Welcome to your new favorite holiday centerpiece: a magnificent Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham! This recipe makes preparing a show-stopping ham incredibly easy, freeing up your oven and your time for other holiday preparations. Whether you’re planning for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or simply a special family dinner, this slow cooker orange glazed ham promises tender, flavorful results with minimal effort. Imagine succulent ham infused with a vibrant, sweet, and tangy orange glaze – it’s a dish that will impress your guests and become a cherished tradition.
Effortless Elegance: The Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the convenience of a slow cooker, especially when it comes to holiday cooking. Our beloved slow cooker recipes consistently deliver delicious meals with minimal fuss, and this orange glazed ham is no exception. Building on the popularity of our classic Crock Pot Ham recipe, we’ve elevated this year’s offering with a bright, zesty orange glaze that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the ham. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Your Holiday Ham?
- Hands-Off Cooking: The biggest advantage is the “set it and forget it” nature of slow cooking. Once the ham is in the Crock Pot with the glaze, it cooks slowly to perfection without constant monitoring.
- Moisture and Tenderness: Slow cooking in a moist environment ensures the ham remains incredibly tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out, which can be a common issue with oven-baked hams.
- Frees Up Oven Space: During holidays, oven space is prime real estate. Using your slow cooker for the ham allows your oven to be used for roasting vegetables, baking casseroles, or preparing desserts.
- Consistent Results: Slow cookers maintain a constant, low temperature, leading to consistently cooked ham every time.
- Easy Cleanup: Often, the slow cooker insert is easy to clean, especially if you use a slow cooker liner.
Key Ingredients for an Amazing Orange Glazed Ham
Creating an epic Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to form a truly unforgettable flavor profile. The combination of sweet orange, savory ham, and a hint of spice creates a harmonious balance that will delight your palate.
Here’s a quick overview of the essential ingredients. For specific measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Ham: Start with a fully cooked spiral-cut ham, typically ranging from 3 to 6 pounds, depending on the capacity of your slow cooker and the number of servings you need. A spiral-cut ham is ideal because it’s already pre-sliced, allowing the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion adds a subtle aromatic depth and a touch of savory sweetness that balances the glaze.
- Chicken Broth/Stock: This forms the liquid base for the cooking process, ensuring moisture and contributing to the savory foundation of the glaze. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Orange Marmalade: The star of the glaze! Orange marmalade provides that essential sweet, tangy, and slightly bitter orange flavor. Choose a good quality marmalade for the best results.
- Dijon Mustard: A tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a mild, pungent kick and helps emulsify the glaze, providing depth and a slight savory contrast to the sweetness of the marmalade.
- Cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your orange glaze achieves the perfect consistency—thick enough to coat the ham beautifully without being overly heavy.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes all the difference in the kitchen. For this recipe, a few key pieces of equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process:
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): The cornerstone of this recipe! We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature is incredibly convenient, preventing your ham from overcooking and allowing you to set it and forget it without stress. Ensure your Crock Pot is large enough to comfortably hold your ham.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for whisking together the glaze ingredients. We find that a glass batter bowl with a handle is particularly useful, as it offers stability on the counter and makes pouring easy.
- Whisk: A good whisk is necessary for thoroughly combining the glaze ingredients, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency before pouring it over the ham.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham
Preparing this succulent ham is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a beautifully cooked, flavorful ham ready to serve. Remember, detailed instructions and measurements are available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Ham: Carefully place your chosen ham into the slow cooker. If using a bone-in ham, ensure it fits comfortably within the pot. Scatter the finely diced red onions around and on top of the ham. These will infuse the ham with their aromatic notes as it cooks.
- Whisk the Glaze: In your large mixing bowl, combine the chicken stock, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This ensures an even consistency for your glaze.
- Glaze the Ham: Pour the prepared orange glaze evenly over the ham in the Crock Pot. Make sure to coat as much of the surface as possible, allowing the glaze to seep into the spiral cuts.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for approximately 7 hours. The low, slow cooking method will gently heat the ham, tenderize it, and allow the flavors of the orange glaze to fully develop and penetrate the meat. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce into a rich glaze.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the Crock Pot. You can slice it further if needed, or simply let the spiral cuts guide your serving. Drizzle additional orange glaze from the slow cooker over the top of the ham before serving for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Preparation, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Planning ahead and knowing how to store leftovers can make your holiday meal even more enjoyable. This recipe offers great flexibility:
Make Ahead: One of the fantastic aspects of using a fully cooked spiral-cut ham is that it’s essentially ready to eat, only requiring heating and flavoring. This significantly reduces prep time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other dishes or simply relax. You can prepare the glaze mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Storage: Any leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. Properly stored ham will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making for delicious sandwiches, salads, or other creative meals.
