🍍 Crock Pot Ham Recipe: Juicy, Sweet, and Incredibly Easy! 🍍
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make a delicious, juicy, and flavorful ham, this Crock Pot Ham recipe is the answer! Forget the hassle of baking it in the oven — cooking ham in a slow cooker is the easiest method ever. With just a few simple ingredients like pineapple juice, brown sugar, and maple syrup, you’ll create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth ham that’s perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or Sunday meals.
Once you try this slow-cooker method, you’ll never want to make ham any other way. It’s a “set it and forget it” recipe that guarantees a perfect, caramelized, juicy ham every time. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks.
Why Cook Ham in a Crock Pot?
Here’s why this method is a game-changer:
✅ Super Easy – No oven required! Just set it in the Crock-Pot and let it cook.
✅ Tender & Juicy – The slow, moist heat keeps the ham from drying out.
✅ Hands-Off Cooking – Free up your oven for side dishes and desserts.
✅ Perfect for Holidays – Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner just got easier!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Ham
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most tender, flavorful ham you’ve ever tasted:
• 7 lb ham – Bone-in, spiral cut, or boneless — any type works, but spiral cut makes serving a breeze.
• 2 cups pineapple juice – Adds natural sweetness and acidity to keep the ham moist.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Creates a sweet, sticky glaze.
• 1/2 cup maple syrup – For that rich, classic holiday flavor.
Optional Garnish: Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for a classic holiday presentation.
How to Make Crock Pot Ham (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making ham in a slow cooker is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven. Here’s the step-by-step process to achieve that perfectly sweet, caramelized crust and juicy interior.
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
1. Unwrap the ham and remove any plastic or netting.
2. Place the ham in your Crock-Pot or slow cooker. If your ham is too large to fit, trim a small piece off or tilt it slightly.
Pro Tip: If your ham is spiral-cut, place it cut-side down to keep the moisture locked in.
Step 2: Add Sweetness
1. Rub the ham with brown sugar on all sides. Press it into the ham so it sticks.
2. Pour the pineapple juice and maple syrup over the top. If you want a classic presentation, you can place pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top of the ham and secure them with toothpicks.
Pro Tip: For a little extra flavor, you can add a splash of orange juice, apple cider, or a sprinkle of ground cloves to the liquid mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Ham
1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. The ham is fully cooked, so the goal is to reheat it while allowing it to absorb all the flavors.
2. Every hour, spoon the juices from the bottom of the Crock-Pot over the ham. This keeps it moist and ensures it’s full of sweet, sticky flavor.
Pro Tip: If you want a thicker glaze, remove some of the juice and reduce it in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens. Pour it over the ham before serving.
Step 4: Let it Rest & Serve
1. When done, remove the ham from the Crock-Pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making it easier to slice.
2. Carve and serve! Use a sharp knife or tongs if it’s a spiral-cut ham. Pour extra glaze over the top for that sticky, caramelized finish.
Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs, extra pineapple slices, or cherries for a festive holiday presentation.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham
1. Don’t Overcook It – Since ham is pre-cooked, you’re only reheating it. 4-5 hours on low is ideal for a 7-pound ham.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer – The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
3. Baste the Ham – Spoon the juices from the Crock-Pot over the ham every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.
4. Choose the Right Ham – Bone-in or spiral-cut ham works best, but boneless also works if that’s all you have.
5. Save the Juices – The leftover juices make a fantastic sauce or gravy to drizzle over ham slices when serving.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Ham
Ham pairs perfectly with classic holiday side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery potatoes are perfect with that sweet ham glaze.
• Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add freshness and crunch.
• Macaroni and Cheese – The ultimate comfort food to balance the sweet and savory ham.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up extra ham glaze.
• Sweet Potatoes – Glazed sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole are holiday classics.
For holiday dinners, you might also want to serve a fresh green salad or classic cranberry sauce for a pop of tartness.
How to Store & Reheat Leftover Ham
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this ham), here’s how to store and reheat them:
1. Storage – Place leftover ham slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing – Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating – Place the ham in the microwave or heat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. You can also add some of the saved glaze to keep it juicy.
Pro Tip: Use leftover ham in sandwiches, omelets, ham and bean soup, or breakfast casseroles.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Do I need to score the ham before cooking it in a Crock-Pot?
A: It’s not necessary for slow cooking. However, if you prefer, you can make shallow cuts to help the glaze seep in deeper.
Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, honey works just as well. You’ll get a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A: Absolutely! Boneless ham cooks the same way. Just make sure it fits in your slow cooker.
Q: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A: Remove some of the liquid from the Crock-Pot, place it in a saucepan, and cook it on medium heat until it thickens into a syrup. Pour it over the ham before serving.
Q: Can I cook it on high?
A: While it’s possible, it’s best to cook on low to ensure the ham stays moist and tender.
Why You Should Make This Crock Pot Ham
This Crock Pot Ham is a holiday game-changer. It’s easy, delicious, and requires minimal prep. Plus, it frees up your oven for side dishes and desserts. The sweet pineapple-maple glaze is the perfect blend of flavor, and your family and guests will be raving about it for days.
Whether you’re cooking for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or a Sunday family dinner, this recipe guarantees a perfectly cooked, juicy ham that’s loaded with flavor. Give it a try, and you’ll never make ham any other way!
đź“Ś Save this Recipe for Later!
If you loved this recipe, make sure to save it for your next holiday meal. Share it with friends, pin it on Pinterest, or print it out to keep in your recipe binder. Your family will thank you!
Looking for more easy holiday recipes? Check these out:
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
• Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
• Homemade Dinner Rolls
This Crock Pot Ham is guaranteed to be the star of your holiday table. 🍍✨🍖 Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!