A slow cooker ham is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to prepare a juicy, tender, and flavorful ham without turning on the oven. With a sweet and savory glaze that slowly melts into the meat, this recipe is perfect for holidays, family dinners, Sunday meals, or any time you need a hands-off main dish. Using the slow cooker ensures the ham stays moist, evenly cooked, and packed with flavor—every single time.
This recipe works beautifully with raw or fresh ham while keeping the title simple and search-friendly.
Why This Slow Cooker Ham Recipe Works
When you search for best slow cooker ham, the top recipes all have one thing in common: moisture, flavor, and simplicity. This recipe delivers all three. The slow cooker gently cooks the ham low and slow, which prevents dryness and locks in flavor. A glaze made from brown sugar, juice, honey, and mustard creates a perfectly balanced coating that caramelizes beautifully as the ham cooks.
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Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Ham
- 1 ham (4–7 pounds), bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice or apple juice
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
- Whole cloves (optional for classic flavor)
These simple pantry ingredients create a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly flavorful—perfect for a classic crockpot ham.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham
1. Prepare the Ham
Place the ham flat-side down in your slow cooker.
Trim excess skin or fat if desired.
If the ham is large, angle it slightly or trim a small piece so it fits.
2. Make the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together:
- brown sugar
- pineapple or apple juice
- honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- pepper
- garlic powder
Pour this mixture all over the ham, allowing it to soak into the layers.
3. Add Butter
Place butter slices on top and around the ham. As the butter melts, it enriches the glaze and keeps the ham extra juicy.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to:
- LOW for 6–8 hours
or - HIGH for 4–5 hours
This method works for fresh, raw ham—just ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Optional: Thicken the Glaze
For a sticky, glossy finish, simmer the leftover cooking juices in a small saucepan for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Brush over the sliced ham.
6. Slice and Serve
Once done, move the ham to a cutting board, slice, and spoon extra glaze on top.
Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Ham
- Keep the lid closed to maintain steady heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Bone-in ham offers better flavor and texture.
- Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions under the ham for a full one-pot meal.
- Reserve extra glaze for serving—it makes the ham shine.
Flavor Variations
Make your crockpot ham your own with these delicious glaze ideas:
Honey Garlic Glaze
Honey, garlic, soy sauce, pepper.
Maple Brown Sugar Glaze
Maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon.
Apple Cider Glaze
Apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard.
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
Pineapple juice, brown sugar, cherry juice.
Each variation adds a unique twist to your slow cooker ham while staying simple and delicious.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Ham
This juicy ham pairs perfectly with classic holiday and comfort-food sides such as:
- Scalloped potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Baked sweet potatoes
Leftovers are amazing in sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, soups, and casseroles.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerator: 4–5 days
- Freezer: 2–3 months
- Reheat: In the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker with a bit of juice
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ham is an easy, flavorful, no-fail recipe that belongs in every home cook’s collection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, preparing Sunday dinner, or simply want a delicious main dish with very little work, this recipe gives you juicy, tender results every time. With a perfectly sweet and savory glaze and a hands-off cooking method, it truly is one of the best ways to cook ham.