This Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is one of those recipes that makes the whole house smell like the holidays, even if it’s just an ordinary Sunday. It’s sweet, tangy, lightly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and so simple to throw together. Around here, I make it when I want something that feels special but doesn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen all day. a family member always goes for seconds, a kid at the table loves the sweet glaze drizzled over her mashed potatoes, and I love that the slow cooker does all the work while I prep the sides or just enjoy the day.

Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham in a red crockpot sitting on table

What Is This Recipe Exactly?

Let’s get into it! My Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is a spiral-sliced ham cooked low and slow with apple pie filling, apple cider, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. As it cooks, the ham soaks up all the sweet, tangy flavors, and the apple glaze thickens into a sticky, spoonable sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over each slice.

It’s a classic holiday-style ham made easier because there’s no oven-watching, no rushing around the kitchen, and no complicated steps. You toss everything in the slow cooker, set it on low, and by dinner, you have a beautiful, tender ham ready to serve with almost no effort.

Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham in a black crock pot on a dark wood table

Why This Recipe Works

Set it and forget it: The slow cooker keeps the ham juicy and tender while infusing it with flavor.
Apple glaze magic: Using apple pie filling and apple cider gives natural sweetness with a fruity tang that pairs perfectly with salty ham.
Hands-off cooking: You can prep it in 10 minutes and let it cook while you handle sides, guests, or just relax.
Feeds a crowd: A big spiral ham stretches to feed 10–12 people easily, with leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and more.

A plaid platter on a wooden table with a large Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham on platter, and fall themed items around it

Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do

Ingredient	Role in the Recipe
Spiral-sliced ham	Pre-cooked and easy to portion; absorbs the glaze beautifully as it warms
Apple pie filling	Adds fruity sweetness and body to the glaze
Brown sugar	Deepens the sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze
Apple cider	Provides tangy, fresh apple flavor and keeps the glaze saucy
Worcestershire sauce	Balances sweetness with a hint of savory umami flavor
Ground cinnamon & cloves	Warm holiday spices that make the glaze aromatic and cozy

all the ingredients for apple glazed crockpot ham on a wooden table

raw spiral cut ham sitting on a wooden table in a black slow cooker

wooden table with a black crockpot in center with a sliced ham topped with spiced apples

When to Serve / Serving Ideas

This Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is perfect for:

Holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all feel complete with a beautiful glazed ham on the table.
Sunday dinners: When you want something special without spending all day cooking.
Potlucks or gatherings: The slow cooker keeps the ham warm until serving, making it easy to transport.
Meal prep: Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, soups, and casseroles throughout the week.

Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, mac and cheese, or fresh rolls to soak up all that apple glaze.

red slow cooker on a wooden table with a spiral ham with apples on top, and whole apples in front of table

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make ahead: Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then start cooking the next day.
Storing leftovers: Refrigerate cooked ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled ham slices in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a covered dish with a splash of apple cider or glaze to keep them juicy.

Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham on a plaid platter sitting on table with a checkered red towel behind ham, salt and pepper shakers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy prep with simple ingredients you can find anywhere
Sweet, tangy, spiced glaze that clings to every slice
Feeds a crowd with plenty of leftovers
Works for both holidays and weeknight dinners
Frees up oven space when cooking for big gatherings

Side view of the Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham in a red slow cooker

FAQ Section

Do I need to use a spiral-sliced ham?
Spiral hams work best because the slices let the glaze drip between each layer, flavoring the entire roast. If you only have a whole ham, you can score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze soak in.

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
Yes, but the texture will be different. If using fresh apples, sauté them first with butter, brown sugar, and a little cornstarch until they’re tender and saucy before adding to the slow cooker.

Is this ham very sweet?
It’s sweet, but the Worcestershire sauce and spices balance it so it’s not one-dimensional. For less sweetness, cut the brown sugar in half or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Can I make this recipe without cloves?
Absolutely. You can skip the cloves or use apple pie spice instead, which gives warmth without the strong clove flavor.

How do I keep the ham moist while reheating?
Cover it tightly with foil and add a little of the leftover glaze or some apple cider before warming in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger ham?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Cooking time might increase slightly for hams over 10 pounds.

What size slow cooker works best?
A 6–7 quart slow cooker comfortably fits a 7–8 pound spiral-sliced ham.

