Crockpot Ham
This crockpot ham comes out fall-apart tender, glazed with a sweet and sticky brown sugar sauce, and it practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
The Easiest Way to Cook Ham Is Right Here
If you have ever stood in front of the oven basting a ham every 20 minutes, wondering if there is a better way, there is. This crockpot ham takes all of that effort off your plate. You mix a quick glaze, pour it over the ham, and let your slow cooker do the rest. A few hours later you have a tender, glazed centerpiece that looks like it took all day, because in a sense it did, just not your day.
This is one of those slow cooker ham recipes that earns a permanent spot in the holiday rotation. It works for Easter, Christmas, Sunday dinner, or any night you want a hands-off main dish that still feels special.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good sized slow cooker means the ham fits without cramming, and a reliable meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of knowing when it is perfectly heated through. These are the products that genuinely help this recipe shine:
Why Crockpot Cooking Works So Well for Ham
Most store-bought spiral hams are already fully cooked, so the goal is not really "cooking" in the traditional sense. It is about gently warming the meat while infusing it with flavor and keeping every slice moist. A crock pot is ideal for this because the low, steady heat warms the ham through without drying it out, which can easily happen in a hot oven.
The slow, enclosed environment also lets the glaze work its way down between the spiral cut slices, so you get sweet, sticky flavor in every single bite, not just on the surface.
Chef's Tip: Resist the urge to crank the heat to speed things up. Cooking ham low and slow is what keeps it juicy. If you are short on time, high for 2 to 3 hours is fine, but low and slow gives the best texture.
Building the Glaze
The glaze is really what turns a basic ham dinner into something people ask you to make again. Brown sugar and honey bring deep sweetness, dijon mustard adds a little tang to balance it out, and pineapple juice keeps everything glossy and helps it caramelize as it cooks. A touch of cinnamon and clove rounds it out with warmth, similar to what you would find in a classic holiday glaze.
A few notes on getting this right:
- Whisk the glaze until the sugar is fully dissolved so it coats evenly.
- Pour it slowly over the ham, letting it drip down between the spiral slices.
- Baste every hour if you can. It only takes a few seconds and makes a big difference.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step-by-step recipe:
Crockpot Ham
This crockpot ham comes out fall-apart tender, glazed with a sweet and sticky brown sugar sauce, and it practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
Ingredients
- 8 lb spiral cut ham, bone-in, fully cooked
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/8 cup honey
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice, or apple juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves, optional
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
Instruction
Place the spiral cut ham cut side down into the crockpot, nestling it in so it fits snugly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, melted butter, dijon mustard, pineapple juice, ground cloves, and cinnamon until smooth.
Pour the glaze evenly over and between the slices of the ham, making sure it seeps down into the layers.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the ham is heated through and tender.
Every hour or so, spoon some of the pooled juices back over the top of the ham to keep it moist and glazed.
During the last 30 minutes, remove the lid to let the glaze thicken slightly and caramelize on top.
Transfer the ham to a serving platter, spoon extra glaze over the top, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Basting spoon
- Meat thermometer
Notes
Serving and Storage Tips
Once your ham dinner is ready, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat instead of running out onto the cutting board. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
If you are wondering how to cook ham for a crowd without stress, this method scales beautifully. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the ham without forcing the lid, and add an extra 30 to 60 minutes of low cook time for larger cuts.
Leftovers are arguably the best part. Diced ham freezes well and works wonderfully in soups, casseroles, fried rice, or a classic ham and cheese sandwich the next morning.
A Few Final Notes
This recipe is proof that some of the best ham recipes do not require constant attention. Once the crockpot is set, you are free to focus on the rest of your meal, your guests, or simply relaxing before dinner. It is a reliable, crowd-pleasing way to turn a simple spiral ham into the star of the table.
