I have to say I will never make a ham any other way after making this delicious Slow Cooker Crockpot Ham Recipe. Oh, my goodness this so easy and turned out amazing!
Crock Pot Ham
John's Mom was over for Slow Cooker Saturday lunch and loved it. John has been enjoying the leftovers and said they are amazing. All you need is a spiral ham, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and maple syrup to make this great holiday ham.
This Crock Pot Ham takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and you get to serve a wonderful dinner! So easy to make and always turns out so good!
This ham is so moist and juicy. John enjoyed it on sandwiches and with eggs and cheese for a few days after I made it. It kept great in the fridge. I think next time I make it I will slice it for sandwiches and put it in the freezer so we have it for John's lunches.
I used part of the leftovers to make breakfast sandwiches that I froze. Just make up some biscuits, slice cheese and pieces of this ham and you have a quick and easy breakfast.
This is our favorite holiday dinner ham. It pairs perfectly with side dishes and the spiral cut baked ham just tastes amazing. Plus it saves oven space and you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker.
Don't worry if you have guests who are not fans of super moist delicious ham you can also make up a crockpot turkey!
Can you cook a ham in the Crock-Pot?
YES! This Crock Pot Ham Pineapple is so good and can be made any day of the year. We always make this for Easter and Christmas.
Crockpot Ham Ingredients
- Ham
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
Ham - You can use a bone-in ham or boneless ham depending on which you prefer. We try to use a fully cooked spiral cut ham that just needs to be reheated and flavor added to it. This saves on cook time. The best part of using a fully cooked ham is you are simply heating it up and adding flavor. You don't have to stress about the ham reaching a certain temperature.
Maple Syrup - For a bit more flavor you can use a bourbon barrel-aged maple or other flavored maple syrups.
Brown sugar - you can switch out the brown sugar for ¼ to ½ cup of honey if you prefer a honey-baked ham.
Pineapple Slices - If you want to add even more pineapple flavor you can add pineapple slices or pineapple chunks on top of the ham or in between the slices of ham.
If you are not a fan of maple syrup you can switch it out for mustard to get a tangier flavor.
Ham Glaze - When the crockpot ham is done cooking you can remove some of the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker and put them in a small saucepan. Bring the pineapple ham juices to a boil and cook until they reduce by at least half and thicken. This is a great ham glaze to pour over the ham.
Equipment Needed
Large Slow Cooker - You will want to measure your slow cooker to make sure the ham fit. I put my fist flat in the bottom of my crockpot and look to see how high up my arm the sides of the slow cooker reach. This is a totally random way of measuring but I know that I am not going to remember to bring a measuring tape or anything else to the grocery store with me. A 7 or 8 Quart Slow cooker should be perfect.
If your crockpot ham doesn't fit in your slow cooker you can trim the bottom to get it to fit. I have seen people make an aluminum foil tent over the top of their crockpot instead of the lid but I have not tried this method. I normally cut my ham down to fit the crockpot and use the cut pieces for leftover ham recipes.
Cooking Spray - Non-stick cooking spray will help make it a lot easier to clean your slow cooker after cooking your holiday slow cooker ham.
Serving Platter - I would suggest using a serving platter with edges to help keep the ham juices on the platter. This crockpot ham is nice and juicy so you will want to have a platter that contains all the juices.
Recipe Tips
Be prepared to get your hands on the ham and rub in the brown sugar to really get the flavor into your holiday ham.
An hour before serving we suggest pouring the ham/pineapple juice in the bottom of the slow cooker back over the ham. This will help keep the top super juicy.
Plan to let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before serving it.
If you are not a fan of pineapple juice you can make this recipe with apple cider instead.
If you want the crispy brown sugar edges that you can get by baking a ham in the oven you can sprinkle brown sugar on the edges of your slow cooker ham and put it under the broiler for a minute or two. Just make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition information including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin c, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more will vary depending on products used.
Printable instructions below.
How long does it take to cook a Ham?
We normally cook a ham in the slow cooker for 4 to 5 hours. This gives the ham time to absorb the pineapple juice and brown sugar and become super flavorful. If you are using a small ham you should be able to cook it in 3-4 hours.
Can Cats eat Ham?
Are you wondering if your cat can eat ham? Everything we have seen says that ham is ok for cats as long as they are healthy. You may want to check with your vet if your cat has had any health problems.
The sodium in the ham could pose a problem. We have six cats and I have to say they all would love it if we let them have ham when I make this great slow cooker ham. I have to keep them off the counter and away from the ham when I am serving it.
Who can blame them when the house smells so good!
I found this pomegranate and pineapple ham recipe I need to try next time! YUM!
Can you Freeze Ham?
Yes! You can freeze a full-size ham or ham slices depending on what you have. I try to pick up a ham or two after the holidays when they go on a sale for great prices. I will freeze a full-size ham for a couple of months and then cook it up.
You can also slice the ham and wrap it in freezer paper then store it in freezer bags. Just make sure to write on the bag the date that you froze it. We like to do this so we can pull it out a month or two after the holidays when we are craving ham again.
What to make with leftover ham?
Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Recipe
Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Grits
Great Dinner Recipes
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This crockpot ham is our go to ham recipe for every holiday dinner! It is so easy to make and turns out amazing every single time.
Slow Cooker Crock Pot Ham
Ingredients
- 7- pound ham
- 2 cups Pineapple Juice
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Unwrap ham and place in the Crock-Pot
- Rub ham with brown sugar on all sides.
- Pour pineapple juice and maple syrup over the ham
- Cover and cook for 4-5 hours on low.
- About an hour before serving pour juice over the top of the ham
- Remove and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving
Nutrition
Originally posted March 18, 2013
Jennifer Kennedy
This is a wonderful recipe. I make it every Thanksgiving. The ham turns out perfect and I get lots of compliments. I also like that I can use a picnic ham instead of a spiral one. Picnic ham are much cheaper and it saves us money without sacrificing taste.
Salina
I made a spiral ham…had to use foil to cover crock pot, came out amazing!! So juicy and moist, cooked it for 4 hrs, after, I added more brown sugar on top and broiled all sides…thank you for the recipe! So delicious!!
Barbara George
This ham was delicious!! I used apple juice instead of pineapple juice & it was not oversweet, even with the syrup & brown sugar. First time cooking ham in a crockpot & will do like this from now on. I bought Aldi's applewood shank half ham & sliced it myself after cooking. Yum!!
Tammilee
Barbara, I love the idea of using apple sauce. I am going to have to try this. We just picked up a ham last night.
Becky
I tried this recipe and LOVED it and how easy it was. PLUS it kept it warm and ready with NO extra fuss!! Thank you . Looking forward to trying more recipes.
Tammilee
I am so glad you enjoyed the ham! It is one of our favorite recipes. If you have any leftovers we are sharing leftover ham recipe ideas on our Facebook page this week.
https://www.facebook.com/TammileeTips/
Sherry
The picture shows this is a picnic ham, shank portion. Is that correct? I know that is different than a regular ham. Usually picnic is cheaper but has a different flavor.
Diane
This is using an uncooked ham, right? Not a cooked one?
Tina McNeely
does this ham recipe work with the spiral cut hams?
Tammilee
Hi Tina,
Definitely! That is what I try to use when I make it.
Michael W. Polson
These recipes look very tasty! Thank you for sharing.
Brenda Widger
I would like to try this crock pot ham but I'm allergic to pineapple. Is there anything i can use besides the pineapple juice?
Tammilee
Hi Brenda, We also have 2 other crock pot ham recipes. The first one uses an orange glaze - https://www.tammileetips.com/2015/03/crock-pot-orange-glazed-ham-recipe/
We also have a recipe using Coke that turns out great - https://www.tammileetips.com/2014/11/crock-pot-cola-ham/
Diane
I've used apple juice and it's really good.
Ashley
How big of a crock pot should you use?
Amanda
This was absolutely delicious and super easy. My very picky eaters loved it and asked for 3rds and even 4ths. We eat it at least every two weeks now. My tip is to get a pre cut ham if possible. We've used both cut and un-cut and having it cut already helps the juices to seep down into the middle and make it even more flavorful. Its delicious either way though! Can't wait to try some more of your recipes! Thanks for sharing!
Tammilee
Amanda, I am so glad your family loves the recipe!
Sharon
I will be making Crock Pot Ham for the first time. Is there a difference in cooking times between Bone -In Ham and Boneless Ham?
Teresa cook
My crockpot will only cook 4 hrs on high and 10 hrs on low. Will 4 hours on high work?
Joyce
Couldn't find a ham 7 lbs so I had to cut some off so it would fit in crock pot, other than that this was very easy & came out great!!
trish
Ham looks succulent and tender, Great for bread and pizza toppings.
Coming from The Weekend re-Treat Link Party.Come-by and say hi!
Melissa
Hi again!
I picked up a ham yesterday, but there were no plain hams. They were all pre seasoned, and the one I got was spiral cut, seasoned with honey and brown sugar. Do you have any idea on if I can still follow the recipe? I've never made a ham before and really wanted to stick to your instructions since you hae great reviews.
Tammilee
Hi, does the ham already have the seasoning pack on it or does it come on the side. if it comes on the side you can skip using it and use the recipe instead
Colleen
Hi! The ham I bought is too big for the crock pot. . . .it will fit in the crock pot , but the lid will not stay close. Do yo have any suggestions?
mamamaddawg
After putting on the lid use foil to cover the exposed open area, wrap it tightly after you decide it's ready for its long cooking time. I have had a need to use this technique before and it worked well.
Melissa
Hi, how big of a ham should I get for 11 adults? Sorry if this is a repeat, looks like it didn't post earlier...
Melissa
This looks and sounds great. I am making Easter dinner this year for 11 adults and 4kids. Will a 7lb ham be enough?
Tammilee
Hi, I am not sure how big of a ham to get. I have never cooked for 15 people. You might try asking at the grocery store or the butcher to see if they have any suggestions. I wish I could help more!
