The Ultimate Crock Pot Ham: Effortless, Moist & Flavorful Every Time
Tired of wrestling a large ham into a hot oven, only to find it dried out and less than perfect? This Crock Pot Ham recipe is a game-changer! It’s not only incredibly easy to prepare but guarantees a wonderfully moist and flavorful ham that will be the star of any meal. While it’s a quintessential holiday centerpiece, its simplicity makes it ideal for family dinners throughout the year. Free up your precious oven space and let your slow cooker do all the hard work!
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Why Slow Cooker Ham is Your New Holiday Best Friend
When holiday gatherings roll around, the kitchen often becomes a battlefield of carefully timed dishes vying for oven space. From roasted vegetables to delectable desserts, every minute and every inch of the oven counts. For years, preparing the main dish, especially a large ham, felt like a complex culinary puzzle.
I recall my first time hosting both sides of our family for Christmas – a true culinary trial by fire that involved two separate ham dinners! Despite having two ovens, the intricate dance of fitting everything in, timing each dish to perfection, and constantly checking temperatures was exhausting. It was in that moment of delightful chaos that I truly appreciated the magic of this Crock Pot Ham recipe. It was a revelation! Not only did it free up an entire oven, but the hands-on time was minimal – just about 5 minutes to set it up. The result? A ham that was incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, far surpassing any oven-baked version I had attempted. This recipe quickly became my secret weapon for stress-free holiday entertaining, and I’m confident it will become yours too.
Beyond the holidays, this slow cooker ham is a fantastic choice for any family meal. Imagine coming home to the aroma of a perfectly cooked ham, ready to be sliced and enjoyed. It’s an effortless way to bring a touch of comfort and elegance to your weeknight table, providing delicious leftovers for days to come.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Slow Cooker Ham
Creating an exceptionally moist and flavorful slow cooker ham starts with a selection of key ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, sweet, and savory glaze that infuses the ham as it slowly cooks to perfection. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Brown Sugar: We use light brown sugar, which adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. A portion is sprinkled directly into the slow cooker to create a sweet base, while the rest is incorporated into the luscious glaze. This dual application ensures every bite is infused with a delightful sweetness. Dark brown sugar can also be used for an even more intense, robust flavor.
- Apricot Jam: This is the secret to our vibrant, fruity glaze. Apricot jam brings a delicate tartness and a bright, sun-kissed sweetness that complements the savory ham wonderfully. While apricot is my personal favorite for its balanced flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! Peach jam, orange marmalade, or even a mixed berry preserve would offer delightful variations. Choose a good quality jam for the best results.
- Dijon Mustard: Far from just adding a spicy kick, Dijon mustard provides an essential savory depth and a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and jam. Its nuanced flavor is much more sophisticated than regular yellow mustard, which can be too sharp and overpowering. If you enjoy a bit of warmth, a spicy brown mustard can be an excellent substitute, adding another layer of complexity to the glaze.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar is crucial for cutting through the richness and sweetness of the glaze. It introduces a bright, tangy acidity that elevates all the other flavors, preventing the glaze from becoming cloyingly sweet. If apple cider vinegar isn’t on hand, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar are suitable alternatives that will still provide that important acidic lift.
- Garlic Powder: For a quick and easy flavor boost, garlic powder is fantastic. It blends seamlessly into the glaze, adding a foundational savory aroma that makes the ham incredibly appetizing. While garlic powder is convenient, you can certainly use freshly minced garlic for a more pungent, aromatic flavor. About 1-2 cloves, finely minced, would be equivalent to the teaspoon of powder.
- Spiral Cut Ham: The star of our dish! Opt for a 7-9 pound half ham that is spiral cut. Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced, making them incredibly easy to serve once cooked. They typically come bone-in, which adds tremendous flavor and moisture during the slow cooking process. It’s important to select a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. A ham that’s too large can prevent the lid from sealing properly, affecting cooking time and moisture retention. Don’t worry if it’s a tight fit – check our “Tips and Tricks” section for advice on ensuring your ham fits perfectly.
- Fresh Rosemary & Thyme: These fresh herbs are not just for garnish; they infuse the ham with an aromatic, earthy fragrance that truly elevates the dish. Their savory notes perfectly contrast the sweet glaze. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about 1½ teaspoons each of dried rosemary and dried thyme, remembering that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh.
Mastering the Crock Pot Ham: Simple Steps for Success
Preparing this Crock Pot Ham is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly moist, glazed ham with ease:
Preparing the Flavorful Glaze
- Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the light brown sugar (reserving the remaining ¼ cup), the apricot jam, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Gently Cook the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the jam has fully melted and all the ingredients are beautifully combined into a smooth, aromatic glaze. This process only takes a couple of minutes. Once smooth, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Setting Up Your Slow Cooker
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Take your slow cooker (a 6-quart or larger is usually ideal for a 7-9 pound ham). Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar evenly over the bottom of the pot. This creates a sweet, caramelized base that will infuse the ham from underneath.
- Place the Ham: Carefully place the spiral-cut ham into the slow cooker, flat side down. This positioning allows the ham to sit stably and ensures the glaze can seep into the slices effectively. If your ham is a bit tall for your slow cooker, don’t worry! Refer to our “Tips and Tricks” section for advice on how to make it fit without issue.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the warm, luscious apricot glaze generously over the top of the ham, ensuring it drips down into the spiral cuts. The glaze will beautifully coat the ham, infusing it with flavor as it cooks.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Arrange the sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme around and on top of the ham. I like to tuck some sprigs into the sides as well, allowing their aromatic oils to release and perfume the entire ham.
Slow Cooking to Perfection
- Cover and Cook: Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Cook the ham on the LOW setting for approximately 4 hours. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the initial temperature of your ham. The goal is to heat the ham through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Since spiral-cut hams are already fully cooked, we are simply reheating and flavoring them.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone, to ensure it reaches 140°F (60°C). This temperature ensures it’s perfectly warmed and ready to serve.
That’s all there is to it! With minimal effort, you’ll have a moist, tender, and incredibly delicious Crock Pot Ham ready to impress your family and guests. The hands-off nature of this recipe means you can focus on other dishes or simply enjoy your time while the slow cooker works its magic.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Ham
Making the perfect slow cooker ham is simple, but a few expert tips can ensure your ham is always a resounding success. From choosing the right ham to clever ways of dealing with leftovers, these pointers will guide you to ham perfection.
Selecting and Fitting Your Ham
- Ham Size Matters: Most 7-8 pound hams will fit comfortably in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. When selecting your ham at the grocery store, I recommend gently pressing on the hams to feel for the bone. Try to find one that doesn’t have a very prominent, hard bone extending too far at the top. This makes it easier to trim if needed.
- Trimming for a Perfect Fit: If your chosen ham is a bit too tall for your slow cooker lid to seal properly, you can trim a small portion off the bottom or top (if it’s not the bone end). Don’t discard these trimmings! They are excellent for adding to soups, stews, or even a batch of scrambled eggs.
- Lid Challenges: If, after trimming, the ham is still too large for the lid to sit tightly, don’t despair. You can create a makeshift seal by placing several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil tightly over the top of the slow cooker before placing the lid. Press the foil down securely around the rim to trap the heat and moisture effectively. This ensures your ham cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Achieving Optimal Flavor and Texture
- Don’t Overcook: Remember that spiral-cut hams are already fully cooked. The goal in the slow cooker is to gently heat them through and infuse them with the glaze, not to cook them further. Overcooking can lead to dryness. Always aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Resting Period: Once your ham reaches the target temperature, it’s beneficial to let it rest in the slow cooker, still covered, for about 15-20 minutes after turning off the heat. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist.
- Carving with Ease: Since your ham is spiral-cut, carving is a breeze. Simply cut along the bone to release the pre-sliced sections. If you prefer thicker slices, you can always make additional cuts.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing
This Crock Pot Ham is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion. For a classic holiday feast, consider serving it alongside creamy Scalloped Potatoes, vibrant Glazed Carrots, and some fluffy Lion House Rolls. You could also complement it with a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, or a hearty rice pilaf. The sweet and savory glaze makes it a perfect match for dishes that offer a contrasting texture or a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Any leftover ham should be stored promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or a skillet, or enjoy it cold for sandwiches.
- Freezing: Ham freezes exceptionally well! If you have a substantial amount of leftovers that you won’t use within a few days, freezing is a fantastic option. I like to portion the ham into meal-sized servings before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 4 months in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
More Delicious Ham Creations
If you’re looking for other fantastic ham recipes to try, whether it’s for another holiday or just a delicious family meal, explore these variations:
- Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- Sweet and Spicy Ham Glaze Recipe
- Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham
- Root Beer Glazed Ham
- Honey Glazed Ham
Creative Ways to Repurpose Leftover Ham
One of the best parts about cooking a delicious ham is the abundance of leftovers! Ham is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of equally delicious meals. Don’t let a single slice go to waste – get creative with these inspiring ideas:
- Breakfast Casserole with Ham and Cheese: A hearty and comforting way to start your day.
- Ham and Bean Soup: Classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.
- Ham and Noodle Casserole: A creamy, cheesy family favorite that’s quick to put together.
- Cauliflower Soup with Ham and Cheese: A surprisingly delicious and satisfying soup.
- Ham Risotto with Peas: An elegant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish.
- Quick Sandwiches & Wraps: Layer sliced ham with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a dab of mustard or mayonnaise on your favorite bread or wrap for a quick lunch.
- Hearty Salads: Dice the ham and add it to a chef salad, Cobb salad, or even a pasta salad for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
- Savory Scrambles & Omelets: Fold diced ham into scrambled eggs or a fluffy omelet with some cheese and your favorite vegetables for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
- Quiches & Frittatas: Ham is a natural fit for quiches or frittatas, adding a savory element that pairs well with cheese, spinach, or onions.
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Crock Pot Ham
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Ingredients
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar divided
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 7-9 pound spiral cut ham
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, the apricot jam, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat until the jam has melted and it’s all combined, just a couple of minutes.
- Meanwhile, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar over the bottom of the crock pot. Place the ham on top of the sugar, flat side down.
- Pour the apricot mixture over the top of the ham. Add the rosemary and thyme. (I like to put some on top and some on the sides.)
- Cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the internal temperature registers 140ºF.
Recipe Notes:
If it does have the bone at the top, or if it is just too big for the lid to go on, you can place several layers of foil over the top to keep the heat in. You’ll want to make sure it is tight so that the heat doesn’t escape.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information