Crockpot Ham Recipe

That age-old holiday debate, ham or turkey, can leave anyone feeling a bit stuck. In my family, we sidestep the dilemma entirely by serving both, and let me tell you, this Crockpot Ham always steals a little of the spotlight. It’s more than just a main dish; it becomes the warm, sweet, and savory centerpiece everyone gathers around.

This method is a total game-changer for freeing up your oven, and it transforms a simple store-bought spiral ham into something truly special. Forget the little glaze packet that comes in the box—this combination of brown sugar and pineapple creates a sticky, incredible glaze that does all the work for you.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Here’s the beautiful part: you only need three things. The simplicity is almost magical, letting each flavor shine through perfectly.

• 1 (10-pound) Spiral-Cut Ham: The pre-sliced kind is key here, as it lets all that glorious glaze seep into every nook and cranny.
• 2 Cups Packed Light Brown Sugar: This is the base of our sweet, caramel-like glaze that will form a delicious crust on the ham.
• 1 (18-ounce) Can Pineapple Tidbits in Juice: The tidbits caramelize beautifully, and their tangy juice balances the sugar’s richness, keeping the ham wonderfully moist.

A Quick Word on Fully Cooked Hams

You might wonder why we need to cook a ham that’s already labeled “fully cooked.” Well, it’s all about safety and, more importantly, flavor. Warming it ensures any lingering concerns are gone, but really, it’s about waking the ham up.

Gentle heat coaxes out the ham’s natural juices and allows it to fully absorb the sweet glaze you’re adding. That’s what turns it from a good ham into the best ham you’ve ever had.

How to make Crockpot Ham?

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by giving the bottom of your crockpot insert a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray. This is a small step that pays off big time when cleanup rolls around.

Then, take about half of your brown sugar and sprinkle it evenly over the bottom. This creates a sweet foundation that the ham will sit on.

Step 2: Add the Ham and Goodies

Carefully place your spiral ham into the crockpot, laying it on its side. Now, pour the entire can of pineapple tidbits and their juice right over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Take a moment to tuck some of those pineapple bits between the slices—it’s a little trick that adds bursts of flavor throughout. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar over the whole thing.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to LOW. Let it work its magic for 3 to 4 hours. If you think of it, baste the ham once or twice with the syrupy juices collecting at the bottom.

The ham is ready when it’s heated through and fragrant. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) should read 140°F.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Turn off the cooker and let the ham rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making it easier to handle.

Using sturdy tongs or carving forks, carefully transfer the ham to a large cutting board or platter. The slices will practically fall apart, ready to be served with that amazing glaze spooned over the top.

What If the Lid Doesn't Fit?

Sometimes, especially with a bigger ham, the lid won’t sit right at the beginning. Don’t worry, and please don’t try to force it. There’s a perfectly good workaround.

Create a tight seal by laying two large pieces of nonstick spray-coated aluminum foil over the crockpot, crisscrossing them. Crimp the edges tightly around the rim. As the ham cooks and shrinks slightly, you’ll likely be able to switch to the real lid.

Tips

• Size Flexibility: This recipe isn’t strict on size. A smaller 7-pound ham will work just as well; just check for doneness a bit earlier, around the 2.5-hour mark.
• Glaze Variations: Feel free to add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of ground cloves to the brown sugar for a more complex flavor profile.
• Carving Ease: Since it’s a spiral ham, carving is mostly just guiding the slices off the bone. Follow the natural lines for perfect, even portions every time.
• Juice is Gold: Don’t discard the incredible, concentrated juices left in the crockpot. Let them cool, skim off any excess fat, and serve them on the side as a delicious au jus for dipping.

Making the Most of Your Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ve hit the jackpot for easy meals ahead. Chopped ham is incredibly versatile and packed with flavor ready to be used.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to a month—thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Beyond the Holiday Sandwich

Leftover ham is perfect for so much more than sandwiches, though a classic ham and cheese is hard to beat. Toss diced ham into a morning scramble with some cheddar cheese, or fold it into a creamy potato soup for a hearty lunch.

You can stir it into baked beans, sprinkle it over a homemade pizza, or mix it into a cheesy pasta bake. It adds a salty, savory depth that makes any simple dish feel special, and it’s a wonderful way to stretch those leftovers for days.