You know those days? The ones where the to-do list is a mile long, the kids are clamoring for attention, and the thought of cooking a full meal feels utterly overwhelming? Yeah, I live for those days… NOT. But you know what saves me? My trusty Crock-Pot. And when it comes to weeknight dinners or even a relaxed holiday gathering, there’s one dish that always hits the spot and is practically foolproof: my Crock-Pot ham recipe. Forget those dry, bland excuses for ham you might have tried; this one is tender, juicy, and infused with the most incredible sweet and savory glaze. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing and your family’s taste buds sing. Honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something that feels special without all the fuss. It’s right up there with my famous slow cooker Pot Roast, but with a totally different, glorious flavor profile.
What is a good crock pot ham recipe?
So, what exactly *is* this magical Crock-Pot ham recipe? Think of it as your secret weapon for tender, fall-apart delicious ham, all cooked low and slow in your favorite Slow Cooker. It’s essentially a pre-cooked, bone-in or boneless ham that gets a serious flavor boost from a simple, luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully. It’s not complicated, and that’s the beauty of it. You don’t need fancy techniques or a culinary degree. You just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it (well, almost – you’ll want to baste it a bit!). The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming a humble ham into a centerpiece that tastes like it spent hours in a professional kitchen. It’s the epitome of comfort food, simplified.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to make a Crock Pot ham recipe?flavor is just out of this world. That glaze? It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a little bit savory, creating a beautiful crust on the ham that’s utterly addictive. Every bite is juicy and packed with deliciousness. Then there’s the sheer simplicity. I mean, it’s a Crock-Pot recipe – that’s practically code for “easy.” You’re mostly just prepping a glaze and letting the cooker work its magic. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table without a lot of fuss, and it’s also fantastic for holidays when you want to free up your oven for other dishes. And let’s talk Cost-efficiency: What is the best way to measure cost-efficiency?! A pre-cooked ham is often a more budget-friendly option, and this recipe uses pantry staples for the glaze, so you’re not breaking the bank. What I love most about this is its versatility. You can serve it for a holiday feast, a weekend brunch, or even just a comforting weeknight dinner. It’s wonderful sliced thinly for sandwiches the next day too! Compared to roasting a ham in the oven, which can sometimes lead to dry edges or uneven cooking, this Slow Cooker method ensures consistent, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every single time. It’s a game-changer, truly.
How to Make This Crock-Pot Ham Recipe
Quick Overview
This recipe is all about hands-off perfection. You’ll simply whisk together a few glaze ingredients, nestle your ham into the Slow Cooker, pour the glaze over, and let it cook low and slow until it’s incredibly tender and infused with flavor. The minimal effort results in maximum deliciousness, with the glaze creating a beautiful, sticky, caramelized coating that’s pure bliss. It’s the definition of a set-it-and-forget-it meal, with a little basting magic sprinkled in for good measure.
Ingredients
For the Ham:
1 (4-6 pound) fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless is fine, whichever you prefer!)
*Tip: I find bone-in hams often have a bit more flavor, but boneless is easier to carve. Either works beautifully here!
For the Luscious Glaze:
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, both work well!)
1/2 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice for a different citrusy note)
1/4 cup Dijon mustard (adds a lovely tang and helps emulsify the glaze)
2 tablespoons honey (for extra sweetness and shine)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but it adds such a warm hug of flavor!)
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (use sparingly, it’s potent but delicious!)
A pinch of Black Pepper
Optional Garnish:
Maraschino cherries and pineapple rings (for that classic retro look, if you’re feeling festive!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham and Slow Cooker
First things first, give your ham a quick rinse under cool water and pat it dry with paper towels. This isn’t strictly necessary for flavor, but it helps remove any packing brine. Then, place your ham, cut-side down if it has one, directly into your slow cooker. You want it to fit snugly, but it’s okay if there are a few gaps. If your ham is a bit too big, you might need to trim a little off the bottom, but try to avoid cutting into the meat itself. I usually use my 6-quart slow cooker for this size ham, and it fits like a dream.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze Ingredients
This is where the magic really starts! In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice (or your chosen juice), Dijon mustard, honey, cinnamon (if using), cloves, and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and the brown sugar has mostly dissolved. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; the whisking will help it come together as it cooks.
Step 3: Pour Glaze Over Ham
Carefully pour about half of the prepared glaze evenly over the top and sides of the ham in the slow cooker. Reserve the other half of the glaze for later. This initial pour helps get the flavor started right from the beginning.
Step 4: Set and Cook
Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on your slow cooker and the size of your ham. The goal is to heat the ham through and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. I always lean towards the LOW setting for at least 4 hours because I find it yields the most tender results. You’ll know it’s getting close when the kitchen starts smelling absolutely divine.
Step 5: Baste the Ham
About halfway through the cooking time (or about 2 hours if cooking on LOW, 1 hour if on HIGH), carefully remove the lid. Using a spoon or a brush, baste the ham with the juices that have accumulated in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spoon some of the glaze and juices from the bottom of the pot over the top of the ham. This step is crucial for ensuring the ham stays moist and the glaze caramelizes evenly. Repeat this basting process once more about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Your ham is ready when it’s heated through and tender. You can test this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. It should register around 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham. The glaze should also be bubbly and slightly thickened. If it looks too thin, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce.
