Cooking a ham is often associated with big holiday productions, crowded ovens, and the constant stress of basting to prevent the meat from drying out. However, the slow cooker has revolutionized this process, turning a potentially stressful centerpiece into a set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece. Understanding how long to cook ham in a crockpot is the most critical factor in ensuring your meal is succulent, flavorful, and safe to eat. Whether you are preparing a spiral-sliced ham for Easter or a small boneless ham for a Sunday dinner, the timing depends on several factors including weight, type of ham, and your specific slow cooker settings.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Ham
The primary benefit of using a crockpot is moisture retention. Because a slow cooker creates a sealed environment, the steam generated during the cooking process stays trapped within the ceramic pot. This prevents the ham from drying out, which is a common pitfall when using a traditional oven. Additionally, using a crockpot frees up valuable oven space for side dishes like roasted vegetables, casseroles, or fresh rolls.
Another advantage is the infusion of flavor. When you cook a ham slowly over several hours, any glaze or liquid you add has ample time to penetrate the meat. This results in a deeper, more complex flavor profile than a quick roast in the oven could provide.
Understanding Your Ham Type
Before you can determine the exact timing, you need to identify what kind of ham you have purchased. Most hams found in grocery stores are “fully cooked,” meaning they only need to be heated through to a safe internal temperature.
Spiral-Sliced Hams
These are pre-sliced all the way to the bone. They are incredibly convenient for serving but are the most prone to drying out. Because the surface area is increased by the slices, the internal moisture can escape easily. Timing is delicate with these; you want to heat them just enough to be warm without turning the edges crispy or tough.
Bone-In Hams (Non-Sliced)
A whole or half bone-in ham that isn’t sliced typically takes longer to heat than a sliced version, but it retains moisture much better. The bone acts as a conductor of heat, helping the interior warm up, while also adding flavor to the surrounding meat.
Boneless Hams
These are usually smaller and more uniform in shape. They cook relatively quickly and are easy to carve, making them ideal for smaller gatherings. However, because they lack the bone, they can sometimes lack the depth of flavor found in their bone-in counterparts.
General Guidelines for How Long to Cook Ham in a Crockpot
As a general rule of thumb, a fully cooked ham needs about 15 to 20 minutes per pound when cooked on the Low setting. While every slow cooker behaves slightly differently, these time ranges serve as an excellent starting point for your planning.
Cooking on Low vs. High
It is almost always recommended to cook ham on the Low setting. High heat can cause the sugars in ham glazes to burn and can toughen the proteins in the meat before the center is thoroughly warmed.
If you are using the Low setting:
- An 8 to 10 pound ham typically takes 4 to 6 hours.
- A 4 to 6 pound ham typically takes 3 to 4 hours.
If you are in a genuine rush and must use the High setting:
- An 8 to 10 pound ham may take 2 to 3 hours.
- A 4 to 6 pound ham may take 1.5 to 2 hours.
Always use a meat thermometer to check for readiness. For a fully cooked ham, you are aiming for an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preparation Steps for Success
To get the most out of your slow cooker ham, preparation is key. Start by choosing a ham that actually fits in your crockpot. If you buy a ham that is too large, the lid won’t close properly, which breaks the seal and ruins the slow-cooking process. If the bone is sticking out, you can cover the top tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a makeshift lid, though a proper fit is always preferred.
Adding Liquid
You should never cook a ham in a dry crockpot. Adding a small amount of liquid helps create steam. Popular choices include:
- Apple juice or cider
- Pineapple juice
- Chicken broth
- Ginger ale or cola
- Water (as a last resort)
Usually, 1/2 cup to 1 cup of liquid is sufficient. This liquid will mix with the ham juices and your glaze to create a delicious base for a sauce later.
The Glaze Timing
Most hams come with a glaze packet, or you can make your own using brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, and spices like cloves or Dijon mustard. Do not apply all the glaze at the beginning. If you apply it too early, the sugars may scorch against the sides of the pot. Instead, apply half at the start and the remaining half during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking.
Factors That Influence Cooking Time
While weight is the primary indicator, other variables can shift your timeline.
Starting Temperature
If you take the ham directly from a very cold refrigerator and put it into the crockpot, it will take longer to reach the target temperature. It is helpful to let the ham sit on the counter for about 20 to 30 minutes to take the chill off before starting, though this is not strictly necessary for safety.
Slow Cooker Efficiency
Older crockpots often cook at lower temperatures than modern models. Newer slow cookers tend to run hotter to meet modern food safety standards. If you know your slow cooker runs “hot,” check the ham at the minimum recommended time.
The Size of the Pot
A small ham in a very large 8-quart crockpot will cook faster than the same ham in a 4-quart crockpot. This is because there is more surface area for the heat to move around the meat.
Safety and Internal Temperatures
While we often focus on how the ham tastes, safety is paramount. Even though most hams are pre-cooked, they have been handled and packaged, so reheating them to a safe temperature is vital.
The USDA recommends reheating a fully cooked ham to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have purchased a “fresh” or “raw” ham (which is much less common in standard grocery stores), it must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit followed by a three-minute rest.
To get an accurate reading, insert your digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch the bone, as the bone registers heat differently than the muscle.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham
To ensure your ham is the highlight of the meal, consider these professional tips.
- Place the ham flat-side down in the slow cooker. This provides a stable base and allows the juices to pool around the meat more effectively. For spiral hams, this also helps keep the slices together so they don’t fall apart during the cooking process.
- If you enjoy a caramelized crust on your ham, the slow cooker won’t provide that on its own. After the ham has reached 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the crockpot, you can carefully transfer it to a baking sheet, brush it with a bit more glaze, and place it under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch it closely, as sugar burns very quickly under a broiler.
- Once the ham is finished, don’t serve it immediately. Transfer it to a carving board and tent it loosely with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, ensuring every slice is moist.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- If your ham is taking too long to heat up, check the seal of the lid. Every time you lift the lid to peek, you release a significant amount of heat, which can add 15 to 20 minutes to the total cooking time. Resist the urge to peek until you are near the end of the window.
- If the ham seems to be drying out, add a bit more liquid to the bottom of the pot and baste the meat with the juices every 30 minutes for the remainder of the time.
Storing and Reusing Leftovers
One of the best parts of a large ham is the leftovers. Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Don’t throw away the ham bone! The bone is a goldmine of flavor. You can use it to make split pea soup, navy bean soup, or ham and potato chowder. You can even freeze the bone until you are ready to make a big pot of soup on a cold day.
FAQs
How long does a 10 pound ham take in the crockpot?
A 10 pound fully cooked ham typically takes 5 to 6 hours on the Low setting. It is important to ensure the lid fits tightly; if the ham is too large for the lid to close, you may need to trim the meat or use a foil tent, which could extend the cooking time by an hour or more.
Can I cook a frozen ham in a slow cooker?
It is not recommended to cook a frozen ham in a crockpot. Because slow cookers heat meat slowly, a frozen ham will spend too much time in the “danger zone” (between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit) where bacteria can multiply rapidly. Always thaw your ham completely in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker.
Is it better to cook ham on High or Low in a crockpot?
It is significantly better to cook ham on the Low setting. High heat can dry out the exterior of the ham and cause the glaze to burn before the center of the meat is warmed through. Low heat allows the ham to heat evenly while remaining moist and tender.
How much water do I put in the bottom of the crockpot for ham?
You generally do not need much water; about 1/2 cup to 1 cup is plenty. Instead of plain water, using flavorful liquids like apple juice, pineapple juice, or even a splash of cider vinegar can enhance the taste of the meat and provide a better base for your glaze.
How do I keep a spiral ham from drying out in the slow cooker?
To keep a spiral ham moist, place it cut-side down in the pot to lock in juices. Add at least 1 cup of liquid to the bottom of the crockpot and avoid opening the lid during the cooking process. You can also wrap the ham in foil before placing it in the slow cooker to create an extra barrier that traps steam directly against the meat.