Crockpot Ham

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This Crockpot Ham is the kind of recipe you make once and then suddenly it’s your go-to for every holiday, Sunday dinner, or random Tuesday when you want something easy but impressive. Three ingredients. Practically hands-off. The flavor is sweet, savory and perfectly glazed without any extra work. Yes please.

 

Ingredient Notes

• Spiral cut bone-in ham – Pre-cooked and sliced for you, which means easier serving later. Bone-in adds extra flavor as it heats. I got a 10 pounder which yields 12 servings (great for meal prep) but if you are looking to cut back, get a smaller ham and cook for less time.
• Brown sugar – Melts down into a rich glaze that clings to every slice. You can use light or dark depending on how deep you want the flavor.
• Chicken broth or water – Keeps everything moist and helps dissolve the sugar into a glaze. Broth adds a little extra depth.
• Pineapple slices, optional – A classic pairing that adds a sweet, slightly tangy finish.
• Maraschino cherries, optional – For that nostalgic, glossy finish right in the center of each pineapple ring.

How to Make Ham in the Crockpot

This is one of those recipes where you read the steps and think, that’s it? Yes. That’s it. Full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

Step 1: Add the Base

Pour chicken broth and brown sugar into a cold crockpot. Whisk it together until combined.

Step 2: Add the Ham

Place the ham face down into the crockpot so it sits right in that sugar mixture.

Pro Tip: If your ham is too large for your crockpot like mine was, simply fit it into your crockpot as best as you can, trimming a little if necessary.

Step 3: Cook Low + Slow

Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours and internal temperature reads 165 degrees F. Baste occasionally to keep everything extra juicy.

Step 4: Garnish + Serve

Add pineapple slices and cherries if you want that classic look, then slice and serve.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you dive in, grab these tools so everything comes together easily

• Crockpot (slow cooker) A 6–8 quart works best for a 10-pound ham.
• Basting spoon or ladle 
• Sharp carving knife 
• Meat thermometer 

Tips for Success

• Keep the ham face down so it soaks up all that sweet glaze.
• Baste every hour or so if you can. It makes a difference in moisture and flavor.
• If your ham is a tight fit, trim a little off the bottom so the lid closes properly.
• Use broth instead of water if you want a slightly richer flavor.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices settle.

What to Serve with Ham

• Buttery Mashed Potatoes
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potatoes
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Colorful Carrot Salad

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. This crockpot ham just gets it right every single time. The printable recipe card is below. Have a wonderful day, friends!

Variations

• Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
• Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the glaze for a subtle tang.
• Use apple juice instead of broth for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Sprinkle in a little cinnamon or cloves for a warm, holiday twist.
• If your ham is too big and the lid of the crockpot won’t close, add foil to the top with the lid overtop.
• Ham Glaze- Optional! Yes, you can make a ham glaze for your crockpot ham if your heart desires, but know you can definitely get a delicious end product without.

More Recipes to Try

• Smothered Baked Pork Chops
• Amazing Pulled Pork Recipe
• Pineapple Glazed Ham
• Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
• Garlic Pork Loin Roast Recipe with Potatoes

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.