Slow cooking a ham is one of the most reliable ways to achieve a succulent, flavor-packed centerpiece for your holiday table or a cozy Sunday dinner. Unlike the oven, which can occasionally dry out lean cuts of meat, the gentle, moist heat of a slow cooker ensures every slice is tender. However, the most common question home cooks face is: how long do you cook a ham in the crock pot to ensure it is heated through without becoming mushy?
Understanding the timing depends on several factors, including the size of the ham, whether it is bone-in or boneless, and whether it is already fully cooked. This guide will walk you through the nuances of slow cooker ham, providing specific timelines and tips to ensure your meal is a success.
Understanding Your Ham Type and Timing
Before you set your timer, you need to identify exactly what kind of ham you have purchased. Most hams found in modern grocery stores are “fully cooked” or “city hams,” meaning they have been cured and often smoked. For these, your goal is not to “cook” the meat in the traditional sense, but to reheat it to an internal temperature that makes it palatable and safe to eat.
Fully Cooked vs. Fresh Ham
A fully cooked ham generally requires about 4 to 6 hours on the LOW setting in a crock pot. Because the meat is already done, cooking it on HIGH is usually discouraged as it can tighten the muscle fibers and squeeze out the moisture, leading to a rubbery texture.
If you happen to have a “fresh” ham (which is rare in standard supermarkets and looks like a raw pork roast), the cooking time increases significantly. A fresh ham requires roughly 7 to 9 hours on LOW to reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Hams
The presence of a bone affects heat distribution. A bone-in ham usually takes slightly longer to heat through to the center because the bone acts as an insulator initially. However, once the bone gets hot, it helps cook the meat from the inside out. For a 6 to 8 pound bone-in ham, plan for at least 5 to 6 hours on LOW.
Boneless hams are often more uniform in shape, which allows for more even heating. A 5 pound boneless ham might be ready in as little as 3.5 to 4 hours on LOW.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of Cooking Times by Weight
While every slow cooker is a bit different, you can use these general guidelines to plan your meal prep. Always remember that the crock pot should be at least half full but no more than three-quarters full for the most efficient heat transfer.
Small Hams (3 to 5 Pounds)
Small hams, often sold as “quarter hams” or “ham steaks,” are perfect for smaller families.
- LOW Setting: 3 to 4 hours.
- HIGH Setting: Not recommended, but if necessary, 1.5 to 2 hours.
Medium Hams (6 to 8 Pounds)
This is the standard size for most oval-shaped 6-quart slow cookers.
- LOW Setting: 4 to 6 hours.
- HIGH Setting: 2.5 to 3 hours.
Large Hams (9 to 10+ Pounds)
Large hams often struggle to fit under the lid of a standard crock pot. If you have to use foil to “tent” the top because the lid won’t close, add an extra hour to the cooking time to account for heat loss.
- LOW Setting: 6 to 8 hours.
- HIGH Setting: 3 to 4 hours.
The Importance of Internal Temperature
While time is a helpful metric, temperature is the only way to be certain your ham is ready. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to prevent overcooking.
For a pre-cooked ham, you are aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F. At this point, the ham is hot enough to serve and the fat has begun to render, providing that classic melt-in-your-mouth feel. If you are cooking a “cook-before-eating” ham, the USDA recommends reaching 145°F followed by a three-minute rest period.
Check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat, making sure the thermometer probe does not touch the bone, as the bone will give a higher reading than the meat itself.
Why Low and Slow is the Better Choice
It can be tempting to use the HIGH setting to save time, especially if guests are arriving soon. However, hams are high in protein and often contain sugars from the curing process. High heat can cause the exterior of the ham to become tough and the glaze to burn before the center is even warm.
The LOW setting allows the connective tissues to soften gradually. This is particularly important for spiral-sliced hams. Because the meat is already cut, it is much more susceptible to drying out. Cooking a spiral ham on LOW with a bit of liquid (like apple juice or water) at the bottom of the pot creates a steam-oven effect that protects those delicate slices.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham
To make the most of your cooking time, follow these expert tips:
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Add Moisture
Even though slow cookers trap steam, adding half a cup of liquid to the bottom of the pot is a game changer. You can use water, but for more flavor, try apple cider, pineapple juice, or even ginger ale. The sugars in the fruit juices will eventually mingle with the ham juices to create a delicious base for a glaze.
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The Foil Tent Trick
If your ham is too tall for the lid to seal properly, do not leave it uncovered. Heat and moisture will escape, and the top of your ham will become hard. Instead, take a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and create a dome over the ham, tucking it tightly around the edges of the crock pot insert. Place the lid on top of the foil to weigh it down. This keeps the heat inside and ensures the ham cooks within the expected timeframe.
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Glazing at the Right Time
If you apply a sugar-based glaze at the very beginning of an 8-hour cook cycle, it will likely burn or wash off into the bottom of the pot. Instead, wait until the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, turn the slow cooker to HIGH (just for this final window), and let the sugars caramelize.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I put a frozen ham in the crock pot?
It is strongly recommended to thaw your ham completely in the refrigerator before putting it in the slow cooker. Starting with a frozen ham means the meat will stay in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. Additionally, a frozen ham would take nearly twice as long to heat through, often resulting in an unevenly cooked exterior.
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How do I keep a spiral ham from drying out in the slow cooker?
To prevent a spiral ham from drying out, place it cut-side down in the crock pot. This protects the slices from direct exposure to the air. You should also add liquid to the pot and avoid cooking it a minute longer than necessary. Once it hits 140°F, switch the crock pot to the “Warm” setting or remove the ham entirely.
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Does a bone-in ham taste better than boneless?
Most culinary experts agree that bone-in hams have superior flavor and texture. The bone helps conduct heat and adds a subtle depth to the meat’s flavor. Furthermore, the leftover ham bone can be used to make incredible soups and stews later on. However, boneless hams are much easier to slice and fit into smaller slow cookers more conveniently.
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What should I do if my ham is done early?
If your ham reaches the target temperature before you are ready to serve, simply turn the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting. If your model doesn’t have a warm setting, turn it off and keep the lid tightly closed. A large ham will retain its heat for at least 45 to 60 minutes.
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How much ham should I buy per person?
When planning your cooking time, you also need to know how much to buy. For a bone-in ham, plan on about 3/4 to 1 pound per person. For a boneless ham, 1/2 pound per person is usually sufficient. Knowing the weight not only helps with shopping but is the primary factor in determining your total crock pot cook time.