Slow Cooker Holiday Ham combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweet notes of pineapple and brown sugar, creating a dish that elevates any special occasion. Not only does this crock pot boneless ham taste great, but it also frees up the oven, making it a great choice for busy cooks during the holiday season!
Making this ham in the slow cooker using just a few simple ingredients, allows for more time spent enjoying the festivities instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Whether it’s a gathering of friends or a family celebration, our slow cooker ham recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why make this Crockpot Ham recipe?
Crock Pot Ham is my go-to recipe for when I am preparing a holiday ham. Cooking for the holidays does not have to be labor intensive and time consuming! This ham recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, and then you can be on to fixing the next dish. Preparing ham in the crock pot is a fantastic way to free up the oven and it produces a deliciously juicy ham.
I use the word “cooking” but really, any ham you buy in the grocery store is pre-cooked, so all you really need to do is warm it up. However warming up a 10-lb piece of meat without drying it out is easier said than done. Hence the crock pot method- it is the perfect environment for tender, juicy ham. I also recently made this recipe in the Instant Pot and WOW- if you have an Instant Pot, you have got to try it! It made the juiciest ham ever and took a grand total of 30 minutes. Yep, that’s it. I love my Instant Pot!
Tips for making the BEST Crock Pot Ham
- Pre-slice your ham. I like to pre-slice my ham so that I can put pineapple in between slices. It is easier to cut a boneless ham, but use what you like!
- Avoid overcooking. Set the slow cooker on low for the allotted time. This prevents the ham from becoming dry and tough. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140°F for safety and quality.
- Use the juice! Save the juice once you are done cooking the ham and drizzle it over the top, once you place the ham in a serving dish.
Crock Pot Ham Ingredients
Ham: You need one 2-7 pound pre-cooked ham, boneless or bone-in, whichever you prefer will work great.
Pineapple: Use one 20-oz can of sliced pineapple.
Brown sugar: Adding ⅓ cup brown sugar to this recipe provides just the right amount of sweetness.
Cloves: For a pungent, warm flavor, use ½ tsp ground cloves.
Cherries: If desired, add a jar of candied cherries to use as garnish and additional flavor.
How to cook a ham in a Crock Pot
Prep
While your ham is still in the packaging, place it in the crock pot to see how it fits. You may need to cut it into portions to fit it in the crockpot. Unwrap it and either place it whole back in the crockpot or cut it into pieces to fit in the crockpot. Since ham from grocery stores is pre-cooked, if your ham doesn’t fit and if you don’t need all of it, you can simply cut a portion off and refrigerate it or freeze it for later use too.
Open the can of sliced pineapple and drain the juice out into a separate bowl. You will use all the juice so set it aside, do not discard!
Measure out the brown sugar and add it to the bowl with the pineapple juice, whisking to dissolve. Add the ground cloves and whisk again to combine. Set the juice mixture aside.
Now arrange the slices of pineapple all over the surface of your ham and in between slices if you pre-sliced the ham. If you choose to include cherries, place them inside the center of the pineapples.
Pour the pineapple juice over the entire top of the ham and pineapple slices.
Heat the Ham
Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. A 7-10 lb. ham in the crock pot takes about 4 hours. A bone-In ham will take 5-6 hours to fully heat up. If you have a smaller, 2-4 lb. ham, aim for around 2 hours of cooking time.
Serve & enjoy!
How to cook ham in an Instant Pot
Prep
Follow the same preparation instructions as for the crockpot, the only difference will be the cooking method and time.
Cook
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is closed. Select Manual high pressure and use the ham portion sizes below to set the appropriate time.
2-4 lbs. boneless ham slices: 5-8 minutes in 3 qt or 6 qt Instant Pot
5-7 lbs. boneless ham slices: 10-14 minutes in a 6 qt or 8 qt Instant Pot
Smaller bone-in hams: 14-17 minutes in an 8-qt Instant Pot.
Crock Pot Holiday Ham
Ingredients
- 2-7 lb. ham boneless or bone-in
- 20 oz sliced pineapple with juice
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Prep: With the ham still in the packaging, place it in the crock pot to see how it fits. You may need to cut it into portions to fit. Unwrap it and either place it whole back in the crockpot or cut it into pieces.
- Since ham from grocery store is pre-cooked, if your ham doesn't fit and if you don't need all of it, you can simply cut a portion off and refrigerate it or freeze it for later use too.
- Open the can of sliced pineapple and drain the juice into a separate bowl. You will use all the juice so set it aside, do not discard!
- Arrange the slices of pineapple all over the surface of the ham and in between slices if you pre-sliced it. If you choose to include cherries, place them inside the center of the pineapples. Then pour the pineapple juice over the entire top of the ham and pineapple slices.
- Heat the Ham: Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. A 7-10 lb. ham in the crock pot takes about 4 hours. A bone-In ham will take 5-6 hours to fully heat up. If you have a smaller, 2-4 lb. ham, aim for around 2 hours of cooking time. Serve & enjoy!
How to cook ham in an Instant Pot
- Prep: Follow the same preparation instructions as for the crockpot, the only difference will be the cooking method and time.
- Cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is closed. Select Manual high pressure and use the ham portion sizes below to set the appropriate time.
- 2-4 lbs. boneless ham slices: 5-8 minutes in 3 qt or 6 qt Instant Pot
- 5-7 lbs. boneless ham slices: 10-14 minutes in a 6 qt or 8 qt Instant Pot
- Smaller bone-in hams: 14-17 minutes in an 8-qt Instant Pot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Should I add water or another liquid to the slow cooker?