Freezing and Reheating: Freezing ham is a great way to extend its shelf life. You can freeze a full-sized ham or individual slices. We often take advantage of post-holiday sales to stock up on hams and freeze them for later. Wrap whole hams securely in freezer paper and then place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or vacuum-seal them. For slices, layer them with parchment paper, wrap tightly, and store in freezer bags. Label the bags with the date to keep track. Frozen ham can be stored for 1-2 months for best quality, though it remains safe to eat for longer.
For detailed guidance on how to safely store and reheat ham, including tips for various methods, be sure to check out our comprehensive roundup of Leftover Ham Recipes.
Recipe Variations: Tailor-Made for Your Taste
This Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous adjustments to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Substitutions:
- Ham: While we prefer fully cooked spiral-cut ham for its ease and flavor absorption, you can certainly use a bone-in or boneless ham based on your preference. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and fits in your slow cooker. The beauty of a fully cooked ham is that it primarily needs reheating and flavoring, simplifying the cooking process and eliminating the need for constant temperature monitoring.
- Chicken Broth: If chicken broth isn’t on hand, or if you prefer a different flavor profile, vegetable broth is an excellent alternative that will work just as well.
- Orange Marmalade: You can experiment with other fruit preserves like apricot or peach for a different flavor twist, though the orange marmalade truly shines here.
- Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have Dijon, a stone-ground mustard can offer a similar texture and flavor complexity.
Dietary Considerations:
- Vegetarian + Vegan Options: While this is a ham recipe, plant-based eaters can adapt it. Many health food supermarkets, such as Whole Foods Market, offer delicious vegan and vegetarian ham roasts that could potentially be used with this glaze. For more information and product reviews, you might find resources like Make It Dairy Free’s Vegan Ham Roasts Video Review helpful in your research.
- Gluten-Free: The gluten-free status of this recipe primarily depends on your ingredients. Ham itself is typically gluten-free, but always check labels for hidden gluten in processed hams or broths. Ensure your chicken broth, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch are all certified gluten-free if you need to adhere to strict dietary guidelines.
- Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains 8 grams of sugar per serving, largely from the orange marmalade. To make this recipe sugar-free, simply opt for a sugar-free orange marmalade. Also, be mindful that some flavored hams can contain added sugars, so double-check the labels at the grocery store when making your selection.
Adjusting Serving Sizes:
- The provided recipe is typically based on a 6-pound ham, yielding approximately 12 servings. Spiral-sliced hams are commonly available in half or whole sizes. Choose the appropriate size based on the number of guests you plan to serve. Adjust the glaze ingredients proportionally for significantly smaller or larger hams.
Flavor Enhancements:
- Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of chipotle powder or a teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes to the orange marmalade glaze. The subtle kick would beautifully complement the sweet and tangy orange notes, creating a dynamic flavor profile.
- Add Aromatics: Beyond red onion, consider adding other aromatics like garlic cloves (minced) or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for an even more complex aroma and taste.
- Smoky Notes: A tiny dash of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the ham’s inherent smoky flavor profile, adding another layer of deliciousness to the glaze.
Expert Tips for the Best Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham
To ensure your orange glazed ham turns out perfectly juicy, flavorful, and beautifully presented, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Allow for Resting Time: After cooking, always plan to let the ham rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Achieve Crispy Edges (Optional): If you miss the slightly caramelized, crispy edges of an oven-baked ham, you can easily achieve this after slow cooking. Carefully transfer your glazed ham to a baking sheet and place it under a broiler for just a minute or two. Keep a very close eye on it, as the sugar in the glaze can burn quickly. This quick broil will caramelize the glaze and create those coveted crispy bits without drying out the ham.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure your ham fits snugly but not tightly in your slow cooker. There should be enough room for the glaze to circulate around the ham for even cooking and flavoring.
- Taste and Adjust Glaze: Before pouring the glaze over the ham, give it a quick taste. You can adjust the sweetness (add a tiny bit of brown sugar or maple syrup), tanginess (more orange juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar), or spiciness to your liking.
- Utilize Leftover Glaze: The glaze remaining in the slow cooker after the ham is cooked is pure gold! You can thicken it further on the stovetop if desired and serve it alongside the ham as a flavorful sauce. It’s also excellent drizzled over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
What to Serve with Your Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham
A delicious ham deserves equally delightful accompaniments. We have an extensive guide on side dishes for ham, but here are some fantastic menu planning suggestions to complete your Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or special family feast:
Savory Sides:
- Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls: A cheesy, savory bite that complements ham perfectly.