Penny
I normally don't leave comments to recipe blogs, but I found this recipe on Pinterest, and had a taste for ham. I used a spiral honey ham, and it was DELICIOUS!!! OMG! I normally prefer my ham cold, as sandwiches, but we ate this hot, and I can't stop thinking about it! Thank you so much for sharing!
Tammilee
Penny, I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!! That is fantastic!
Kellie H.
Is this a pre-cooked ham? I'm assuming it is because 4-5 hours on low would not be enough time to cook a 7 pound ham. Looks yummy!
Evelyn C
Hello, what side of the ham do I place down into the crock pot. Cut side or fat side?
Evelyn C
Hi Tammilee, What side of the ham do you place down in the crock pot? Cut side down?
Tammilee
Hi,
I placed the cut side to the side. I am not sure how to describe it. I had the part of the ham with the pre-cuts for serving at the top
Linsey
If I were to do this in the oven, what temp should I set it at and for how long? My crock pot will be working on a holiday hot chocolate recipe for 2 1/2 hours before my party and I want the ham to be just cooked when I serve.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Leilani
Have you ever put actual pineapple in with it?
Tammilee
I have not tried fresh pineapple with it. It sounds fantastic.
Leilani
Gonna give it a try w/pineapples 2morrow. 🙂
Tammilee
Please let us know how it works out. It sounds delicious! I love anything with fresh pineapple in it.
Leilani
Made it with slices pineapples & it turned out amazing!! It ended up being the star of the meal even over the turkey. There wasn't any left!! Ty so much for this awesome/easy recipe.
Lori
Has anyone tried this with spiral cut ham? I am just wondering if it will be too dry.
Thanks,
Lori
Tammilee
Hi,
Spiral Cut Ham worked great for me.
Lori
Should I wrap it in foil or just put it in the crock pot?
My co-worker and I were debating this. 🙂
Tammilee
I just put it in the crock pot. I didn't wrap it. I have heard of a couple of readers making a foil ring around the bottom for the ham to sit on so it was not in its juices.
Marie
Should the ham be room temperature before it goes in the crock pot, or is it OK to put in right out of the refrigerator?
Kristin
This sounds great but my husband hates pineapple! Is there any other juice you would recommend?
Phyllis Satterfield
Use Apple juice
Stephanie
Do you think this recipe would be ok with ham steaks? Ill have about 10 of them.
Tammilee
I have not tried it with ham steaks. The only thing I would worry about is if they are sliced making sure they do not dry out or over cook.
Stephanie
Thanks for the reply, I'm giving it a try. I'll let you know. 🙂
Amy
If I use a 3.5 lb ham, would it take the same amount of time to cook it?
Diane Migues
I cooked this ham, it was a hit at the camp ground. This weekend I will be cooking another for a girls get away to Galveston, TX. This time I will incorporate pineapple slices between the layers for added pineapple flavor and possible pineapple preserves. Will let you know how that comes out.
Tammilee
Diane, I am so glad everyone loved the ham. Placing pineapple slices in between the layers sounds amazing! I can't wait to hear how it turns out.
Carrie
I just put this in the crock pot right now but I was wonder, does it matter which way you lay the ham in the crock pot? Not sure if the ham part should be laying flat down or is it ok if I just lay the ham on its side. Can't wait till dinner! 🙂
Tammilee
Hi, I put the ham on the side when I cooked it. I wanted to be able to get the juices all over it.
Melanie
This looks amazing. I can't wait to try it! Is there a particular kind of ham that works best for this recipe!
Tammilee
I used one labeled a pork shoulder picnic ham. I just tried to find one that would fit in the crock pot and was also not pre-flavored.
Angie DeFord
Have you ever let it cook in the crock pot 8-10 hours on LOW? I know I've never had issues with anything else cooking longer than directed...Thanks!
Tammilee
I have not let it cook that long but I think it would be fine.
Angie DeFord
Thank you for the reply...I will try to remember to post my results.
Jamie
It really only needs 1 hour to cook a 7lbs ham?
Tammilee
It takes 4-5 hours to cook the ham
Jamie
Thanks! Making this for an event on Sunday-- it looks so delicious!
Rachel
Hi! So I plan on making this today for Easter. We have a small family (just 4 of us) so I have a 3.5 lb ham and a small crock pot - it's also a pre-cooked spiral ham. Will this work? I just plan on halfing the recipe, so I'm sure that'll be fine, but I know sometimes the TYPE of ham makes a difference in each recipe! Thanks!
Tammilee
Hi, I think it should work great.
Samantha Higgins
I just made this for Easter tomorrow and it turned out sooo yummy! I'd never cooked a ham and was nervous but I love to cook things in my crockpot and it turned out perfect! I'll be doing it again! Thanks for sharing!
Tammilee
Samantha, I am so glad you loved it!
Kylene
Hello, you said at the end of your directions that an hour before serving pour juice over the ham, what juice are you talking about? In the first part of the directions you say to pour the pinneapple juice over it after putting the brown sugar on the ham so just trying to figure out your directions! This sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Tammilee
Hi, There will be juice in the bottom of the crock pot after the ham has cooked. A mixture of brown sugar, pineapple juice and ham juice. I spread this back over the top of the ham so it would be nice and juicy.