Slow-Cooker Ham

A slow-cooker ham is a great way for a host short on oven space to serve up a show-stopping main dish at the holidays—and it’s a low-maintenance preparation that allows you to step away for hours while the Crockpot does its thing.

This recipe for slow-cooker ham has a sweet and tangy glaze (thanks to jam and brown sugar), which gives the ham a lovely, glossy appearance.

And the investment in the preparation goes a long way: Feed a crowd, or expect plenty of leftovers ready for tons of creative uses all week long.

Slow-Cooker Ham Ingredients

To make this ham, you’ll need:

• a smoked and fully cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham
• light brown sugar
• jam or preserves
• whole-grain mustard
• apple cider vinegar
• fresh herbs
• cooking spray
• water

Can You Heat a Fully-Cooked Ham in the Slow Cooker?

A slow cooker is an ideal place for heating a fully-cooked ham. Heating it this way will help the glaze absorb into the meat and will encourage the ham to release juices that blend together with the glaze. These liquids combine to make a savory sauce that can be spooned on top of the ham for maximum juiciness and tenderness.

How Long Do I Cook a Fully-Cooked Ham in the Slow Cooker?

After brushing ham with the glaze, cover and cook it for four to five hours on high, or five to six hours on low. When ready, a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of ham should register 145°F.

Will Ham Dry Out in the Crockpot?

Because a Crockpot, or a slow cooker, is by nature a moist environment, it should not dry out ham while cooking—or even when reheating a fully cooked ham. But this recipe combines water with other liquid ingredients to form a glaze that keeps the cooking conditions moist and the meat tender.

Is It Better to Cook Ham Low and Slow?

To keep ham as moist as possible while warming in a slow cooker, it’s better to cook it on a low setting for a loger period of time. (Do remember to stir the glaze so it doesn’t burn; there’s lots of sugar in it and can scorch if you forget it.)

What To Make With Leftover Ham

Depending on the size of your group, this recipe should yield plenty of leftovers. Cooked ham may be stored safely in the refrigerator for three to five days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (or in the freezer for one to two months). Use the leftover hambone in a slow-cooker ham and bean soup .

Or try these other great recipes for using leftover ham:

• Crustless Ham and Collared Greens Quiche
• Ham and Noodle Casserole
• Mac and Cheese With Ham
• Gnocci Gratin With Ham and Peas
• Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham
• Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake
• Croissant Breakfast Casserole
• Creamy Potato and Ham Hock Slow Cooker Soup

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin .