Easy Slow Cooker Ham Recipe | Perfect for Holidays and Family Dinners
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Looking for a hassle-free way to prepare a juicy and flavorful ham for your next holiday meal? This easy slow cooker ham recipe is your answer! With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering ham with a delicious pineapple juice glaze that everyone will love. Forget about complicated recipes and glaze packets – this crock pot ham recipe delivers exceptional taste with ease.
This recipe is perfect for Easter dinner, Christmas gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress your family and friends. The slow cooker method ensures the ham stays incredibly moist and tender, while the pineapple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that complements the savory pork perfectly. Plus, you’ll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy in sandwiches, salads, or other creative dishes.
One of the best things about this slow cooker ham recipe is that it frees up your oven space for other essential side dishes. This is especially helpful during busy holidays when oven real estate is at a premium. Whether you’re hosting a large crowd or just want an easy and delicious dinner option, this recipe is a winner. The slow cooker is truly the best way to cook a boneless ham to perfection.
Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Ham
This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, making it incredibly convenient and budget-friendly. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful slow cooker ham:
- Boneless Ham: Opt for a fully cooked boneless ham, typically weighing between 2 to 5 pounds. This type of ham is ideal for slow cooking as it cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
- Crushed Pineapple: A 10-ounce can of crushed pineapple provides the base for the glaze, adding a tropical sweetness and helping to tenderize the ham.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup of brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze. The molasses in brown sugar enhances the overall flavor and creates a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Ground Cloves: ½ teaspoon of ground cloves balances the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar, adding a warm and aromatic spice that elevates the flavor profile of the ham.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Ham
Making this slow cooker ham is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and tender ham with a flavorful glaze:
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in the slow cooker. If desired, score the top of the ham with shallow diagonal slices to allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and ground cloves evenly over the ham. Ensure the ham is well-coated with the glaze mixture.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours. The ham is ready when it is heated through and tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the ham is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Ham
Leftover slow cooker ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Here’s how to properly store your leftovers to maintain their quality and flavor:
Refrigeration: Place the leftover ham in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes for an easy and convenient lunch or dinner option in the days following your holiday meal.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Ham
To ensure your slow cooker ham turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks:
Choosing the Right Ham
For this recipe, a boneless, fully cooked ham is recommended. Boneless hams cook more evenly in the slow cooker and are easier to slice and serve. While spiral-cut hams can be used, they may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are fully heated through. Opting for a boneless ham also simplifies the preparation process and ensures a consistent texture throughout.
Flavor Variations
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, don’t worry! You can easily customize the glaze to suit your preferences. Apple juice or maple syrup can be used as alternatives to pineapple juice, providing a different yet equally delicious flavor profile. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a glaze that complements your taste.
For a subtle pineapple flavor, consider pinning pineapple slices to the ham before cooking. This adds a hint of tropical sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. The combination of brown sugar and pineapple is a classic pairing, but feel free to explore other complementary flavors as well.
Serving Suggestions
A juicy and flavorful slow cooker ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular options to complete your holiday meal:
- Rolls and Biscuits: Serve the ham with soft rolls or homemade biscuits for making delicious sandwiches.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday side dish that complements the savory ham.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich ham.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A cheesy and indulgent side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
If you love the convenience and ease of slow cooking, check out these other delicious slow cooker recipes:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa
- Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
- Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey with Mashed Potatoes
Easy Slow Cooker Ham Recipe
Julia Pacheco
8
minutes
4
hours
4
hours
8
minutes
7
Save Recipe
Saved Recipe
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker