SLOW COOKER HOLIDAY HAM

Slow Cooker Holiday Ham combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweet notes of pineapple and brown sugar, creating a dish that elevates any special occasion. Not only does this crock pot boneless ham taste great, but it also frees up the oven, making it a great choice for busy cooks during the holiday season!

Making this ham in the slow cooker using just a few simple ingredients, allows for more time spent enjoying the festivities instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Whether it’s a gathering of friends or a family celebration, our slow cooker ham recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why make this Crockpot Ham recipe?

Crock Pot Ham is my go-to recipe for when I am preparing a holiday ham. Cooking for the holidays does not have to be labor intensive and time consuming! This ham recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, and then you can be on to fixing the next dish. Preparing ham in the crock pot is a fantastic way to free up the oven and it produces a deliciously juicy ham.

I use the word “cooking” but really, any ham you buy in the grocery store is pre-cooked, so all you really need to do is warm it up. However warming up a 10-lb piece of meat without drying it out is easier said than done. Hence the crock pot method- it is the perfect environment for tender, juicy ham. I also recently made this recipe in the Instant Pot and WOW- if you have an Instant Pot, you have got to try it! It made the juiciest ham ever and took a grand total of 30 minutes. Yep, that’s it. I love my Instant Pot!

Tips for making the BEST Crock Pot Ham

• Pre-slice your ham. I like to pre-slice my ham so that I can put pineapple in between slices. It is easier to cut a boneless ham, but use what you like!
• Avoid overcooking. Set the slow cooker on low for the allotted time. This prevents the ham from becoming dry and tough. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140°F for safety and quality.
• Use the juice! Save the juice once you are done cooking the ham and drizzle it over the top, once you place the ham in a serving dish.

Crock Pot Ham Ingredients

Ham: You need one 2-7 pound pre-cooked ham, boneless or bone-in, whichever you prefer will work great.

Pineapple: Use one 20-oz can of sliced pineapple.

Brown sugar: Adding ⅓ cup brown sugar to this recipe provides just the right amount of sweetness.

Cloves: For a pungent, warm flavor, use ½ tsp ground cloves.

Cherries: If desired, add a jar of candied cherries to use as garnish and additional flavor.

How to cook a ham in a Crock Pot

Prep

While your ham is still in the packaging, place it in the crock pot to see how it fits. You may need to cut it into portions to fit it in the crockpot. Unwrap it and either place it whole back in the crockpot or cut it into pieces to fit in the crockpot. Since ham from grocery stores is pre-cooked, if your ham doesn’t fit and if you don’t need all of it, you can simply cut a portion off and refrigerate it or freeze it for later use too.

Open the can of sliced pineapple and drain the juice out into a separate bowl. You will use all the juice so set it aside, do not discard!

Measure out the brown sugar and add it to the bowl with the pineapple juice, whisking to dissolve. Add the ground cloves and whisk again to combine. Set the juice mixture aside.

Now arrange the slices of pineapple all over the surface of your ham and in between slices if you pre-sliced the ham. If you choose to include cherries, place them inside the center of the pineapples.

Pour the pineapple juice over the entire top of the ham and pineapple slices.

Heat the Ham

Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. A 7-10 lb. ham in the crock pot takes about 4 hours. A bone-In ham will take 5-6 hours to fully heat up. If you have a smaller, 2-4 lb. ham, aim for around 2 hours of cooking time.

Serve & enjoy!

How to cook ham in an Instant Pot

Prep

Follow the same preparation instructions as for the crockpot, the only difference will be the cooking method and time.

Cook

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is closed. Select Manual high pressure and use the ham portion sizes below to set the appropriate time.

2-4 lbs. boneless ham slices: 5-8 minutes in 3 qt or 6 qt Instant Pot

5-7 lbs. boneless ham slices: 10-14 minutes in a 6 qt or 8 qt Instant Pot

Smaller bone-in hams: 14-17 minutes in an 8-qt Instant Pot.

Should I add water or another liquid to the slow cooker?

It’s not necessary to add water, as the ham will release its juices while cooking. If using the pineapple glaze, it can create additional moisture, which enhances flavor.

What are some alternatives to using pineapple in this recipe?

For those who prefer different flavors, options include using apple juice or apricot preserves. These can add sweetness and a fruity taste to balance the savory ham.

How long is leftover holiday ham good for?

Store leftover ham in the refrigerator and airtight container, it will be good for 3-5 days. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer.

How long should a 5 lb. ham cook in a slow cooker?

A 5 lb. ham should cook on LOW for approximately 5-6 hours in a slow cooker. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 145°F before serving.

What are some ham recipes that don’t use brown sugar?

Some other slow cooker ham recipes that don’t use brown sugar include honey glazed ham, maple glazed ham, and mustard glazed ham. These recipes typically use a combination of honey, maple syrup, or mustard as a sweetener.

What is the best way to prevent ham from drying out?

To prevent ham from drying out in a crock pot, make sure to add a liquid such as water, broth, or juice to keep the ham moist. You can also cover the ham with foil or a lid to help retain moisture.

Try these other amazing recipes to complete your holiday meal:

• The holiday’s aren’t complete without a delicious, cheesy potato dish! Give these Alfredo Potatoes a try this holiday season.
• Make this Orange Creamsicle Salad just like grandma used to make for a nostalgic addition to any meal!
• Don’t forget your vegetables! These maple glazed carrots pair well with this ham recipe, as well as this sweet potato casserole.
• Enjoy some homemade pumpkin butter rolls with this meal as well, they are soft, fluffy, and oh so delicious!
• Save some room for dessert! Give these mini pecan pies a try, everyone will be grabbing for one more!

Slow Cooker Holiday Ham is an incredible combination of sweet and savory flavors, a dish perfect for your next special occasion or family gathering. This crock pot boneless ham is so simple to make, with only 4 ingredients you can have a flavorful meal cooking!