Perfect Slow Cooker Ham: Foolproof Method & Timing Guide

The best way to cook ham in a slow cooker is to place a fully cooked 6-8 pound ham on its side in the slow cooker with 1 cup of liquid, cook on LOW for 4-6 hours (15-20 minutes per pound), and optionally add a glaze during the last hour for perfect tender, flavorful results every time.

Want perfectly tender, juicy ham with minimal effort? You've come to the right place. After testing dozens of methods, I've perfected a slow cooker ham technique that delivers restaurant-quality results with almost no hands-on time. Whether you're preparing a holiday centerpiece or a weeknight dinner, this foolproof method ensures your ham stays moist, develops incredible flavor, and practically falls apart with tenderness.

Why Your Slow Cooker Is the Secret to Perfect Ham

Many home cooks make the mistake of using conventional oven methods for ham, resulting in dry, tough meat. The slow cooker's gentle, moist heat environment is actually ideal for ham preparation. Unlike high-heat oven methods that can quickly dry out this already-cooked meat, the slow cooker maintains a consistent temperature that gently reheats while preserving moisture.

According to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines, fully cooked hams only need to be reheated to 140°F (60°C) for safe consumption, making the slow cooker's low temperature range perfect for this task without risking overcooking.

Your Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Ham Journey

Preparation Phase: Setting Up for Success

Before you even turn on your slow cooker, proper preparation makes all the difference:

• Select the right ham: Choose a fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham (6-8 pounds is ideal for most 6-quart slow cookers)
• Remove packaging: Take off all plastic coverings but leave the attached bone cap in place
• Score the surface: Make shallow diagonal cuts across the ham in a diamond pattern (about ¼ inch deep)
• Prepare liquid base: Use 1 cup of apple juice, chicken broth, or a combination for optimal moisture

Ham Weight	Low Setting Time	High Setting Time	Internal Temperature
4-5 lbs	3-4 hours	1.5-2.5 hours	140°F (60°C)
6-8 lbs	4-6 hours	2.5-3.5 hours	140°F (60°C)
9-10 lbs	6-8 hours	4-5 hours	140°F (60°C)

Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines for reheating fully cooked hams

Cooking Process: Hands-Off Perfection

Follow these precise steps for consistently excellent results:

1. Place the ham flat-side down in your slow cooker (this prevents tipping)
2. Pour your liquid base around (not over) the ham to maintain surface texture
3. Cover and cook on LOW setting (never HIGH for ham - it causes toughness)
4. Check temperature after minimum recommended time using a meat thermometer
5. For glazed ham, increase heat to HIGH during last 60 minutes and apply glaze

Glazing Techniques: When and How

Timing your glaze application correctly prevents burning and ensures perfect caramelization:

• Classic Brown Sugar Glaze: Mix ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Fruit-Based Glaze: Combine ½ cup apricot preserves, 2 tbsp bourbon, and 1 tsp cloves
• Application method: Brush glaze over ham during last 60-90 minutes of cooking
• Frequency: Reapply every 20-30 minutes for maximum flavor development

Finishing Touches: From Cooker to Table

The final steps ensure your ham presentation matches its incredible taste:

• Let ham rest in slow cooker (turned off) for 15-20 minutes before serving
• Carefully transfer to cutting board using two large spatulas for support
• Slice against the grain in ¼-inch thick slices using a sharp serrated knife
• Collect remaining juices from slow cooker to serve alongside as au jus

When a Slow Cooker Isn't Right for Your Ham

While the slow cooker method works perfectly for most home cooking scenarios, there are specific limitations to understand:

• Uncooked hams: Fresh, uncured hams require different preparation and should not be cooked solely in a slow cooker
• Very large hams: Hams over 10 pounds may not fit properly in standard slow cookers, leading to uneven heating
• Crispy skin preference: If you specifically want crackling skin texture, finish in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes after slow cooking
• Time constraints: When you need ham ready in under 2 hours, conventional oven methods may be more appropriate

Serving and Storage Tips You Need to Know

Maximize your slow cooker ham experience with these professional techniques:

• Serving temperature: Keep ham warm in the slow cooker on WARM setting for up to 2 hours before serving
• Leftover transformation: Use leftovers in ham and bean soup, quiches, or breakfast hashes
• Storage: Refrigerate within 2 hours in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer paper for up to 2 months (thaw in refrigerator before reheating)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a frozen ham directly in the slow cooker?

No, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends against cooking frozen meat in slow cookers due to food safety concerns. Always thaw ham completely in the refrigerator before slow cooking to ensure it reaches safe temperatures properly.

How do I prevent my ham from becoming too salty in the slow cooker?

To reduce saltiness, soak the ham in cold water for 1-2 hours before cooking, use unsalted liquids like apple juice instead of broth, and avoid additional salt in glazes. Most fully cooked hams are already quite salty from the curing process.

Why is my slow cooker ham falling apart?

Excessive cooking time is the most common cause. Fully cooked hams only need 15-20 minutes per pound on LOW setting. Bone-in hams naturally become very tender but shouldn't completely fall apart unless significantly overcooked beyond recommended times.

Can I add vegetables to cook with the ham?

Yes, but add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots work best. Avoid adding delicate vegetables too early as they'll become mushy. Place vegetables around the ham, not underneath, to ensure even cooking.