When it comes to holiday meals or large family gatherings, the ham is often the star of the show. However, the traditional method of roasting a ham in the oven can be a stressful endeavor. Between monitoring the internal temperature to prevent it from drying out and juggling oven space for side dishes like roasted potatoes and green bean casserole, the kitchen can quickly become a chaotic environment. This is where the slow cooker becomes your most valuable kitchen ally. Learning how to cook a fully cooked ham in a crock pot is a game-changer for any home cook looking to achieve a succulent, flavor-packed result with minimal effort.
Since a store-bought ham is usually already fully cooked, your goal isn’t really “cooking” in the raw sense; it is about reheating the meat gently while infusing it with moisture and aromatics. Using a slow cooker allows the ham to bathe in its own juices and whatever glaze you choose, ensuring that every slice is tender and never tough.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Slow Cooker
Before you start the process, you need to select the right cut of meat. Not all hams are created equal, especially when you are limited by the dimensions of a crock pot.
Bone-In vs. Boneless
Most culinary experts agree that a bone-in ham provides superior flavor and moisture. The bone helps distribute heat and adds a richness to the surrounding meat that boneless varieties often lack. However, the bone also adds bulk. If you choose a bone-in ham, make sure it is small enough to fit inside your slow cooker. If you find a ham that is slightly too tall, you can cover the top of the crock pot with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil before placing the lid on top to create a seal.
Boneless hams are much easier to fit and slice, making them a practical choice for smaller gatherings or if you have a standard-sized 6-quart slow cooker. They heat more evenly but can dry out faster if left on high heat for too long.
Spiral Sliced vs. Whole
Spiral-sliced hams are incredibly convenient because they are pre-cut into thin, uniform slices right down to the bone. This allows the glaze to seep deep into the meat. The downside is that they are more prone to drying out because more surface area is exposed to the heat. If you use a spiral ham, you must be diligent about using enough liquid and keeping the heat on low. Whole hams (unsliced) retain moisture better but require carving skills once the cooking is finished.
Preparing Your Ham for the Slow Cooker
Preparation is minimal, which is part of the appeal. Start by removing the ham from its packaging. Be sure to look for a small plastic disk often attached to the bone end; this is a protector used during shipping and must be discarded.
If your ham is not spiral-sliced, you can take a sharp knife and score the surface in a diamond pattern. Cut about a quarter-inch deep. This not only makes the finished product look professional but also provides “channels” for your glaze to sink into the meat.
Creating a Flavorful Glaze
While the ham itself is salty and savory, a good glaze provides the necessary sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors. You don’t need a complicated recipe to get great results.
The Sweet Component
Most glazes rely on a sugar base. Brown sugar is the gold standard because it creates a deep, molasses-like caramelization. Honey and maple syrup are also excellent choices that provide a floral or woody sweetness. For a fruitier profile, many people use pineapple juice, orange marmalade, or even apricot preserves.
The Acidic and Savory Elements
To prevent the ham from being cloyingly sweet, add an acid. Apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard are perfect for this. If you want to go the traditional route, you can pin whole cloves into the intersections of your diamond scores. For a modern twist, a splash of bourbon or a bit of ground ginger can add a sophisticated depth to the glaze.
The Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Once your ham is prepared and your glaze is mixed, it is time to start the slow cooker.
Position the Ham
Place the ham in the slow cooker. If it is a half-ham, place the flat, cut side down. This helps keep the moisture locked inside the meat. If it is a whole ham, just ensure it is centered.
Apply the Liquid and Glaze
Pour your liquid of choice—about half a cup of water, apple juice, or pineapple juice—into the bottom of the pot. This creates a steam-filled environment. Next, rub or brush your glaze all over the top and sides of the ham. If you are using brown sugar, you can simply pack it onto the surface.
Time and Temperature Settings
The most important rule for how to cook a fully cooked ham in a crock pot is to use the low setting. High heat can toughen the proteins and squeeze out the moisture.
