Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Sauce

If you need your oven for other purposes, our Crockpot Ham is here to save the day. After a lot of testing and research, we found the best way to slow cook a spiral ham and how to avoid a dried out piece of pork. Serve with our 5 ingredient Pineapple Sauce for an impressive yet easy meal for a crowd.

Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Hy-Vee (Columbia). 

The crockpot and I have gotten well acquainted over the years thanks to all the testing we did for our cookbook, From Freezer to Cooker. Two things Polly and I quickly learned was that every slow cooker is a little different–some run hotter than others–and most of us overcook foods like ham and chicken in the slow cooker.

Armed with that knowledge, I did a lot of research and testing of this spiral-sliced ham recipe. I’ll help you cook your ham in the crockpot in a way that it will turn out moist and tasty!

I’m excited for you to see how easy it is to cook a ham in a slow cooker, so let’s begin here…

The good news is that you won’t need many ingredients (hurray!), making this an awesome recipe for hosting a crowd.

For the Crockpot Ham:

1. 1 (7-8 pound) spiral-sliced, bone-in half ham* – You’re looking for a fully-cooked ham (nearly all are in the grocery store) so that you can simply warm it to a safe eating temp in the slow cooker. We highly recommend getting a bone-in ham, as the bone adds flavor and helps keep it moist. If you can’t find a ham that is 7-8 pounds, we have a hack to help you still cook it in your crockpot even if it doesn’t fully fit with the lid on. Read on.
2. Water – This will be a key to keeping the ham moist while it slow cooks.

*The hams I tested had a brining solution in them that included salt and sugar, like most store-bought hams do.

For the Pineapple Sauce:

1. Pineapple juice – Find this in a can in the juice aisle or buy a 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks in 100% juice and strain out the juice to use (that’s the cheapest option).
2. Honey – Our recipe is set apart from others in that we use honey instead of brown sugar. Not only is honey a real food ingredient but it has a distinct flavor and color that pairs well with the pineapple juice and Dijon.
3. Dijon mustard – This ingredient adds acidity and pungency to balance out the sweetness, making the sauce more complex-tasting.
4. Salted butter – Adds a little salt, some much-needed fat for any good sauce, and helps create the silky texture.
5. Cornstarch – This will be combined with a little water to create a thickener, so the sauce has some body to it.

Where to Get Your Ingredients

We suggest grabbing these ingredients at your local Hy-Vee, since they are well-stocked year-round. I found several ham options in January when testing this recipe, which I was pleased about.

If making a big holiday feast sounds like too much, order one of Hy-Vee’s catered meals to pick up. They have meal deals specifically for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and much more.

• 6-7 Quart Oval Slow Cooker – A large, oval-sized crockpot is necessary for slow-cooking a large ham like this. But, we have a tip in case your ham ends up being too big. Read on.
• Meat thermometer – This is an essential tool for not overcooking and drying out your ham.
• Large wooden cutting board – To use as a carving board.
• Carving knife and fork – For slicing off pieces of ham to place on the platter.
• Small saucepan – To make the 5-minute Pineapple Sauce.
• Whisk
• Gravy boat – Or a serving bowl with small ladle.

How to Cook a Spiral Ham in a Crockpot

I tested slow-cooking a spiral-sliced ham (vs. a whole ham) in the crockpot to make it easier to carve at the end. But, here’s what I found out over multiple tests. Spiral ham can dry out fast in the crockpot! Be sure to use our recipe and tips to get it right.

Place ham cut side down into slow cooker.

Add water, cover, and cook on LOW until ham registers 135°F in most spots. It will cook slightly unevenly, so you can turn the ham on it’s side halfway through the cook time (if it will fit another direction). This may help it cook more evenly.

Depending on the size of your crockpot and ham, it will take anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 3 1/2 hours on low. Start checking the internal temp at 2 1/2 hours every 10-15 minutes.

Use two forks or tongs to transfer ham cut-side down to wooden cutting board, cover with foil, and let rest for 10-20 minutes. While it rests, make the sauce, if desired.

Bring the pineapple sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) to a boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Add that mixture to the sauce and whisk until thickened, another 1 minute. Transfer to a gravy boat or serving dish. 

Cut off slices and lay them out on a serving platter. Serve with the Pineapple Sauce on the side to drizzle over pieces of ham. 

Tip: Be sure to save your ham bone to use in our Leftover Ham and Nine Bean Soup!

How long do I cook ham in the crockpot?

Cook your ham until it reaches 135°F internally. Then, let it rest for 10 minutes so it rises another 5 degrees. For a 7-10 pound bone-in, spiral-sliced ham, slow cook on low for 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 hours.

How long does ham last in the fridge?

Uncooked ham should be cooked or frozen according to the package expiration date. Leftover fully-cooked ham should be consumed or frozen within 3-4 days.

What temperature is ham done?

According to the USDA, ham must register at least 140°F to be safe to eat. We suggest removing it from the slow cooker at 135°F because the temperature will rise at least 5 more degrees while it rests. This will help prevent overcooking and drying out the ham.

How much ham should I buy per person?

According to the USDA, “When buying a ham, estimate the size needed according to the number of servings the type of ham should yield:

• 1/4 – 1/3 lb. per serving of boneless ham. 
• 1/3 – 1/2 lb. per serving of bone-in ham.”

I personally hate to run out of food and would probably err on the side of buying too much per person.