Ham in the crock pot is one of those simple, soul-warming meals that turns an ordinary gathering into something special. I love how the aroma fills the kitchen, drawing everyone to the table with anticipation.
Whether it’s Easter brunch, Sunday dinner, or a casual get-together, this slow-cooked ham will have everyone excitedly rushing to the table. It’s minimal effort, uses simple pantry staples, and is also wonderfully tender and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce that makes every bite unforgettable.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Ham in the Crock Pot Recipe
This recipe is a hosting hero! Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Easy to Prepare: Just a few pantry ingredients and 10 minutes of prep.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd without taking up oven space, much like these Easy Casual Dinner Party Menu Ideas designed for effortless entertaining.
- Incredible Flavor: That sweet-and-savory glaze soaks into every slice for a seriously delicious bite.
- Minimal Clean-Up: No roasting pans or oven splatters to deal with.
Tips Before You Get Started
Prep Tips:
Let your ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to help it warm evenly.
Pre-measure your glaze ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge for even quicker prep.
Common Mistakes & Fixes:
Not basting during cooking: Baste once every hour to keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Letting the glaze burn or boil too fast: Keep the heat medium and stir constantly while thickening to avoid scorching.
Ideal Ham Size for Crock Pots
Most standard crock pots (slow cookers) range from 4 to 8 quarts in capacity. Here’s what fits best:
- 4 to 5-quart crock pot: Choose a 2 to 3-pound boneless ham or a small shank portion ham. These are great for smaller households or more compact cookers.
- 6-quart crock pot (most common size): A 4 to 6-pound ham fits well, especially spiral-cut or semi-boneless hams. These are perfect for feeding a small group or having leftovers.
- 7 to 8-quart crock pot: Ideal for a 6 to 8-pound ham, either bone-in or boneless. These larger pots give more room for glazes, extra veggies, or broth.
Tips for Making Ham Fit In A Slow Cooker
- Trim if needed: Don’t be afraid to cut off part of the ham (especially bone-in) to make it fit better, and tuck any trimmed pieces around the sides.
- Stand it up: You can stand the ham upright if needed, especially spiral hams. They heat evenly that way.
- Cover tightly: If the lid won’t quite close, you can use foil and a heavy lid or baking sheet to seal it during cooking.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ham: Choose a bone-in, spiral-cut ham for optimal flavor and presentation. The bone keeps the meat moist, and the slices allow the glaze to seep in easily.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works, but for a richer flavor, opt for dark brown sugar, which has a higher molasses content.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Look for Grade A or amber-rich maple syrup. Avoid pancake syrups, which contain corn syrup and artificial flavoring.
- Pineapple Juice: Canned 100% juice is perfect. If you have leftover juice from canned pineapple slices, this is also a great use for it. Looking for creative ways to use leftover pineapple juice? Consider making a Fruit Salad Recipe With Honey Lemon Dressing or Maple Glazed Spinach Arugula Salad With Toasted Pecans.
- Yellow Mustard: If you enjoy a bolder flavor, a stone-ground or Dijon mustard can elevate the taste. Dijon can also be used for a spicier twist.
How to Make This Ham in the Crock Pot Recipe
Let’s walk through exactly how to make this ham in the crock pot recipe, step by step:
Make Seasoning Paste & Add to Ham
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and yellow mustard until well combined.
Rub the glaze mixture over the entire ham, getting it between the slices for full flavor.
Cook the Ham & Transfer
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste the ham with juices from the bottom of the slow cooker every hour.
Carefully transfer the ham to a serving dish. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Pour the cooking juices into a OXO Fat Separator. After it separates, pour the juices into a pan and discard the fat.
Make & Thicken the Glaze
Bring the ham cooking juices to a simmer.
Shake together cornstarch and cold water in a jar, then whisk into the simmering juices. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Need help perfecting your glaze consistency? This Rescue: How To Thicken Sauces In A Slow Cooker guide can help.
Serve and Garnish
Drizzle the glaze over the ham slices before serving. Garnish with pieces of pineapple and maraschino cherries if desired.
Gina’s Tips for Recipe Success and Variations
Recipe Tips
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of ground cloves or cinnamon for a warm, holiday-inspired twist.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use apple cider instead of pineapple juice for a fall version.
- Seasoning Customization: Want a smoky kick? Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze.
- Preventing Dry Ham: Always check internal temperature, which should be 140 degrees and don’t overcook. Spiral hams are already cooked; you’re just heating them through.
Recipe Variations
- Flavor Twists: Try orange juice in place of pineapple for a citrusy version.
- Protein Swaps: This glaze also works beautifully on pork tenderloin or chicken thighs.
- Cooking Methods: No slow cooker? Place in a covered roasting pan and bake at 325°F for about 2 hours.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store cooled ham in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap sliced ham in freezer paper and foil, then seal in a bag. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a covered baking dish at 300°F with a splash of broth or pineapple juice to keep it moist.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the glaze the night before and refrigerate. Warm slightly before using. You can also cook the ham a day ahead, store it with juices, and reheat with glaze on the stovetop just before serving.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
“Biblical hospitality is about presence over perfection, people over performance, and love over logistics.”
Luke 10:27 reminds us: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Sometimes, that looks like setting a table for people who need warmth, nourishment, and a reminder that they are seen and loved. A crock pot ham may seem simple, but in the hands of a gracious host, it becomes a vessel for connection, encouragement, and ministry.
Hosting Tip: Offer to bring this ham to a friend’s gathering or prepare it and share portions with neighbors. You’ll be amazed how food opens hearts. For more inspiration, explore Biblical Hospitality: 1 Peter 4:10 Lifestyle or dive deeper with A Challenge to Practice Biblical Hospitality in Everyday Life.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Juicy Ham in the Crock Pot
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 8 pounds ham, spiral-cut, bone-in
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup maple syrup, pure, do not use pancake syrup
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water, cold
- Fresh herbs, optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of a 7 to 8-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.Cooking spray
- Place the ham cut-side down into the slow cooker.8 pounds ham
Make the Seasoning Paste
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and yellow mustard to form a glaze paste.1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup maple syrup, 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Add to the Ham
- Rub the glaze mixture all over the ham, making sure it’s coated well and gets between the slices.
Cook the Ham
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the ham. Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker twice during cooking (about every hour).
Transfer to Serving Plate and Drain Fat
- Carefully remove the ham and place it on a serving platter.
- Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the glaze.
- Pour the cooking juices into a OXO Fat Separator. After it separates, pour the juices into a sauce pan and discard the fat.
Make the Glaze (on the Stovetop)
- Bring the saucepan of liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Thicken the Glaze
- In a small jar, shake together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering liquid, stirring constantly.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the glaze thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.
To Serve
- Drizzle the warm glaze over the sliced ham before serving.
- Garnish with pieces of pineapple and maraschino cherries if desired.Fresh herbs
Notes
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a dash of ground cloves or cinnamon for a warm, holiday-inspired twist.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Use apple cider instead of pineapple juice for a fall version.
- Seasoning Customization: Want a smoky kick? Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze.
- Preventing Dry Ham: Always check internal temperature and don’t overcook. Spiral hams are already cooked, you’re just heating them through..
- Flavor Twists: Try orange juice in place of pineapple for a citrusy version.
- Protein Swaps: This glaze also works beautifully on pork tenderloin or chicken thighs.
- Cooking Methods: No slow cooker? Place in a covered roasting pan and bake at 325°F for about 2 hours.
