Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Crockpot Ham
If you need your oven for other purposes, our Crockpot Ham is here to save the day. Serve with our 5-ingredient Pineapple Sauce or Cranberry Orange Sauce for an impressive yet easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (7-8 pound) spiral-sliced, bone-in, half ham (fully cooked)
- 1 cup water
- Pineapple Sauce* or Cranberry Orange Sauce, optional for serving
*Feel free to double the sauce if serving a large group. As written, it allows for at least 1 1/2 tablespoons per serving.
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
Make It Now:
- Slow Cook the Ham: Place ham cut side down into slow cooker. Add 1 cup water, cover, and cook on LOW until ham registers 135°F, about 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 hours. Note: Every crock pot is different, so start checking internal temp at 2 hours and then check every 15-20 minutes. It’s imperative to not overcook the ham.
- Let It Rest: Use two forks or tongs to transfer ham cut-side down to a wooden cutting board, cover with foil, and let rest for 10-20 minutes. While it rests, make the Pineapple Sauce or Cranberry Orange Sauce (see cooking notes for how to use as a glaze), if desired.
- Carve and Serve: Slide a thin-bladed knife around the center ham bone to release the slices. Make a knife cut starting at the center bone and cut towards the outer surface of the ham allowing slices to fall away. Remove chunks of ham, slice, and lay them out on a serving platter. Serve with the Pineapple Sauce or Cranberry Orange Sauce on the side.
Freeze For Later: You can freeze leftovers of this recipe for sandwiches or to use in other recipes. Once the ham has been fully cooked, cooled, and sliced off the bone, place the slices in a freezer bag. Pour any leftover sauce in another freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air and freeze together.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the ham and sauce completely in the refrigerator or using the cold water method. Enjoy it cold or warm slightly in the oven or microwave, being very careful not to overcook it.
Notes/Tips
- About the Ham: The hams I tested had a brining solution in them that included salt and sugar, like most store-bought hams do. So I did not add any extra seasoning. For this recipe, buy a ham that is fully cooked (raw will take way longer), is spiral-sliced (so it’s easy to pull slices off), and has a bone in (better texture and stays moister).
- What to Do If Ham Won’t Fit: A ham bigger than 9 lbs will likely not fit in a 6-quart slow cooker. If yours doesn’t fit in the crock pot, try to cut off any uneven spots on the top or bottom to see if it will fit. If your ham is still too big and the lid won’t fit on your crockpot, cover the top of the slow cooker insert tightly with heavy-duty foil. Make sure it’s sealed tightly. This works!
- Adding a Glaze: With a little extra work, the Cranberry Orange Sauce or Pineapple Sauce can work as a glaze over the top of the ham (although this step isn’t necessary). Place the slow-cooked ham on a foil-lined rimmed sheet pan, cut side down. Brush the sauce all over the outside of ham. Broil it for a few minutes, rotating it around for even browning and adding more glaze if you want. Serve the extra sauce on the side.
- What to Do With the Bone: Be sure to save your ham bone to use in our Leftover Ham and Nine Bean Soup.
Find it online: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/crockpot-ham/