This Crockpot Ham recipe is the ultimate holiday game-changer, delivering a stunningly juicy and flavorful centerpiece with minimal effort. Forget stressing over oven space and timing; the slow cooker does all the work, gently cooking the ham to tender perfection while infusing it with a sweet and tangy brown sugar pineapple glaze. It’s the perfect solution for Easter, Christmas, or any special family gathering, guaranteeing a delicious main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We’ve crafted this recipe to be completely foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your first time cooking a holiday ham, these simple steps will guide you to a flawless result. Let your crockpot handle the main dish, so you can focus on creating delicious sides and enjoying the celebration with your loved ones.
Why This Crockpot Ham Recipe is a Holiday Lifesaver
Using a slow cooker for your ham isn’t just easy; it’s a strategic move for any big meal. It frees up precious oven space, which is critical when you’re juggling side dishes like Roasted Sweet Potatoes or a decadent Baked Mac and Cheese. The slow, gentle heat of the crockpot is the secret to an incredibly moist ham, as it braises the meat in its own juices and the delicious glaze, preventing it from drying out.
This method also locks in flavor like no other. As the ham simmers for hours, the sweet and savory notes of the glaze penetrate deep into the meat. The result is a spectacular ham that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor from edge to center. It’s a hands-off approach that delivers five-star results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly memorable glaze. The magic is in the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked, spiral-cut bone-in ham (7-9 lbs). Make sure it fits in your slow cooker!
For the Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Crockpot Ham Step-by-Step
Follow these simple instructions for a perfectly cooked ham. The process is straightforward, with the slow cooker handling all the heavy lifting.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and garlic powder until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Position the Ham: Place the ham, cut-side down, into the basin of your slow cooker. If it’s a tight fit, you can gently press it in. The goal is to ensure the lid can close securely.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour about half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the ham. Use a spoon or brush to gently separate the slices so the glaze can seep down into the meat.
- Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Avoid the temptation to lift the lid, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
- Baste and Finish: About 30 minutes before serving, spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the crockpot over the ham. Pour the remaining glaze over the top. Cover and cook for the final 30 minutes. This last step creates a thick, caramelized coating.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully transfer the ham to a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Slow Cooker
The success of your Crockpot Ham starts at the grocery store. A fully cooked, spiral-cut, bone-in ham is highly recommended. The spiral cut allows the glaze to penetrate every layer, while the bone adds immense flavor. Most importantly, check the weight—a 7-9 pound ham typically fits perfectly in a standard 6 to 8-quart oval slow cooker. Always measure your crockpot’s interior dimensions before you go shopping to avoid a ham that’s too big!
Tips for the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Ham
- Don’t Overcook: Since the ham is already cooked, you’re just heating it through. Cooking it too long is the primary cause of dry ham. Stick to the 4-5 hour window on LOW.
- Place Ham Cut-Side Down: This is the most crucial tip! Placing the largest cut surface down allows the ham to sit in the juices and glaze, preventing the slices from drying out.
- Use a Liner: For super easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner. The glaze can get sticky, and a liner makes the process virtually mess-free.
- Check for a Snug Fit: Your ham should fit comfortably in the crockpot with the lid closing tightly. If there’s a gap, heat will escape, and the ham won’t cook evenly.
What to Serve with Your Holiday Ham
A beautiful ham deserves equally delicious sides. For a classic holiday spread, you can’t go wrong with creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes or a comforting Sweet Potato Souffle. For a lighter option, simple roasted vegetables pair beautifully. And if you’re looking for another comforting main to round out a huge feast, a Classic Pot Roast is always a crowd-pleaser.
Storing and Using Leftover Ham
Leftover ham is one of the best parts of this meal! It can be used in countless ways to create easy and delicious follow-up meals.
Storage
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Leftover Ideas
Use your leftover ham in sandwiches, omelets, or soups. It’s fantastic in our Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup (just swap the beef for ham) or diced into mac and cheese. The ham bone is also perfect for making a rich and flavorful stock for bean or pea soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This recipe is specifically for a pre-cooked ham. Cooking a raw or uncooked ham requires different temperatures and much longer cooking times to ensure it reaches a food-safe internal temperature.
You do not need to add extra water or liquid. The ham will release its own juices, and the glaze provides plenty of moisture to keep the ham tender and prevent it from drying out.
The best way to prevent a dry ham is to place it cut-side down in the slow cooker, don’t overcook it, and keep the lid on throughout the cooking time to trap moisture and heat.
Since the ham is already cooked, you are simply reheating it. On the LOW setting, it typically takes 4-5 hours to heat a 7-9 pound spiral ham through to the bone.
A 6-quart oval slow cooker can typically fit a 7-8 pound bone-in, spiral-cut ham. It’s always best to measure the inside of your slow cooker before buying your ham to ensure a good fit.
More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
We hope this Crockpot Ham becomes a new holiday tradition for your family. It’s a recipe designed to bring people together over a delicious, stress-free meal. If you enjoyed it, please leave a comment below or share it on Pinterest! Your support helps us create more content for home cooks like you.
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze Recipe
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and garlic powder until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Place the ham, cut-side down, into the basin of your slow cooker. If it's a tight fit, you can gently press it in. The goal is to ensure the lid can close securely.
- Pour about half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the ham. Use a spoon or brush to gently separate the slices so the glaze can seep down into the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid.
- About 30 minutes before serving, spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the crockpot over the ham. Pour the remaining glaze over the top. Cover and cook for the final 30 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the ham to a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Placing the ham cut-side down is the most important step for a juicy result.
Use a slow cooker liner for incredibly easy cleanup.
