Easy Recipe for Ham in the Crockpot with Cranberry Orange Glaze

My favorite recipe for ham in the crockpot delivers big cranberry orange flavor with barely any effort. This cozy, glossy ham slow-cooks to tender slices with a citrus-tangy glaze that feels holiday-special and weeknight-easy.

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The backstory.

I started pairing sweet cranberry and orange with smoked ham after a holiday scramble when the oven was full and the slow cooker was free. One lazy glaze later, the whole house smelled like citrus and spice, and the slices cooked in the crock pot were unbelievably juicy. Now this is my "bring the ham" move - set it, baste once or twice, and enjoy the compliments at your holiday meal.

This crockpot ham is a must make.

This crock pot ham recipe gives you juicy slices and a glossy cranberry orange finish with almost no work.

• Set-and-forget. The slow cooker keeps the spiral ham tender while you handle sides (or guests).
• Family-friendly flavor. Sweet cranberry, bright orange, and gentle spice please every palate.
• Gorgeous glaze. A shiny, citrusy lacquer seeps between the spiral slices for big impact.

Let's talk flavor and texture.

You'll get sweet notes from the brown sugar glaze with cranberry sauce, and bright citrus from orange juice and zest, and cozy warmth from a pinch of cinnamon with optional red pepper flakes. Hickory smoke adds depth. Texture is sliceable but tender, with a lacquered finish that clings to every edge.

What you'll need to make slow cooker ham.

This crock pot ham recipe uses pantry staples to build a festive glaze.

• Spiral sliced bone-in hickory-smoked ham: Use a fully cooked ham for easy, reliable results.
• Canned whole-berry cranberry sauce: Thickens the glaze and adds fruit.
• Orange juice + orange zest: Fresh citrus flavor and aroma.
• Ligh brown sugar: Caramel sweetness and shine.
• Dijon mustard: Gentle tang for balance.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the finish.
• Ground cinnamon + red pepper flakes: Warmth with optional mild heat.
• Optional: Orange slices to lift the ham and perfume the crock; a splash of water or orange juice for steam.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

Make it your own way.

This ham in the crock pot is flexible - tweak the glaze to match your crowd.

• Make it spicy with hot sauce, extra red pepper flakes, and a pinch of cayenne - or a spoonful of spicy barbecue sauce.
• A bone in or boneless ham may be used.
• Swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar or even maple syrup.
• Add holiday warmth with a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
• Swap orange juice for pineapple juice for a sweeter, tropical spin.
• Boost citrus with a small splash of orange extract.

How to serve it.

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A comforting crock pot ham deserves simple sides and fun leftovers.

• Serve thick slices with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or green beans. Spoon warm cranberry orange glaze over the top and finish with a little fresh zest.
• Meal idea! Turn the leftover ham into sliders: pile warm slices on soft rolls with Swiss and a swipe of Dijon. Brush tops with melted butter and broil until toasty. Add coleslaw and serve with baked beans.

Kori's tips.

• Want more glaze between slices? Set the ham cut side up on orange slices and pour some glaze between the layers.
• Start checking the temperature after 2 hours - hams vary by brand and size and crockpots vary in temperature. For best results, use a thermometer and only heat to the recommended temperature on the ham package. If the ham is done early. Turn it to warm and cover until you're ready to serve.
• Thicken the crock juices 5 minutes on the stove, then brush for a glossy finish.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

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