of apple cider, the fruit transforms into a rich, complex, and irresistibly sticky glaze. This isn’t an overpowering sweetness; rather, it’s a perfectly calibrated blend of salty, savory, subtly acidic, and delicately fruity flavors. The result is a cozy, holiday-ready dish that offers an exciting and harmonious taste in every single bite, proving that this pairing is not just good, but truly exceptional.

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Results
Even the simplest recipes can sometimes present small challenges. Don’t worry, here are some common issues you might encounter when making your Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham, along with easy solutions:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Glaze too thin | The ham or cider may have released extra liquid during cooking, thinning the glaze. | Remove the ham and carefully transfer the glaze to a saucepan. Simmer uncovered on HIGH heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. |
| Glaze is too sweet | Too much brown sugar or a very sweet apple pie filling was used. | Add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of apple cider vinegar (1-2 teaspoons) to introduce a balancing savory or tart note. A pinch of salt can also help cut the sweetness. |
| Ham turns out dry | The ham was likely overcooked or cooked at too high a temperature for too long. | Always cook on the LOW setting for the recommended time (4-5 hours for a typical 7-8 lb ham). Check for doneness with a meat thermometer at the 4-hour mark. If your slow cooker runs hot, you may need to reduce cooking time. |
| Flavor too mild | Not enough seasoning was used or the flavors haven’t fully developed. | If the glaze tastes bland, add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, an additional pinch of cloves, or even a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to give it a flavor boost. For deeper flavor, baste more frequently. |

Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes. They are provided for general informational purposes.
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 1220mg

More Holiday Favorites for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner
This Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is undeniably a star, often taking center stage on my Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. However, a truly unforgettable holiday feast is always a collaborative effort of many delicious dishes! Every year, I love curating a full spread of tried-and-true family favorites that guarantee everyone will come back for seconds, and often thirds. Here are some other incredible dishes I lovingly prepare right alongside this magnificent ham, creating a symphony of flavors for a truly spectacular holiday:
- Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe – The quintessential star of any holiday table. This recipe ensures incredibly tender, moist meat and perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin, making it a showstopper every time.
- Coca-Cola Ham – A surprisingly delicious and incredibly popular recipe. This ham boasts a uniquely sweet, sticky, and deeply flavorful glaze, all thanks to the classic soda. It’s a fun, nostalgic twist on a traditional ham.
- Dr. Pepper Ham – For those who love bold and slightly more adventurous flavors, this Dr. Pepper ham offers a fantastic twist. It’s infused with distinct, complex notes that are subtly spicy and incredibly addictive.
- Soft & Fluffy Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls – No holiday meal is complete without warm, homemade bread. These impossibly soft, fluffy, and tender rolls are absolute perfection for soaking up every last bit of delicious gravy, sauce, or the incredible apple glaze from your ham.
- Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham – Another hands-off slow cooker marvel that, like our apple ham, frees up your precious oven space. This recipe delivers big, bright pineapple flavor perfectly balanced by rich brown sugar.
- Classic Pumpkin Roll – The ultimate autumnal dessert. This elegant, spiced pumpkin cake rolled with a luscious, creamy filling is the perfect sweet ending to any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, delightful in every bite.
Together, these carefully selected recipes orchestrate an unforgettable holiday feast where every dish beautifully complements the others, ensuring a truly harmonious and joyous dining experience for all.

My Personal Kitchen Notes & Testing Insights
As a passionate home cook, I meticulously test my recipes to ensure they deliver outstanding results every time. For this Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham, I conducted several rounds of experimentation. I primarily tested with both canned apple pie filling and unsweetened applesauce. My findings confirmed that the apple pie filling consistently yielded a richer, thicker, and more luxurious glaze that adhered beautifully to the ham, providing those delightful chunks of tender apple. While the applesauce version was lighter and still flavorful, it lacked the satisfying body and clinginess of the pie filling glaze.
Another key discovery was the transformative power of a quick broil at the end. After slow cooking, I transferred the ham to a baking sheet and broiled it for just a couple of minutes. This brief exposure to high heat created a wonderfully sticky, slightly caramelized, and golden-brown crust on the glaze, adding an extra layer of texture and visual appeal that truly elevated the dish. I highly recommend this optional step if you have the time and desire that perfect, glossy finish.

My Final Thoughts: A New Family Favorite
This Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create unforgettable memories around the dinner table, all with minimal effort. It stands as the ultimate easy solution for serving a truly holiday-worthy main dish without the stress of crowding your oven or spending endless hours in the kitchen. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced flavors that taste like the very essence of fall and winter. Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast, seeking a special yet simple Sunday dinner, or looking for efficient meal prep options for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Its ease, incredible flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal ensure it will be a recipe you’ll return to again and again, becoming a cherished part of your culinary tradition.

More Incredible Ham Recipes to Explore
If you’ve loved this Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic ham recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from easy weeknight meals to festive holiday gatherings:
- Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
- Coca Cola Ham
- Dr. Pepper Ham
- Pineapple Baked Ham

Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 1 7–8 lb spiral-sliced ham, fully cooked
- 2 21 oz cans apple pie filling
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
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Place the ham in a large slow cooker, flat side down.
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Sprinkle the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider, cinnamon, and cloves over the top of the ham evenly. Then, pour the apple pie filling over the ham, making sure some glaze drips between the slices.
-
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbling nicely.
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Baste the ham occasionally with the glaze that has collected in the slow cooker during cooking to ensure even flavoring and moistness.
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Once finished, carefully remove the ham to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve with extra apple glaze from the slow cooker.
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