Hosting a holiday dinner or a large family gathering often feels like a high-stakes juggling act. Between the side dishes, the appetizers, and the dessert, oven real estate becomes the most valuable commodity in your kitchen. This is exactly why the slow cooker is a secret weapon for home cooks. Learning how long to cook ham in crock pot setups not only frees up your oven for those essential dinner rolls and casseroles but also results in some of the juiciest, most tender meat you have ever tasted.
The beauty of using a crock pot for ham is the “low and slow” environment. Because most hams purchased at the grocery store are already fully cooked and cured, your goal isn’t actually to “cook” the meat in the traditional sense, but rather to reheat it thoroughly while infusing it with flavor and moisture. This guide will walk you through the precise timing, temperature requirements, and expert tips to ensure your next ham is a resounding success.
Understanding the Basics of Slow Cooker Ham Timing
When determining how long to cook ham in crock pot units, the primary factor is the weight of the meat and whether it is bone-in or boneless. Since you are essentially reheating a precooked product, the timing is more about reaching a safe and palatable internal temperature without drying out the exterior.
As a general rule of thumb, for a standard fully cooked bone-in ham, you should plan for about 4 to 6 hours on the low setting. If you are in a time crunch, you can use the high setting, but most experts recommend the low setting to maintain the best texture. On high, the time is typically reduced to about 2 to 3 hours.
Timing Based on Ham Weight and Style
The size of your ham dictates the duration of the slow cooking process. Here is a breakdown of common weights and their corresponding times on the low setting:
- Small Ham (3 to 5 pounds): These smaller portions, often labeled as “quarter hams” or “petite hams,” typically require 3 to 4 hours on low.
- Medium Ham (6 to 8 pounds): This is the most common size for family dinners. It generally takes 4 to 6 hours on low to reach the desired internal temperature.
- Large Ham (9 to 11 pounds): For larger gatherings, a big ham will need 6 to 8 hours on low. Be sure to check that your crock pot is large enough (usually an 8-quart model) to accommodate a ham of this size.
Spiral Cut vs. Whole Hams
If you are using a spiral-cut ham, you need to be slightly more cautious with your timing. Because the meat is already sliced, heat penetrates the layers much faster. A spiral-cut ham can often be ready in as little as 3 to 4 hours on low. If left in the slow cooker for too long, the thin slices can become dry or even mushy. Conversely, a whole, uncut ham takes longer for the heat to reach the center bone but retains moisture much better over long periods.
Why Temperature is More Important Than Time
While timing provides a helpful window, the only way to guarantee a perfect result is by monitoring the internal temperature. The USDA recommends that precooked ham be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F. If you happen to be starting with a “fresh” ham that has not been precooked (which is rare in standard supermarkets), it must reach 145°F and be allowed to rest.
To get an accurate reading, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure not to touch the bone. The bone conducts heat differently than the meat, which can result in a false high reading. Once the thermometer registers 140°F, your ham is ready to be served.
Choosing the Best Type of Ham for Your Crock Pot
Not all hams are created equal when it comes to the slow cooker. Selecting the right cut can make the difference between a centerpiece that wows your guests and one that is just “okay.”
Bone-In vs. Boneless
Most culinary experts agree that bone-in hams are superior for slow cooking. The bone acts as a conductor of heat and adds a depth of flavor that boneless hams often lack. Additionally, the marrow and connective tissue around the bone help keep the meat succulent. Boneless hams are certainly more convenient for slicing, but they are also more prone to drying out during the long heating process.
Shank vs. Butt End
If you are buying a half ham, you will likely choose between the “shank” and the “butt.” The shank end is the lower part of the leg. it has a classic tapered shape, one straight bone, and is generally easier to carve. The butt end is the upper part of the leg. It is leaner and more rounded, making it easier to fit into many oval-shaped crock pots, though it contains a more complex T-shaped bone that can make carving a bit trickier.
Essential Ingredients for a Moist Slow Cooker Ham
The secret to preventing a dry ham is the addition of liquid and sweeteners. Unlike a dry roast in the oven, a crock pot creates a sealed, humid environment. However, you still need a base liquid to create steam and prevent scorching at the bottom of the pot.
The Liquid Base
You don’t need much—usually about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid is sufficient. Popular choices include:
- Pineapple Juice: The acidity helps tenderize the meat while providing a classic sweetness.
- Apple Cider or Juice: A milder fruit flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.
- Ginger Ale or Lemon-Lime Soda: The carbonation and sugar help create a beautiful glaze.
- Chicken Broth: For those who prefer a more savory, less sweet profile.
The Sweetener
A glaze is what gives ham its iconic holiday look. Most recipes call for brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. When these sugars combine with the ham’s natural juices and your base liquid, they form a thick, flavorful syrup that can be basted over the meat during the final hour of cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Crock Pot Ham
- Prepare the Ham: Remove all packaging. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, you can score it in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat.
- Add the Base: Place a layer of brown sugar or your chosen liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Position the Meat: Place the ham in the crock pot, cut-side down. This helps lock in the juices. If the ham is too tall for the lid to close, you can cover the top tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil before placing the lid on top to create a seal.
- Slow Cook: Set the temperature to low and cook according to the weight-based timing mentioned earlier.
- Glaze and Baste: About 30 to 60 minutes before the ham is finished, pour your prepared glaze over the top. If possible, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the pot.
- Check Temperature: Use your meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 140°F.
- Resting: Once done, remove the ham from the crock pot and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 15 to 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I put a frozen ham in the crock pot? It is not recommended to put a completely frozen ham directly into a slow cooker. Because the crock pot heats up slowly, a large frozen piece of meat can stay in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. It is best to thaw your ham completely in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours before cooking.
- What if my ham is too big to fit in the slow cooker? If your ham is slightly too large for the lid to close, you have two options. First, you can trim a slice off the side or the top and nestle it next to the main piece. Alternatively, you can create a “tent” using a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Secure the foil tightly around the rim of the crock pot to keep the steam inside, then place the lid on top of the foil to help weight it down.
- Do I need to add water to the bottom? While you don’t necessarily need plain water, you should add some form of liquid. Ham will release its own juices as it heats, but starting with a small amount of juice, soda, or broth prevents the bottom of the ham from burning and helps create the steam needed to keep the meat tender.
- How do I prevent a spiral ham from drying out? Spiral hams are notorious for drying out because the pre-cut slices allow moisture to escape easily. To prevent this, always cook them on the low setting and check the temperature early (starting at the 3-hour mark). You can also wrap the ham in foil inside the slow cooker or place it cut-side down to keep the slices pressed together.
- Can I cook the ham on the high setting? Yes, you can cook ham on high, usually for about 2 to 3 hours for a medium ham. However, the low setting is almost always preferred for ham. High heat can cause the outer edges of the meat to become tough or rubbery before the center is fully warmed through. If you have the time, “low and slow” is the way to go.