Step 7: Rest the Ham
Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter or cutting board. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is super important for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and flavorful. While it rests, you can spoon some of the reserved glaze from the slow cooker over the top, or even simmer the remaining glaze on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it into a sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve (Optional)
If you’re going for that classic look, arrange maraschino cherries and pineapple rings around the rested ham on your platter. Drizzle any extra thickened glaze over the top just before serving. Slice the ham against the grain and serve it warm.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Now for the best part! Slice your beautiful, tender ham. For bone-in hams, slice around the bone. For boneless, just slice to your desired thickness. Serve immediately while warm, with plenty of that delicious glaze on the side. The aroma alone will have everyone at the table eager to dig in!
What to Serve It With
This Crock-Pot ham recipe is so versatile, it fits into almost any meal! For a hearty Breakfast, I love slicing it thinly and serving it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy home fries, and maybe a dollop of hollandaise sauce. A simple cup of hot coffee is the perfect companion. For an elegant Brunch spread, I’ll often serve thicker slices of ham with a fruit salad, some mini quiches, and perhaps a mimosa or some sparkling cider. The ham adds a wonderfully savory contrast to all the sweeter brunch items. As a decadent Dessert course (yes, you read that right!), a small, perfectly glazed slice of this ham can be surprisingly delightful paired with a sharp cheese or even a fig compote – it’s a unique flavor combination that really works! And for simple, cozy Snacks, leftover ham is divine in sandwiches with a smear of mustard and some pickles, or even diced up into a creamy mac and cheese. My family also loves it chopped up and added to a breakfast casserole for an extra flavor punch. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot Ham Recipe
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Crock-Pot ham recipe absolutely stellar. When it comes to the ham itself, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types – a spiral-cut ham is already portioned, making serving a breeze, but a whole, un-cut ham will absorb even more of that glorious glaze. For the glaze, the brown sugar is key for that caramelized crust. If you find it’s not getting thick enough, don’t panic! You can always remove the ham to a baking sheet for the last 30 minutes of cooking (under the broiler, watch it closely!) to get that extra caramelization, or simmer the leftover juices on the stovetop to reduce them into a rich sauce. My biggest piece of advice regarding mixing is to avoid over-whisking the glaze once it’s in the slow cooker if you want those distinct layers of flavor to meld gradually. Let the heat do the work! For the cooking time, always err on the side of longer and lower. It’s better to have a slightly overcooked ham that’s still moist than a dry, tough one. I’ve accidentally left mine on HIGH too long once, and let me tell you, it was a lesson learned! The basting is non-negotiable in my book; it’s what keeps the ham incredibly juicy and infuses it with that wonderful glaze. You can also add a few whole cloves or a bay leaf to the slow cooker itself for an extra layer of aromatic flavor. If you’re looking for ingredient swaps, feel free to play with the juice – apple cider or even a bit of ginger ale can offer different but delicious flavor profiles. And for a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze is surprisingly good! Lastly, remember that every slow cooker is a little different, so keep an eye on your ham and trust your instincts. You’ll get the hang of it in no time!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Once your delicious Crock-Pot ham is all gone (which, let’s be honest, might be faster than you think!), you’ll want to know how to store any leftovers. For the best quality, it’s ideal to store ham within a couple of hours of cooking. If you have leftovers, make sure to let the ham cool down slightly before storing. At room temperature, cooked ham is generally safe to leave out for no more than 2 hours. For longer storage, pop it into the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored in the fridge, your leftover ham should stay delicious for about 3-4 days. The glaze will help keep it moist! If you want to store it even longer, freezer instructions are your friend. Wrap the ham tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the best method for maintaining quality. For reheating, you can gently warm slices in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or even in the microwave on a lower power setting to prevent drying out. If you’ve saved some of the glaze, reheating it separately and then drizzling it over the warm ham is a fantastic way to bring back that fresh-cooked flavor. Just be mindful of the glaze timing – it’s best to store the glaze separately and reheat/apply it just before serving any leftovers, as it can become a bit gummy if stored with the ham for too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crock-Pot ham recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that has become a staple in my kitchen because it consistently delivers on flavor and ease. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend hours slaving away to create a meal that feels truly special. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just looking for a way to make a Tuesday night feel a little more celebratory, this ham is your answer. The sweet, savory glaze that caramelizes to perfection is just… well, it’s divine! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar without breaking a sweat. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my slow cooker pulled pork or my easy baked chicken breast – they’re all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below and let me know how your Crock-Pot ham turned out, or if you have any fun twists you tried. Happy cooking!
Crock-Pot Ham Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Bone-in ham fully cooked
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- 1 Cloves whole, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place the ham in your slow cooker. If your ham has a thick rind, you may want to score it lightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey to create a glaze.
- Pour or brush the glaze evenly over the ham.
- If using, insert whole cloves into the ham for garnish.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the ham is heated through.
- Remove the ham from the slow cooker, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Ava Brooks is the home cook behind RecipeSharingHub, sharing dependable, step‑by‑step recipes for busy weeknights and easy weekend bakes. When not testing dishes, Ava snaps kitchen photos and answers reader questions in the comments. Discover the latest recipes or join the newsletter for new ideas each week.