Can I use pineapple instead of apple?
Yes — canned crushed pineapple or pineapple rings both work well with the same spices and brown sugar.

fully cooked Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham on a platter garnished with greens and cinnamon apples on top of ham

Variations & Substitutions

Different fruits: Try pineapple, cranberries, or even cherries for the glaze.
Maple twist: Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy glaze.
Honey apple ham: Swap brown sugar for honey and add Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.

red slow cooker on table with a glazed apple spiral ham on table

How to Make Apple Glazed Ham in the Oven

If you don’t want to use the slow cooker or need your ham ready a little faster, the oven method works perfectly:

Prep the ham: Place your spiral-sliced ham in a large roasting pan or deep baking dish, flat side down.
Add the glaze ingredients: Spoon the apple pie filling over the top, sprinkle on the brown sugar, drizzle the apple cider and Worcestershire sauce, and finish with the cinnamon and cloves.
Cover tightly: Use heavy-duty foil to seal in all the steam so the ham stays juicy while baking.
Bake low and slow: Cook at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound or until the ham reaches 140°F in the center.
Baste frequently: About every 30 minutes, spoon some of the apple glaze from the bottom of the pan over the top of the ham.
Optional caramelized finish: For a glossy, sticky glaze, remove the foil during the last 15 minutes or broil on HIGH for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

The oven method takes a bit more babysitting than the slow cooker, but it delivers the same sweet-savory flavor and tender slices with that picture-perfect glaze on top.

Leftover Ideas

Ham sandwiches: Layer on crusty bread with Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard.
Ham and bean soup: Use the bone and leftover ham for a hearty slow cooker soup.
Ham fried rice: Quick weeknight dinner with rice, veggies, and scrambled eggs.
Breakfast casserole: Add diced ham to an egg-and-cheese bake for easy mornings.

side view of a Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham sitting on a platter with cinnamon sticks in front

Budget Breakdown (Approximate, U.S. Prices)

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: about $34 for 12 servings → $2.80 per serving

looking down at wooden table with a black slow cooker with apple glazed spiral ham. Fresh apples around table

Lighten-Up Version / Lower Calorie

Use a leaner ham or trim excess fat before cooking.
Reduce brown sugar by half or swap with a sugar substitute like monk fruit.
Use unsweetened applesauce instead of apple pie filling for less sugar.
Skip the butter or use a light version if desired.

Reader Favorite Tips and Ideas

Baste the ham every hour for maximum flavor.
Broil the ham for 2–3 minutes after cooking to caramelize the glaze.
Save leftover glaze to drizzle over mashed potatoes or vegetables.

close up look of a red slow cooker with a apple topped spiral ham

Why Apple with Ham Isn’t as Weird as It Sounds

If you’ve never paired apple with ham, you might wonder if the flavors actually work. The truth is, fruit glazes and salty ham are a classic combination that’s been around for decades — think pineapple-glazed ham or honey-mustard ham. Apples bring natural sweetness and a mild tang that balance the saltiness of the ham beautifully.

The warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, plus the brown sugar and apple cider, transform the fruit into a rich, sticky glaze that feels cozy and holiday-ready. It’s not overpowering or overly sweet — just the right blend of salty, savory, and slightly fruity that keeps every bite interesting.

view of a large sliced spiral ham on platter with some apples on top and around with a red checkered towel behind it

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem	Cause	Solution
Glaze too thin	Extra liquid from ham or cider	Simmer uncovered on HIGH for 15 min
Too sweet	Too much sugar or filling	Add more Worcestershire or apple cider
Ham dry	Overcooked	Cook on LOW, check at 4 hours
Flavor too mild	Not enough seasoning	Add extra cinnamon, cloves, or Dijon

overhead shot of the cooked Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham in a black crock pot on a dark wood table

Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 1220mg

Up close shot of the Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham topped with apples

What else I have that you can make for Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner

This recipe is a staple on my Thanksgiving table, but it’s never alone. Every year, I pull together a full spread of family favorites that keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). Here are some of the other dishes I make right alongside this one!

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe – The star of the table with tender meat and perfectly crispy skin.
Coca-Cola Ham – Sweet, sticky, and full of flavor from the classic soda glaze.
Dr. Pepper Ham – A fun twist with bold, slightly spicy flavor notes.
Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls that soak up all that leftover gravy and sauce.
Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham – A hands-off slow cooker recipe that frees up oven space while delivering big flavor.
Classic Pumpkin Roll – The perfect Thanksgiving dessert with spiced pumpkin cake and creamy filling.

All together, these recipes make one unforgettable holiday feast where every dish complements the others perfectly.

looking down at a black slow cooker with a spiral cut ham and baked apples on top of the ham

My Personal Kitchen Notes

I tested this ham with both apple pie filling and unsweetened applesauce. The pie filling gave a richer, thicker glaze that coated the ham beautifully, while the applesauce version was lighter but still flavorful. I also found that broiling the ham for a couple of minutes after slow cooking made the glaze sticky and caramelized — highly recommend if you have time.

My Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham is the easiest way to serve a holiday-worthy main dish without crowding your oven or spending all day cooking. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced with flavors that taste like fall and winter in every bite. Whether for a holiday meal, Sunday dinner, or meal prep for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again.