Crockpot Ham Recipe

Sweet, tangy, and beautifully glazed, this Crockpot Ham brings plenty of flavor to the dinner table without requiring hours of hands-on cooking. A fully cooked ham slowly warms in a delicious mixture of pineapple juice, honey, balsamic vinegar.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a relaxed Sunday dinner, this recipe makes serving a satisfying main dish surprisingly simple. The slow cooker keeps the ham warm while the glaze develops its rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Tangy Glaze: Pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar create a delicious glaze with a hint of tanginess.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: The slow cooker handles most of the work, making preparation simple and stress-free.
• Juicy and Flavorful: Slow warming helps the ham absorb the glaze while keeping it moist.
• Perfect for Holidays: Serve it at Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or special family dinners.
• Convenient for Gatherings: Keep your oven free for other dishes while the ham warms in the Crockpot.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Fully Cooked Ham: Use a bone-in or boneless fully cooked ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
• Pineapple Juice: Substitute apple juice or orange juice for a different fruity sweetness.
• Honey: Use maple syrup or extra brown sugar for a similar sweetness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Replace with apple cider vinegar for a lighter, tangy flavor.
• Cornstarch: If you want a thicker glaze, use an equal amount of arrowroot powder mixed with cold water.

Crockpot Ham Recipe

This Crockpot Ham recipe creates a tender, juicy, and flavorful main dish perfect for any gathering. Sweetened with brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice, it pairs beautifully with a thickened glaze made from its own cooking juices. An easy, fuss-free delight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10 people

Calories 667 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: This is essential for slow cooking the ham.
• Basting Brush: Use this to glaze the ham as it cooks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of the ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: To slice the ham after cooking.
• Small Bowl: To mix the glaze ingredients.

Ingredients

  

• 2 Cups Pineapple Juice: The pineapple juice adds a tropical sweetness to the glaze and helps tenderize the ham.
• Fully-Cooked Ham 7-8 lbs: A pre-cooked ham is ideal for this recipe because it’s already tender and only needs to be heated and glazed.
• 1½ Tbsp Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a bit of floral flavor that complements the pineapple juice.
• 1½ Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy complexity that balances the sweetness of the honey and pineapple juice.
• 1½ Tbsp Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard gives the glaze a sharp tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet ingredients.
• 2 Cups Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contributes sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor which is key to creating a rich glaze.
• 2 Tbsp Water: This is used to make the slurry that thickens the glaze.
• 2 Tbsp Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the glaze to a syrupy consistency.
• Kosher Salt and Cracked Black Pepper to Taste: These seasonings enhance the flavors of the ham and glaze bringing everything together.

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Ham: Place the fully-cooked ham in the Crockpot, making sure it fits comfortably inside.
• Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
• Cook the Ham: Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover the Crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour.
• Make the Slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir it into the remaining glaze in the Crockpot and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the glaze has thickened.
• Rest and Slice: Once the ham is done, remove it from the Crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
• Serve: Drizzle some of the glaze over the ham slices and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

• For added flavor, stud the ham with whole cloves before spreading the brown sugar paste.
• Use freshly squeezed pineapple juice for a brighter, tangier glaze.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Side Dishes to Pair with Crockpot Ham

• Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
• Burrata Salad
• Chicken 65 Biryani
• Chicken Poblano
• Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Variations to Try

• Spicy Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for some heat.
• Maple Glazed Ham: Swap the honey for maple syrup for a sweeter, more robust glaze.
• Citrus Ham: Add orange or lemon juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
• Herb-Infused Ham: Toss some rosemary, thyme, or sage into the Crockpot for a more herbaceous flavor.
• Apple Cider Ham: Substitute the pineapple juice with apple cider for a different sweet profile.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a bone-in ham?
   Yes, you can use a bone-in ham, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
2. Can I make this in the oven instead of the Crockpot?
   Yes, you can bake the ham in the oven at 325°F for about 1.5-2 hours, basting occasionally.
3. Can I make this with a smaller ham?
   Yes, you can use a smaller ham. Just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
4. Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to cook alongside the ham.
5. How do I know when the ham is done?
   The ham is done when it’s heated through and tender, typically after 5-6 hours on low.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the leftover ham and glaze for up to 2 months.
7. What should I serve with this ham?
   Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.