Why Your Crock Pot Ham Will Turn Out Perfect Every Time
Cooking ham in a slow cooker delivers consistently tender results with minimal effort. Unlike oven roasting that risks drying out the meat, the crock pot's gentle heat preserves moisture while developing deep flavors. This method works particularly well for spiral-cut hams that often become dry when cooked traditionally.Professional chefs prefer slow cooking for holiday hams because it frees up oven space and requires just 15 minutes of prep time. You'll achieve restaurant-quality results without constant monitoring - perfect for busy holiday preparations.
Essential Preparation Checklist
Before you begin cooking, gather these items:- Fully cooked ham (5-8 pounds works best for standard 6-quart crock pot)
- 1 cup liquid (apple juice, broth, or water)
- Meat thermometer (critical for food safety)
- Aluminum foil (for covering after cooking)
- Glaze ingredients (brown sugar, honey, mustard, or pineapple juice)
| Ham Weight | Low Setting Time | High Setting Time | Resting Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-6 lbs | 4-5 hours | 2.5-3 hours | 15 minutes |
| 7-8 lbs | 5-6 hours | 3-4 hours | 20 minutes |
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Ham Selection and Preparation
Choose a fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham ("city ham"). Spiral-cut varieties work well but require extra care to prevent drying. If using a whole ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This allows heat and flavors to penetrate while creating attractive presentation.According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, fully cooked hams only need reheating to 140°F, while "cook before eating" hams require heating to 145°F with 3-minute rest time (FSIS Ham Guidelines).
2. Positioning in Crock Pot
Place ham in slow cooker fat side up. The melting fat will naturally baste the meat during cooking. Add 1 cup of liquid (apple juice creates excellent flavor with ham) to prevent scorching and create steam for even cooking. Do not add water directly under the ham - pour around the sides.3. Cooking Time and Temperature
Cover and cook on LOW setting. Never use HIGH setting for ham as it can cause the exterior to become tough before the interior heats through. Cooking time depends on ham size:- 5-6 pound ham: 4-5 hours on LOW
- 7-8 pound ham: 5-6 hours on LOW
The National Pork Board recommends cooking fully cooked hams until they reach 140°F internally, which typically takes 15-18 minutes per pound in a slow cooker (National Pork Board Slow Cooking Guide).
4. Glazing for Perfect Finish
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, apply your glaze. Popular combinations include:- Honey-brown sugar: 1/2 cup honey + 1/2 cup brown sugar + 2 tbsp mustard
- Pineapple: 1 cup pineapple juice + 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Maple-apple cider: 1/2 cup maple syrup + 1/2 cup apple cider
5. Resting and Slicing
After cooking, let ham rest covered for 15-20 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. For spiral-cut hams, leave in the plastic holder while resting. When slicing, cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.Avoid Common Crock Pot Ham Mistakes
FoodSafety.gov warns that cooked ham left at room temperature for more than 2 hours enters the "danger zone" where bacteria multiply rapidly (Safe Food Handling Guidelines). Always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Don't overcook - Check temperature 30 minutes before expected finish time
- Avoid opening lid - Each peek adds 20+ minutes to cooking time
- Don't skip resting time - Premature slicing causes juice loss
- Use proper thermometer - Instant-read models give most accurate readings
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Serve crock pot ham with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pineapple-baked sweet potatoes. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be diced for breakfast hash. Store cooled ham in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a frozen ham in the crock pot?
No, never cook frozen ham directly in a slow cooker. Thaw ham completely in the refrigerator (allow 4-5 hours per pound) before slow cooking. Cooking frozen ham creates uneven temperatures that allow bacteria growth in the danger zone (40°F-140°F).
How do I prevent my ham from drying out in the crock pot?
Maintain moisture by adding 1 cup liquid, keeping fat side up, and cooking on LOW setting only. Check internal temperature 30 minutes before expected finish time - remove immediately when reaching 140°F. Let ham rest 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
What's the best glaze for crock pot ham?
The best glazes balance sweet and tangy elements. A simple 1:1 ratio of brown sugar to honey with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard creates perfect caramelization. For fruit-based options, pineapple juice or apple cider mixed with brown sugar works exceptionally well. Apply glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking for optimal results.
Can I use a bone-in ham in the crock pot?
Yes, bone-in hams work excellent in slow cookers. The bone actually enhances flavor during cooking. Position the ham with the flat side down and curved side against the crock pot wall. Bone-in hams typically require 10-15% longer cooking time than boneless varieties of the same weight.
How do I know when my crock pot ham is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature. Fully cooked hams should reach 140°F, while "cook before eating" hams need to reach 145°F. The meat should feel tender when pierced with a fork, and juices should run clear. Never rely solely on cooking time as slow cooker temperatures can vary.
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