Slow cooker ham is one of the easiest ways to prepare a flavorful, tender holiday centerpiece without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a crockpot allows the ham to warm slowly while soaking up a sweet brown sugar glaze and citrus juices, creating a juicy, delicious meal that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or a simple family dinner, this slow cooker ham recipe delivers dependable, mouth-watering results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham
Making slow cooker ham at home offers several wonderful benefits that make it a favorite for holidays and busy weeknights alike.
First, it is incredibly easy. Because the ham is already pre-cooked, the slow cooker simply reheats it gently while enhancing the flavor with a sweet glaze. This makes the recipe nearly foolproof.
Second, the slow cooker keeps the ham exceptionally juicy. Unlike oven baking, which can sometimes dry the meat, the crockpot traps moisture and allows the ham to absorb the glaze and juices.
Another reason people love slow cooker ham is convenience. Once the ingredients are added, the slow cooker does most of the work. That means you can prepare side dishes, relax with guests, or focus on other tasks while dinner cooks.
Finally, this recipe is very versatile. It works perfectly for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but it’s also great for meal prep since leftover ham can be used in soups, sandwiches, casseroles, and breakfast dishes.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham
Ham
- 7–8 pounds pre-cooked ham (bone-in or spiral cut)
Glaze
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup orange juice
Ingredient Notes
Ham selection:
Choose a fully cooked ham for this recipe. Spiral-cut ham works especially well because the glaze seeps into every slice.
Brown sugar substitute:
If brown sugar is unavailable, you can mix white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses for a similar flavor.
Dijon mustard alternatives:
Yellow mustard works if Dijon is unavailable, though Dijon adds a deeper flavor.
Butter alternatives:
Olive oil or plant-based butter can be used if dairy is not preferred.
Pork alternative:
If you prefer not to cook pork, this recipe works with smoked turkey roast or a plant-based holiday roast as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze soak into the meat and adds extra flavor.
Place the ham cut-side down inside the slow cooker. If the ham is large, you may need to trim a small portion so it fits comfortably inside the pot.
Step 2 – Add Cooking Liquid
Pour the orange juice into the bottom of the slow cooker around the ham. The juice adds moisture and a subtle citrus sweetness that balances the brown sugar glaze.
Step 3 – Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and allspice. Mix until the ingredients form a thick, smooth paste.
Step 4 – Apply the First Glaze
Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the ham. Try to work some of the glaze into the scored lines so it penetrates deeper into the meat.
Step 5 – Slow Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the ham on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. The goal is simply to heat the ham thoroughly since it is already cooked.
The internal temperature should reach about 140°F (60°C) when warmed through.
Step 6 – Add Final Glaze
During the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the ham. This final layer gives the ham a glossy finish and extra flavor.
Step 7 – Rest and Serve
Once the ham is heated through, carefully transfer it to a serving platter and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute for tender slices.
Slice and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Pro Tips for Success
Choose the right size ham
Make sure the ham fits inside your slow cooker. A 7–8 pound ham usually fits well in a standard 6-quart crockpot.
Use low heat
Slow cooking on LOW prevents the ham from drying out and ensures gentle heating.
Score the ham
Scoring the surface helps the glaze soak into the meat, improving flavor.
Baste occasionally
If possible, spoon some of the cooking juices over the ham halfway through cooking.
Let the ham rest
Allowing the ham to rest before slicing keeps the meat juicy.
Save the juices
The flavorful liquid in the slow cooker makes an excellent base for gravy or soups.
Flavor Variations
Honey Glaze Ham
Replace brown sugar with honey for a naturally sweet glaze.
Maple Ham
Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the glaze for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Pineapple Ham
Add pineapple juice instead of orange juice and place pineapple slices on top.
Spiced Holiday Ham
Add cloves and nutmeg to the glaze for a festive flavor.
Savory Herb Ham
Mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the glaze for a more savory profile.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker ham pairs beautifully with many classic side dishes.
For a traditional holiday meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls.
For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted carrots, and steamed green beans.
Leftover ham is extremely versatile and can be used in:
- Ham and cheese sandwiches
- Breakfast omelets
- Fried rice
- Pasta dishes
- Bean soup
- Ham and potato casserole
Having leftovers means you can easily prepare several additional meals during the week.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Ham freezes very well. Slice or dice the ham, then place it in freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover ham gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
FAQ About Slow Cooker Ham
Can you cook a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker?
Yes. Most hams sold in grocery stores are already fully cooked. The slow cooker simply reheats the ham gently while adding flavor from the glaze and juices. This method helps prevent the ham from drying out.
How long does slow cooker ham take?
Most slow cooker ham recipes take about 4 to 5 hours on LOW. The exact time depends on the size of the ham and the temperature of the slow cooker.
Do you need to add liquid to slow cooker ham?
Yes, adding liquid such as orange juice, apple juice, or broth helps keep the ham moist. It also creates flavorful juices that can be used for serving.
What is the best glaze for slow cooker ham?
Brown sugar glaze with butter and mustard is one of the most popular options because it balances sweet and savory flavors. However, honey, maple syrup, or pineapple glaze also work well.
Can you overcook ham in a slow cooker?
Although it is difficult to overcook pre-cooked ham, cooking it too long may cause it to become dry or fall apart. Keeping the cooking time around 4–5 hours on LOW usually produces the best results.
What can I do with leftover ham?
Leftover ham is incredibly versatile. It can be used in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, omelets, pasta dishes, or breakfast hash. Many people freeze diced ham to use in recipes later.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker ham is a simple, reliable recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can create a juicy, beautifully glazed ham that’s perfect for holidays or family dinners.
Because the slow cooker does most of the work, this recipe allows you to focus on enjoying time with family and friends rather than spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this easy slow cooker ham, it may quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for celebrations and comforting meals alike.
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Slow Cooker Ham – Easy & Juicy Proven Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy slow cooker ham with a sweet brown sugar glaze that turns out juicy, tender, and perfect for holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients
7–8 lb fully cooked ham
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
1. Place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the orange juice into the bottom of the crockpot.
3. In a bowl mix butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and allspice until smooth.
4. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the ham.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours until the ham is heated through.
6. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use a spiral-cut ham for easier serving and better glaze absorption.
Apple juice can replace orange juice if preferred.
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze sliced or diced ham for up to 2 months for soups, casseroles, or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
