Slow cooking a ham means setting it and forgetting it until it’s time to eat. If you have ever wondered how to cook ham in slow cooker, you are in the right place. This method gives you a tender, juicy ham with almost no effort. You just need a few ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little patience.
Many people think ham is tricky to cook. But the slow cooker does all the work. It keeps the meat moist and infuses it with flavor. Whether you are cooking for a holiday or a weeknight dinner, this guide will walk you through every step.
Why Use A Slow Cooker For Ham
A slow cooker is perfect for ham. The low, steady heat breaks down the meat fibers. This makes the ham incredibly tender. It also prevents the meat from drying out, which can happen in an oven.
You also save oven space. This is huge during holidays when you need the oven for other dishes. The slow cooker sits on your counter, freeing up your oven for sides like casseroles or roasted vegetables.
Another benefit is flavor. The ham cooks in its own juices, plus any glaze or liquid you add. The result is a deeply savory, slightly sweet ham that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Choosing The Right Ham For Slow Cooking
Not all hams are the same. For the best results, pick a fully cooked ham. Most hams you buy at the store are already cooked. You are just reheating and adding flavor.
Look for a bone-in ham if you can. Bone-in hams have more flavor and stay juicier. A spiral-cut ham also works well. The slices make it easy to serve later.
Avoid raw or fresh hams. These need to be cooked to a higher internal temperature. A slow cooker can handle it, but it takes longer and requires more care. Stick with fully cooked hams for simplicity.
Size matters too. A 5 to 8 pound ham fits most standard slow cookers. If your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to cut the ham in half or buy a smaller one.
How To Cook Ham In Slow Cooker
Here is the step-by-step process for a perfect slow cooker ham. Follow these instructions, and you will have a delicious meal every time.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-8 pounds, bone-in or spiral-cut)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice or apple juice
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
- Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare The Ham
Take the ham out of its packaging. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. If your ham has a plastic disk or netting, remove it. Some hams have a layer of skin or fat. You can leave it on for flavor, or trim it slightly if you prefer less fat.
If you are using a spiral-cut ham, be gentle. The slices can separate easily. Try to keep the ham whole as much as possible.
Optional: Stud the ham with whole cloves. Insert them into the fat layer in a diamond pattern. This adds a subtle spicy flavor. But skip this step if you do not have cloves.
Step 2: Make The Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey, mustard, and juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Taste it. Add more honey if you want it sweeter, or more mustard for tang.
This glaze will caramelize during cooking. It creates a sticky, sweet crust on the ham. You can also use a store-bought glaze if you are short on time.
Step 3: Layer The Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray. This makes cleanup easier. Place the ham in the slow cooker, flat side down. If it does not fit, you can cut a small piece off the end. But try to keep the ham whole.
Pour the glaze over the ham. Use a brush or spoon to coat all sides. If you are using pineapple rings and cherries, arrange them on top of the ham. Secure them with toothpicks if needed. They add a classic look and a hint of fruit flavor.
Do not add extra water. The ham will release its own juices as it cooks. Too much liquid will make the glaze watery.
Step 4: Cook Low And Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to LOW heat. Cook for 4 to 6 hours for a 5 to 8 pound ham. The exact time depends on your slow cooker and the ham size. A good rule is 1 to 1.5 hours per pound on low.
Do not cook on high. High heat can make the ham dry and tough. Low heat is gentler and gives you that fall-apart texture. Resist the urge to open the lid often. Each time you open it, heat escapes and adds cooking time.
Halfway through cooking, baste the ham with the juices in the pot. Use a spoon or a baster. This keeps the top moist and builds up the glaze.
Step 5: Check For Doneness
Since your ham is already fully cooked, you are mainly reheating it. But you still want to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F (60°C). If it is not there yet, cook for another 30 minutes and check again. Most hams will reach this temperature easily within the suggested time.
Step 6: Rest And Serve
Turn off the slow cooker. Carefully lift the ham out using tongs or two large spatulas. Place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender.
If you used a spiral-cut ham, you can serve it directly from the slow cooker. Just spoon some of the juices over the slices. For a bone-in ham, carve against the grain into thin slices. Serve with the glaze from the pot.
You can also thicken the leftover juices into a sauce. Pour them into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the juices. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. This makes a quick gravy.
Tips For The Best Slow Cooker Ham
These tips will help you avoid common mistakes. They also add extra flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook
Overcooking is the biggest risk. Even though the ham is already cooked, too much time in the slow cooker can make it mushy. Stick to the recommended times. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the ham at the lower end of the time range.
Add Aromatics
Boost the flavor by adding aromatics to the pot. Place a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves around the ham. You can also add a cinnamon stick or star anise for a warm, spicy note. These infuse the meat while it cooks.
Use A Liner
Slow cooker liners make cleanup a breeze. They are disposable bags that fit inside the pot. Just lift out the liner when done and throw it away. No scrubbing needed. This is especially helpful with sticky glaze.
Glaze Again Before Serving
For a thicker glaze, brush the ham with extra glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also broil the ham for 5 minutes after it comes out of the slow cooker. This caramelizes the sugar and gives a crispy crust. Just watch it closely so it does not burn.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Ham
Ham pairs well with many sides. Here are some classic options.
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Green beans or roasted asparagus
- Macaroni and cheese
- Sweet potato casserole
- Dinner rolls or cornbread
- Coleslaw or a simple green salad
The leftover ham is also great for sandwiches, soups, or omelets. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Even experienced cooks make errors. Here are the most common ones with slow cooker ham.
Using Too Much Liquid
Ham releases a lot of moisture. Adding extra water or broth makes the glaze thin and watery. Stick to the glaze ingredients only. If you want more liquid, use juice or a small amount of broth, but no more than 1/2 cup.
Not Basting
Basting is key for flavor. The top of the ham can dry out if it is not submerged in the glaze. Spoon the juices over the ham every hour or so. This builds up a beautiful, sticky coating.
Opening The Lid Too Often
Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat. This adds to the cooking time and can make the ham unevenly cooked. Trust the process. Only open the lid to baste or check temperature.
Using A Ham That Is Too Large
A ham that is too big for your slow cooker will not cook evenly. It may also prevent the lid from sealing properly. Measure your slow cooker capacity before buying the ham. A 6-quart slow cooker fits a 7-pound ham comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a frozen ham in the slow cooker?
It is not recommended. Frozen ham takes much longer to cook. The outside may overcook while the inside stays cold. Thaw the ham in the fridge for 2 to 3 days before cooking.
How long does it take to cook a ham in a slow cooker?
For a 5 to 8 pound ham, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This is about 1 to 1.5 hours per pound. Always check the internal temperature to be sure.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker for ham?
No. The ham releases enough juice. Adding water will dilute the glaze. Only add the glaze ingredients and any aromatics.
Can I use a glaze packet instead of homemade?
Yes. Store-bought glaze packets work fine. Just follow the package instructions. You may need to add a little liquid to thin it out.
What is the best way to reheat leftover slow cooker ham?
Reheat slices in a skillet with a splash of juice or water. Cover and warm over low heat for a few minutes. You can also microwave it, but it may dry out. For larger amounts, reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil.
Final Thoughts On Slow Cooker Ham
Now you know exactly how to cook ham in slow cooker. It is a simple, foolproof method that delivers great results every time. The ham comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Plus, you free up your oven for other dishes.
Try this method for your next holiday meal or Sunday dinner. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen. But you will know the secret: the slow cooker did all the work. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy.
If you have any questions or tips of your own, leave them in the comments. Happy cooking.