If your oven is already full come holiday time, this crockpot ham solves that problem before it starts. It cooks low and slow in the slow cooker while your oven handles the sides, and it needs maybe 10 minutes of actual hands-on work.
This version uses a simple brown sugar glaze built in layers, so it’s sweet without tasting like straight sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end keeps it from getting one-note. It works with a precooked spiral-cut ham or a boneless ham, so use whichever your grocery store has on sale.
Below you’ll find the full recipe, a couple of easy variations, and what to do with the leftovers once the holiday’s over.
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
This crockpot ham with brown sugar glaze frees up your oven for everything else while the ham does its thing low and slow. Sweet, sticky, and worked right into every slice, it's a holiday centerpiece that basically takes care of itself.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham (7 to 8 pounds), or boneless ham
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup water or pineapple juice
Instructions
- If the ham is too large for your crockpot, trim it down so it fits, or cut it into two pieces. Place it cut-side down in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until a thick paste forms.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the ham, working it into the spiral cuts if it's a spiral-cut ham so the flavor gets in between the slices.
- Pour the water or pineapple juice into the bottom of the crockpot around the ham, not over the glaze.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the ham is heated through to at least 140°F.
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir the apple cider vinegar into the liquid in the bottom of the crockpot, then spoon some of it back over the ham. This cuts the sweetness and keeps the glaze from tasting flat.
- Transfer the ham to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon the remaining glaze from the crockpot over the slices when serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 145Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 257mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 0gSugar: 30gProtein: 4g
All nutritional values provided on this website (including calories, macros, and nutrient percentages) are estimates intended for informational and educational purposes only. These values are calculated using online recipe nutrition databases and software. Because individual cooking methods, product brands, ingredient substitutions, and exact portion sizes vary, the actual nutritional content of your meal may differ from the estimates shown here.
Ingredient Swaps
- Maple syrup instead of honey: Works just as well and gives a slightly different, more autumn-leaning flavor.
- Orange juice instead of pineapple juice: Adds brightness without the extra sweetness pineapple juice brings.
Dr Pepper Crockpot Ham Variation
For a different take on the glaze, swap the water or pineapple juice for 1 cup of Dr Pepper. The soda breaks down slightly as it cooks, adding a deep, almost root-beer-like sweetness that pairs well with the mustard and cloves. Follow the same steps above; swap that one ingredient.
What to Serve with Crockpot Ham
Since the crockpot is doing the ham, your oven is free for the rest of the table. Scalloped or roasted potatoes, green beans, and a simple dinner roll all round it out well. If you want to keep everything in one pot, you can add quartered baby potatoes to the crockpot during the last 2 hours of cooking so they cook in the same liquid.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover ham keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to 2 months, sliced or diced, making it easy to pull out later for sandwiches, soups, or a quick ham-and-bean soup.
FAQ
Do I need to add liquid to the crockpot for ham?
Yes, a small amount of liquid at the bottom keeps the ham from drying out and helps the glaze turn into a sauce you can spoon back over the slices.
Can I use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham?
Yes, a boneless ham works the same way in this recipe. It may cook slightly faster, so start checking the internal temperature closer to the 3-hour mark.
How do I know when the ham is done?
Since this is a fully cooked ham, you’re really just reheating it. It’s ready once it reaches 140°F at its thickest point, as checked with a meat thermometer.
Can I make crockpot ham ahead of time?
You can glaze the ham and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to a day, then start the crockpot when you’re ready to cook. This is a good way to save time on a busy holiday morning.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?
Reheat slices gently in a skillet with a splash of the reserved glaze, or in the microwave in short bursts so they don’t dry out.
Can I cook potatoes in the crockpot with the ham?
Yes. Add quartered baby potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking so they have time to soften without turning mushy.
Conclusion
Crockpot ham takes one of the more stressful parts of a holiday spread and makes it genuinely easy.
With the oven freed up and the ham mostly taking care of itself, this is one less thing to think about on a day that already has enough going on.
Try the brown sugar glaze first, then give the Dr Pepper version a shot next time you want something a little different.
