Cooking a ham in a crock pot is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare this classic dish. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, using a slow cooker keeps the ham juicy, tender, and packed with flavor – all while freeing up your oven and stove for other dishes. If you’ve ever wondered, how do I cook a ham in a crock pot? – this friendly, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Cook Ham in a Crock Pot?
– Hands-off cooking: Just prep, set, and forget.
– Juicy, tender results: Slow, low heat locks in moisture.
– Flavor infusion: Glazes and juices meld beautifully.
– Oven space saver: Perfect for busy holiday kitchens.
What You’ll Need
– Fully cooked ham (bone-in or spiral-cut, about 4-10 pounds)
– Brown sugar (for sweetness and glaze)
– Pineapple juice or apple cider (adds moisture and tang)
– Dijon mustard, maple syrup, honey, or balsamic vinegar (optional for glaze depth)
– Slow cooker (crock pot) – ideally 6 to 8 quarts for a larger ham
Step-by-Step: How to Cook a Ham in a Crock Pot
1. Prepare Your Ham
Start with a fully cooked ham, which you are essentially reheating and glazing in the crock pot. Remove any plastic caps or glaze packets that come with the ham.
If your ham is spiral-cut, gently fan out the slices to let the glaze soak in. For whole hams, score the surface with shallow criss-cross cuts to help the flavors penetrate.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Juice
Sprinkle about 1 to 1½ cups of brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in about ½ cup of pineapple juice or apple cider to keep the ham moist during cooking.
3. Place the Ham
Place the ham flat-side down on top of the brown sugar and juice. If it’s too big, trim the edges slightly to fit. The flat side down helps the ham absorb the glaze and juices evenly.
4. Make and Apply the Glaze
Mix together a simple glaze using brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, and a splash of juice or vinegar. Spread or brush this glaze all over the ham, making sure it seeps into the cuts or between slices.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of your ham. A general rule is about 20-25 minutes per pound. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat and moisture trapped.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should reach at least 140°F for fully cooked ham to be safely warmed through.
6. Optional: Make a Sticky Glaze Finish
If you want a caramelized, sticky glaze, carefully remove the ham after cooking and transfer the juices from the crock pot to a saucepan. Simmer the juices until thickened, then brush the glaze over the ham. Pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Ham
– Use a large slow cooker: A 7-8 quart size fits bigger hams better.
– Don’t rush: Cooking on low heat keeps the ham juicy and tender.
– Rest before slicing: Let the ham rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
– Baste if you want: Optional halfway through cooking to boost flavor.
– Try different juices: Pineapple juice is classic, but apple cider or orange juice work great too.
– Add spices: Garlic powder, ground cloves, or mustard add depth to your glaze.
How Much Ham Per Person?
Plan for about ¾ pound of bone-in ham per person if you want just enough, or 1 pound per person if you want leftovers. A 4-5 pound ham serves roughly 6-8 people.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Ham?
Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
– Mashed or roasted potatoes
– Glazed carrots or green beans
– Cornbread or stuffing
– Cranberry salad or jello salad
– Sweet potatoes or scalloped potatoes
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a little cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Cooking a ham in a crock pot is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become your go-to method for ham dinners!