Crockpot Ham is the perfect centerpiece for your table! With a sweet and tangy glaze, this holiday ham is easy to make and cooked to perfection in the crockpot or oven.
Perfect for big gatherings or special family dinners, this is sure to be a crowd favorite!
Want Turkey too? Use this recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Breast! If you want a side that feels special for holidays, add duchess potatoes to the menu.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Cooking a holiday ham is actually easier than you might think, and with a few simple steps, you’ll have a showstopper main dish on your table!
I use this easy crock pot ham recipe to keep my oven free for other things that I’m making for a big holiday meal. Since it’s very much a dump and run kind of recipe, it frees up my brain too!
Whether you are making a ham for a big holiday (like Easter Dinner, Thanksgiving or Christmas), or you found ham on sale and want make a yummy brown sugar ham on a random Tuesday, throwing a ham in the crock pot is the way to go!
Save the ham bone, and make Crockpot 15 bean soup!
What kind of ham to buy
Grab yourself a spiral cut, bone in ham from the grocery store and get rid of all the packaging. If you can’t find a spiral cut ham, no worries. Just get what you can. If yours is not cut, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the flavor seep into the meat and makes it look pretty.
How much ham to make per person?
If you’re serving a lot of side dishes, you can plan for less ham per person, but a good rule of thumb is this:
| 6 people | 4.5-6 pounds bone in ham (or 2-3 pounds boneless ham) |
| 12 people | 9-12 pounds bone in ham (or 4-6 pounds boneless ham) |
| 20 people | 15-20 pounds bone in ham (or 2-3 pounds boneless ham) |
Leftover ham recipes
Use leftover ham up in Ham Tetrazzini, make Ham and Cheese Pasta, or in Baked Hawaiian Sliders
Adding glaze
I ditch the powdered glaze packets found in a lot of the hams sold in grocery stores, and make my own homemade sauce. My ingredients are minimal! Just orange juice, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, a little mustard and some cloves and rosemary are are you’ll need.
Cooking the ham
Because most grocery stores sell fully cooked ham, you are literally warming it up and keeping it warm. We’re adding the glaze to really make it taste even better than it already does.
If you have a chance, basting the ham with juices from the crockpot every hour or so is a great way to keep it juicy and tasty.
I have written both slow cooker and oven instructions to make this super easy for you. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Hands-off cooking. With the crockpot, you can set it and forget it!
- Perfect for gatherings. This recipe serves a crowd and is ideal for holidays or potlucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before pouring it over the ham in the crockpot. Preparing ahead can save time on busy days and enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Do I need to baste the ham?
Basting every hour is recommended for the juiciest results, as it allows the glaze to fully soak into the ham. However, if you’re not able to baste, don’t worry—the ham will still be flavorful and moist thanks to the slow-cooking method. Just make sure the everything is poured over well in the beginning.
Can I use a boneless ham instead?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham if preferred. Just be aware that it may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
How long to cook a ham in a crockpot?
You should plan for 4-5 hours on low. The ham is already cooked, so it’s just being warmed thoroughly at that point.
What to serve with Ham
Serve your ham your favorite side dishes. Start with mashed potatoes, (or potato casserole) green beans almondine, glazed carrots and dinner rolls.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Fully cooked spiraled bone-in ham. I use a bone-in ham for richer flavor, but you may need a larger crockpot depending on size. I use a spiral ham, which just means that it has been pre-cut into slices while still staying “whole”.
- Brown sugar. Maple syrup or honey can be used as a substitute. I use light brown sugar, most of the time.
- Orange juice. Use fresh or concentrate, or swap with pineapple juice for a tropical touch.
- Spicy brown mustard. For a milder flavor, try Dijon mustard, or use whole grain mustard.
- Red wine vinegar. A splash of apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly sweeter acidity.
- Ground cloves. Adds warmth—try a pinch of allspice for a similar effect. If you have whole cloves, grind them up so the flavor goes into the glaze better.
- Fresh rosemary. Thyme is a good substitute for an earthy flavor. You can also skip the herbs if you don’t have fresh on hand.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
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- Crockpot: I typically use a large oval crockpot, which is perfect for most sized hams. Depending on the size of your ham, you may need a different sized crockpot.
- Saucepan to make the glaze.
- Basting brush. If you don’t have one, just use a spoon.
- Digital thermometer. Check to see if it’s done!
How to cook ham in the slow cooker
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped
Remove any packaging or plastic jacket from the ham and place it inside a large crockpot.
Make the brown sugar glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, orange juice, spicy brown mustard, red wine vinegar, and ground cloves until combined.
Cook the ham
Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the top ham, ensure that the ham is well covered, letting it seep into any cuts or slices.
Add fresh rosemary, cover with the lid, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Baste with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker every hour, if possible.
If your ham is too big that your lid won’t fit, cover the slow cooker very well with aluminum foil instead.
Finish and serve
Once the ham is done (the ham is heated through, and will reach an internal temperature of 140°F), carefully transfer it to a serving dish.
Pour the cooking juices and any remaining glaze into a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and then gently simmer until the liquid reduces by half and thickens.
Brush the glaze over the ham before serving, and serve any extra on the side for drizzling.
Slice the ham if it’s not already sliced, sprinkle some rosemary and cranberries on the platter with the ham.
How to make Glazed Ham in the Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a baking dish or large roasting pan . Pour your glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into any slices or cuts for maximum flavor.
- Cover with Foil: Tightly cover the roasting pan with foil. This helps keep the ham juicy and prevents it from drying out.
- Bake the Ham: Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Baste Regularly: Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with the glaze and juices in the pan. This keeps the ham flavorful and adds a nice caramelized finish.
- Finish and Serve: Once the ham reaches 140°F, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before transferring slices to a serving platter. Drizzle any extra glaze over the top for a beautiful finish!
Kylee’s Notes
Quick glaze fix. Short on time? Whisk in 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the glaze to thicken it faster.
Use a thermometer. Ensure your ham reaches 140°F for optimal flavor and safety.
Skip the basting if needed. While basting every hour enhances flavor, the ham will still turn out juicy and flavorful with just the initial glaze.
How to store leftovers
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 325°F oven, covered, until warmed through.
More delicious holiday recipes:
Try these amazing sides:
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, or Corn Casserole
Finish with these desserts:
Mini Pecan Pies, Mini Pumpkin Pies, or Apple Crisp Cheesecake
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Crockpot Ham (with Oven Instructions)
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully cooked spiral cut ham (about 7-8 pounds)
Glaze
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus extra for optional garnish)
Directions
Get prepped
- Remove any packaging or plastic from the 1 fully cooked spiral cut ham and place it inside a large crockpot.
Make the glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ cup orange juice, 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves until combined.
Cook the ham
- Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham, letting it seep into any cuts or slices.
- Add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary to the crockpot, cover with the lid, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Baste with the juices every hour, if possible.
Finish and serve
- Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, carefully transfer it to a serving dish.
- Pour the cooking juices into a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and then gently simmer until the liquid reduces by half and thickens.
- Brush the glaze over the ham before serving, and serve any extra glaze on the side for drizzling.
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Notes
How to make Ham in the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan. Pour your glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into any slices or cuts for maximum flavor. Cover with Foil: Tightly cover the roasting pan with foil. This helps keep the ham juicy and prevents it from drying out. Bake the Ham: Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste Regularly: Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with the glaze and juices in the pan. This keeps the ham flavorful and adds a nice caramelized finish. Finish and Serve: Once the ham reaches 140°F, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle any extra glaze over the top for a beautiful finish!Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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