Easy Crockpot Ham Recipe (Moist and Juicy Every Time!)

4.91 from 11 votes

Easy Crockpot Ham Recipe (Moist and Juicy Every Time!)

This Crockpot Ham recipe is juicy, tender, and simmered right in the glaze for maximum flavor. I'm a Food Scientist sharing secrets to make slow cooker ham PERFECTLY every time.

Prep Time10

Cook Time4

Total Time4 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Crock Pot Ham, Crockpot Ham, Crockpot Ham Recipe, Precooked Ham in Crockpot, Slow Cooker Ham

Servings:

Author: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Ingredients

4-5 lb fully cooked ham spiral-cut or whole
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
½ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground cloves optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the ham:

Place the ham in the slow cooker, flat-side down. You may have to cut the sides off and puzzle them together to make them fit. Make sure the crockpot lid can close without letting steam escape.
If using a spiral-cut ham, gently fan out the slices. Otherwise, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts on the surface in a criss-cross design. This helps the glaze soak in.

Make the glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cloves (if using).

Pour and cover:

Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it drips between the slices or cuts.

Cook low and slow:

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Do not lift the lid while cooking, as it releases heat and prolongs cooking time.

For a sticky finish (optional):

If you want a caramelized, sticky glaze, transfer the ham to a baking sheet after slow cooking.
Use oven mitts to carefully pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Cook it over medium heat until reduced to a thick and glossy glaze, 15-20 minutes. Reduce heat if it bubbles too strongly.
Brush the reduced glaze over the ham. Broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and slightly bubbly.

Video

Notes

No flipping needed: The slow cooker’s even, moist heat makes flipping unnecessary and helps the ham stay intact.

To prevent dry edges: Place a piece of foil or parchment loosely over the ham before covering with the lid to help with self-basting.

Avoid lifting the lid: Trust the slow cooker to do its job without interruptions. This keeps cooking times consistent.

Pair with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or warm rolls. Leftovers make amazing sandwiches or breakfast hash!

Nutrition