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You know, there’s a certain comfort that only comes from a big ol’ ham slow-cooking on the counter while the wind rattles the windows outside. Maybe it’s the way the smell drifts through the house and makes your stomach growl long before dinner’s ready — or maybe it’s just that quiet promise that no matter what the week threw at you, at least there’s a good meal waiting at the end of it.
I remember one winter, my cousin Betty and I tried to speed up a ham by cranking the slow cooker to high. Rookie mistake. We ended up with dry edges and a sticky mess — but you know what? We ate it anyway, laughing so hard we nearly tipped our plates onto the floor. That’s the thing about food like this: even when it’s not perfect, it’s perfect enough.
So this Slow Cooker Apricot Dijon Spiral Ham is my trusty answer for Sundays, holidays, or just when you want to smell something good all afternoon. Sweet, tangy, just a tiny bit fancy — but not so fancy it scares off picky eaters. And the best part? The leftovers taste even better sneaked cold from the fridge. (Don’t tell my husband I said that.)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Sweet apricot + sharp Dijon = pure Midwest magic.
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Hands-off — the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you do literally anything else.
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Feeds the whole gang and then some — plus sandwiches for Monday.
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Brings back that cozy, old-school Sunday supper vibe. (Elastic waistbands recommended.)
Ingredients — Simple & Sweet
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1 (8–10 pound) spiral-cut ham — I swear by bone-in, but boneless works if you like easy slicing.
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1 cup apricot preserves — Peach or orange marmalade if you’re feeling wild.
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1/2 cup Dijon mustard — Adds that little zing to cut the sweetness.
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1/2 cup brown sugar — Because Midwest cooking is basically brown sugar on everything.
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar — A splash to brighten it up.
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1 teaspoon ground cloves — Warm and holiday-ish.
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper — Just enough to keep you guessing.
A quick tip: If you’ve got kids who turn their noses up at “spicy,” skip the extra heat. But if you want a gentle kick, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika works wonders.
Directions — Just Like Grandma Did (Mostly)
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Snuggle the ham in.
Plop that beautiful spiral ham into your slow cooker, flat side down. Don’t fuss too much — it’s pretty forgiving. -
Mix up that magic glaze.
In a medium bowl — or heck, a big mug if you’re lazy like me — whisk together the apricot preserves, Dijon, brown sugar, vinegar, cloves, and pepper. It’ll smell sweet and tangy and maybe a bit messy — that’s good. -
Glaze and tuck.
Pour that sticky goodness all over the ham. Gently lift a few slices and sneak some glaze in there too — don’t be shy. -
Lid on, feet up.
Cover your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it do its thing for about 4–5 hours. Every so often, lift the lid and spoon that glaze back over the ham. This part makes you feel very chef-y, so enjoy it. -
Rest and slice.
When the ham’s heated through and smells like you just invented comfort food, carefully transfer it to a big platter. Let it sit a few minutes — enough time to holler that dinner’s ready. Slice it up, drizzle the leftover glaze, and watch it disappear.
Serving Suggestions — Pass the Rolls, Please
Around here, it’s not a holiday unless there’s a big bowl of buttery mashed potatoes right next to the ham. Corn on the cob if it’s summer, green bean casserole if it’s winter. A bright garden salad is nice, too — if only to make you feel better about the second helping. And warm dinner rolls are non-negotiable — perfect for chasing down every last sticky drop of that glaze.
Storage Tips — The Gift That Keeps Giving
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Wrap slices tight in foil or a storage container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days — if they last that long. I love sneaking a slice cold (don’t judge) or piling it high on a sandwich with sharp cheddar and a swipe of extra Dijon. Or toss chopped bits into scrambled eggs or bean soup. Waste not, want not, as my mama used to say.
Variations — Play Around, Make It Yours
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the apricot preserves for peach or orange — even pineapple works if you want a tropical twist. A splash of bourbon in the glaze? Now you’re talking. Or bump up the heat with a pinch of cayenne — just enough to wake up your taste buds without sending the kids running.
From My Table to Yours
Alright, friend — that’s all she wrote for this one. If you make this Slow Cooker Apricot Dijon Spiral Ham, let me know how it turns out. Did you swap the preserves? Add bourbon? Hide the leftovers in the veggie drawer so nobody else finds them? (Been there.)
Drop me a note down below — your stories make my day.
And hey — don’t forget to grab a second roll. Life’s too short for just one.
Slow Cooker Apricot Dijon Spiral Ham
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut ham 8–10 pounds
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place the spiral-cut ham in the slow cooker, flat side down.
- In a medium bowl, combine the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the apricot Dijon glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Cook for 4–5 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour.
- Once the ham is heated through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter.
- Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