- Easy Cheesy Green Beans: A comforting and simple vegetable dish.
- Pineapple Stuffing: The sweet and savory notes of pineapple stuffing pair wonderfully with ham.
- Carrot Soufflé: Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, it’s a delightful contrast.
- Creamed Corn Casserole: A creamy, rich, and satisfying side.
- Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, also cooked hands-free.
- Crock Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and tender, a holiday classic.
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and full of flavor, a universal crowd-pleaser.
- Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream: Moist and savory, perfect for soaking up the glaze.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: The ultimate holiday comfort food.
Other Main Dishes (If hosting a large gathering):
- Crock Pot Turkey
- Crock Pot Bourbon Maple Pork Loin
- Crock Pot Guinness Corned Beef & Cabbage
- Crock Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing
- Crock Pot Ham
- Crock Pot Coke Glazed Ham
- Bourbon Baked Ham
Delectable Desserts:
- Eggnog Cookies
- 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack
- Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow
- Church Window Cookies
- No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dip
- Easy Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze
- Ambrosia Salad
- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
- Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Bisquick Apple Cobbler
Refreshing Drinks:
- Jelly Donut Shot
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot
- Bay Breeze Cocktail
- Peach Iced Tea Cocktail
- RumChata Pudding Shots
- Pomegranate Breeze Martini
- Mulled Cherry Cider Cocktail
When to Delight with Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham
This versatile and flavorful ham is perfect for a variety of occasions, making it a go-to recipe for celebratory meals and comforting family dinners alike.
- Easter: A bright and zesty ham is a classic centerpiece for Easter brunch or dinner, symbolizing spring and renewal.
- Christmas: For many, ham is a beloved Christmas tradition. The Crock Pot makes preparing it stress-free during the busiest holiday season.
- Thanksgiving: While turkey often takes center stage, a ham can be a fantastic secondary main dish, offering variety for larger gatherings.
- Any Holiday Dinner: Beyond the major holidays, this ham is suitable for New Year’s Day, family reunions, or any special occasion that calls for an impressive yet easy main course.
- Family Dinner: Don’t wait for a holiday! This recipe is simple enough for a hearty Sunday dinner or a special weeknight meal when you want to elevate your family’s dining experience.
Explore More Delicious Recipe Collections
If you loved this recipe, you’ll find plenty more inspiration in our extensive collection of tried-and-true recipes. From quick weeknight meals to impressive holiday spreads, we have something for every occasion.
- Bisquick Recipes: Discover incredibly easy Bisquick recipes for everything from breakfast pancakes to savory snacks and comforting dinners. Made with simple ingredients, these recipes are quick and convenient.
- Eggnog Recipes: Get into the holiday spirit with fun and creative ways to use this classic festive drink, including delicious cakes, pies, and cookies.
- Side Dishes for Ham: Never wonder what to serve alongside your ham again with our comprehensive guide to creating a perfectly balanced and delicious meal.
- Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes: Explore epic and easy vegetarian recipes that come together quickly and deliciously in your air fryer.
- Sour Cream Recipes: Elevate your dishes with the creamy richness of sour cream. Find our favorite recipes that feature this versatile ingredient.
- Celery Recipes: Put that celery in your fridge to good use with our collection of favorite recipes incorporating this crisp and refreshing vegetable.
- Don’t forget to browse all our easy leftover ham recipes for creative ways to enjoy any remnants of your delicious meal!
Craving more? Dive into our categories for copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and an abundance of convenient Crock Pot Recipes.
Stay connected and never miss a new recipe! Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest culinary creations and tips.
Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 pound ham (3-6 pounds depending on your crock pot)
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ⅔ cup Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Orange Marmalade
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- Place ham in the crock pot and add in diced red onions.
- Combine chicken stock, orange marmalade, Dijon Mustard and Cornstarch and whisk together. Pour over ham in crock pot.
- Cook on low for 7 hours.
- Serve with orange glaze over the top of the ham.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 498 (Calories from Fat 288)
% Daily Value*
Fat 32g (49%)
Saturated Fat 11g (69%)
Cholesterol 117mg (39%)
Sodium 2313mg (101%)
Potassium 562mg (16%)
Carbohydrates 10g (3%)
Fiber 1g (4%)
Sugar 8g (9%)
Protein 41g (82%)
Vitamin A 8IU (0%)
Vitamin C 2mg (2%)
Calcium 19mg (2%)
Iron 2mg (11%)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Love this recipe? Follow @TammileeTIps on Pinterest!
Tried this recipe? Mention @TammileeTipsLife when you share a photo!
Recipe originally shared on March 18, 2015. Updated November 2020 and further expanded for SEO and clarity in 2023.