For a standard 6 to 8-pound ham, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the meat is already cooked, you are simply looking for it to be hot all the way through. Overcooking is the enemy here; once it hits that 140-degree mark, it is ready to serve.
Finishing Touches for a Crispy Crust
One limitation of the slow cooker is that it doesn’t provide the crispy, caramelized exterior that an oven does. If you prefer a “crust” on your ham, you can perform a quick finish.
Carefully remove the ham from the crock pot and place it on a baking sheet. Spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham. Place it under your oven’s broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch it closely! The sugars in the glaze can go from caramelized to burnt in a matter of seconds. This step adds that professional, glistening look that makes for a beautiful centerpiece.
Resting the Meat
Just like a steak or a roast turkey, ham needs to rest. Once it is out of the heat, let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you carve it immediately, all that delicious moisture will run out onto the cutting board, leaving the meat dry.
Ideas for Leftover Ham
One of the best parts of cooking a large ham is the leftovers. A slow-cooked ham is incredibly versatile for future meals.
You can dice the leftovers for a hearty breakfast hash with potatoes and onions, or fold them into a cheesy omelet. For lunch, classic ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls are always a hit. Don’t forget the bone! If you cooked a bone-in ham, save that bone to make a pot of split pea soup or navy bean stew. The marrow and remaining bits of meat will provide a smoky, savory base that no store-bought stock can match.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this is a simple method, a few pitfalls can ruin the meal.
- First, do not add too much liquid. The ham will release its own juices as it warms up. If you submerge the ham in water, you will end up boiling the meat rather than slow-roasting it, which results in a loss of flavor.
- Second, avoid opening the lid. Every time you lift the lid of a slow cooker, you release a significant amount of heat and steam, which can add 15 to 20 minutes to the total cooking time. Trust the process and only check the temperature toward the end of the suggested cooking window.
- Finally, don’t skip the glaze. Even if you don’t like sweet meat, a simple rub of mustard and black pepper helps create a barrier that keeps the moisture inside the ham.
Why the Crock Pot Wins Every Time
Using a slow cooker for your ham frees up your oven for everything else. While the ham is gently warming in the corner of your counter, you can use the oven for your rolls, pies, and side dishes. It also keeps the kitchen cooler, which is a major benefit during warm-weather holidays or crowded parties.
The result of this method is consistently tender, flavorful, and juicy meat. By following these steps for how to cook a fully cooked ham in a crock pot, you ensure that your main course is the highlight of the meal without the stress usually associated with holiday cooking.
FAQs
How long does it take to heat a ham in the slow cooker?
For a fully cooked ham, it typically takes 4 to 6 hours on the low setting. The exact time depends on the size of the ham and whether it is bone-in or boneless. You should always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I cook a frozen ham in the crock pot?
It is not recommended to put a completely frozen ham directly into a slow cooker. Because the slow cooker heats up slowly, the meat may spend too much time in the “danger zone” (between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit) where bacteria can grow rapidly. It is best to thaw the ham completely in the refrigerator before starting.
Do I need to add water to the crock pot?
You should add a small amount of liquid—about half a cup—to the bottom of the pot to prevent the ham from scorching and to create steam. You can use water, but apple juice, pineapple juice, or even ginger ale will add much more flavor to the finished dish.
What if my ham is too big for the lid to close?
If the ham sticks out of the top of the slow cooker, you can create a “foil tent.” Take a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and wrap it tightly around the rim of the slow cooker, arching it over the ham to create a dome. Place the lid on top of the foil to help weigh it down and hold in the heat.
How do I prevent a spiral ham from drying out?
Spiral hams dry out easily because the slices allow moisture to escape. To prevent this, place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker, use plenty of glaze, and ensure you have liquid in the bottom. Avoid using the high heat setting, as the gentle heat of the low setting is much better for maintaining the integrity of the slices.