This crock pot ham is a spiral-cut ham that is glazed with three simple ingredients and cooked slowly until it is just right. This is the BEST way to make your holiday ham, the slow cooker does all of the work!.
It’s always hard for me to prepare easy holiday meals, and this crock pot ham is one of the easiest I’ve found. You only need 5 minutes to get this ham ready to eat. If you don’t like ham, try my herb-roasted turkey or slow cooker turkey breast instead.
Whenever there’s a holiday, there’s a ham on my table. When you buy ham, most of the work is already done for you. That’s why I love cooking it. All you need is a delicious glaze and a slow cooker to make this simple crock pot ham. The best part is that it makes room in the oven for your sides and desserts.
Slow cooking is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to cook ham for a crowd Set it and forget it in the crockpot, then come home to a tender, juicy holiday centerpiece But exactly how long does it take to slow cook ham to perfection? Follow this guide for timing, tips and tricks to help you nail slow cooker ham every time.
Benefits of Slow Cooking Ham
There are several advantages to slow cooking your holiday ham rather than roasting in the oven:
- Frees up oven space for side dishes
- Keeps the ham incredibly moist and juicy
- Allows flavors to develop with long cook time
- Minimal hands-on time required
- Easy clean up
Slow cooking is ideal for reheating a fully cooked ham, The low gentle heat warms through without drying it out,
How Long to Cook Ham in a Slow Cooker
Ham cook time depends on the size, bone-in or boneless, and your slow cooker model.
For a bone-in half ham (5-7 pounds) allow:
- 6-8 hours on LOW
- 3-4 hours on HIGH
For a boneless 3-5 pound ham:
- 4-6 hours on LOW
- 2-3 hours on HIGH
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on time. Insert into the thickest part without touching bone.
Minimum Internal Temp for Ham
Cook until the ham reaches the minimum safe internal temperature:
- Fresh ham: 160°F
- Fully cooked ham: 140°F
The meat near the bone may register slightly higher. If still pinkish in spots after the recommended time, cover and cook longer, checking often.
Choosing a Slow Cooker Ham
For the most flavor and juicy meat, choose a bone-in smoked fully cooked ham. The bone adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. Opt for a non-spiral cut ham, as they tend to hold onto juices better.
You want a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker with a little room around the sides. Look for one around 5-7 pounds; trim off the end if needed.
Prep Tips Before Slow Cooking Ham
- Place ham directly in the slow cooker. No need to add liquid.
- To infuse flavor, make shallow slits and stud with whole cloves.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern.
- Brush with a glaze such as brown sugar, honey or pineapple juice.
- For easier cleanup, place ham in an oven bag before slow cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps:
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Prep ham with cloves, scoring, and glaze as desired.
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Place ham directly in slow cooker. No need for added liquid.
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Cook on LOW 6-8 hours until ham is heated through (140°F).
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Remove ham from slow cooker; tent with foil.
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Make glaze from cooking juices. Serve drizzled over ham.
Common Questions
How long per pound to cook ham in a slow cooker?
As a general rule, bone-in ham takes about 30-40 minutes per pound on LOW. A boneless ham cooks faster at around 20-30 minutes per pound.
Should you cook ham on high or low?
LOW is recommended to allow the ham to heat gradually throughout. High may cause the outer portions to overcook.
Do you put liquid in the slow cooker with ham?
No, ham will release its own juices so no added liquid is needed. For flavor, you can add soda, juice or broth.
What temperature should cooked ham be?
Fully cooked hams should reach 140°F on a meat thermometer when reheated. For fresh hams cook to 160°F.
Can you overcook ham in a slow cooker?
It is possible to dry out the ham if cooked beyond the recommended time. Always go by temperature rather than time.
Can you crisp up the ham skin in the slow cooker?
Unfortunately the low slow heat of the crockpot won’t crisp up the skin. You can broil briefly after cooking if you want crispy bits.
Tips to Keep Ham Moist
The key to juicy crockpot ham is retaining moisture. Here are some tips:
- Cook at LOW heat to prevent drying out
- Use a covered crockpot so steam helps keep ham moist
- Add soda, juice or broth to the crockpot for extra moisture
- Avoid overcooking beyond recommended time
Basting and glazing during the last hour also helps ensure a tender ham.
Glazing and Serving Slow Cooker Ham
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During the last hour of cooking, brush ham occasionally with glaze.
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In the last 15 minutes, coat ham with another layer of glaze to set.
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Transfer ham to a cutting board and tent with foil before carving.
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Garnish platter with fruit and herbs. Slice ham across the grain to serve.
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Serve with traditional favorites like scalloped potatoes, roasted veggies, biscuits, etc.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
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Store leftover ham for 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze for 1-2 months.
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Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes per pound.
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Add a splash of broth or juice while reheating to prevent drying out.
Make a Meal out of Leftover Ham
Leftover crockpot ham is versatile for recipes like:
- Ham salad sandwiches
- Omelets and quiche
- Fried rice or pasta salad
- Split pea or bean soup
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Eggs Benedict
- Ham and potato hash
- Pizza with ham and pineapple
The Takeaway
Allow 6-8 hours cook time for a bone-in ham on LOW in a slow cooker. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Smaller boneless hams may only need 4 hours. Let your meat thermometer be your guide for perfectly cooked crockpot ham!
How long to cook a ham?
It takes approximately 3-4 hours to cook a ham in the crock pot on low heat. One way to make sure your ham is fully cooked is to put a thermometer into the thickest part of it. The thermometer should read at least 140 degrees F.
How much ham per person?
You’ll need about 3/4 pound of ham per person for a bone-in ham. If you want plenty of leftovers, you can increase that amount to 1 pound of ham per person.