It’s not necessary to add water, as the ham will release its juices while cooking. If using the pineapple glaze, it can create additional moisture, which enhances flavor.
What are some alternatives to using pineapple in this recipe?
For those who prefer different flavors, options include using apple juice or apricot preserves. These can add sweetness and a fruity taste to balance the savory ham.
How long is leftover holiday ham good for?
Store leftover ham in the refrigerator and airtight container, it will be good for 3-5 days. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer.
How long should a 5 lb. ham cook in a slow cooker?
A 5 lb. ham should cook on LOW for approximately 5-6 hours in a slow cooker. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 145°F before serving.
What are some ham recipes that don’t use brown sugar?
Some other slow cooker ham recipes that don’t use brown sugar include honey glazed ham, maple glazed ham, and mustard glazed ham. These recipes typically use a combination of honey, maple syrup, or mustard as a sweetener.
What is the best way to prevent ham from drying out?
To prevent ham from drying out in a crock pot, make sure to add a liquid such as water, broth, or juice to keep the ham moist. You can also cover the ham with foil or a lid to help retain moisture.
Try these other amazing recipes to complete your holiday meal:
- The holiday’s aren’t complete without a delicious, cheesy potato dish! Give these Alfredo Potatoes a try this holiday season.
- Make this Orange Creamsicle Salad just like grandma used to make for a nostalgic addition to any meal!
- Don’t forget your vegetables! These maple glazed carrots pair well with this ham recipe, as well as this sweet potato casserole.
- Enjoy some homemade pumpkin butter rolls with this meal as well, they are soft, fluffy, and oh so delicious!
- Save some room for dessert! Give these mini pecan pies a try, everyone will be grabbing for one more!
Slow Cooker Holiday Ham is an incredible combination of sweet and savory flavors, a dish perfect for your next special occasion or family gathering. This crock pot boneless ham is so simple to make, with only 4 ingredients you can have a flavorful meal cooking!
Tayler Ross says
This is such a great way to save on oven space during the holidays! I can’t wait to try this!
Shirley says
Can I cook my bone-in ham in a 6 quart Instant Pot? You only mentioned an 8 quart instant pot.
Jessica says
I can’t imagine it’d fit…
Liz says
My ham often ended up dry when I baked in the oven, so I tried your slow cooker recipe. It worked perfectly and I’m making it again this year!!!
wilhelmina says
I love how juicy and tender the ham stays with this method!
Darla Bunch says
Want to try the instant pot method. I need to know if you do a quick release or natural release of pressure. Thanks!!
Jessica says
I’d do a quick release for ham.
Corrine says
I made my first slow cooker ham. Using almost this recipe I add stone ground mustard to juice and brown sugar also a pinch of crushed red pepper. It was fabulous so juicy Im not a big ham fan but this was really good. Now what to do with the leftovers
Alison says
Happy to hear this recipe worked for you! My favorite is ham and homemade roll sandwiches!
Karen F says
I had a recipe on how to do a ham in my crockpot that came in this booklet with it. But I wanted to add cherries and pineapple rings to it. So saw your recipe and put them on it. Will make your juice to go over it as well . Mine says to put 1/2 cup of water in the crockpot. Then wrap ham in foil and on high for 1 hour then on low for 3- 4 hours. I am doing scalloped potatoes and parsnips cut in slices with a can of crushed pineapple to go with it. Yours Looks really good. Hope mine tastes as good. I love ham and try to have one for my traditional New Years Day dinner every year.
Michele says
I tried this recipe with a store bought already cooked ham. I pre-sliced it and put pineapple in between slices. It was about a 5lb ham so I only cooked it for 2 hours. It turned out completely mushy! So mushy in fact, that it could not be eaten. Not sure what exactly went wrong, but don’t think I would try this again.
Jessica says
I’ve never in my life heard of mushy ham. I don’t even know what to tell you…
Corine says
Was it fresh pineapple? If so, that would make perfect sense! Fresh pineapple will tenderize the meat like crazy! It’s best to use canned for recipes like this where it’s in direct contact with the meat. 🙂
Beth W says
I have a 5 lb. ham and I would prefer to slice after it’s done. So, perhaps 4-5 hours on LOW in my 6 quart crockpot, if not sliced?
Jessica says
I’d err on the side of less time since hams are already cooked and they just need to heat up. Try 4 hours.
Michele says
Yes, it was fresh pineapple. I will try it again with canned pineapple. Thanks for the comment.
Jenny Carr says
I have a 6 lb bone in smoked butt portion ham. How long should I cook it on low in my crockpot? Thanks
Jessica says
I’d heat it for 3-4 hours. : )
Beverlybever says
This will be my second time using your recipe. We love love it. We save the bone with meat around it for crockpot beans. 🤗
Alison says
Thanks you so much, I’m so glad you love this recipe!
Kathy says
Do you cook it on high or low? I have an 8lb ham for the large crock pot.
Jessica says
Cook it on LOW- I often even just use low for a couple hours, then switch it to WARM. (if your crockpot has that setting.) Hams come already cooked, so you are essentially just heating it up.
Julie says
I don’t have pineapple slices. I don’t want to go back to the store, again. I have a can of crushed pineapple. Can I use this?
Nicole says
The only difference you’ll have is a visual one so if you don’t mind the ham looking differently, then go for it and enjoy your slow cooked pineapple ham 🙂
Elizabeth D Rush says
Can you put the Ham in a crockpot bag to cook??
Nellie says
That should work just fine!
Koren says
I got the Burn error alert in my Instant Pot rather fast. Then I realized I didn’t add any water to the instant pot. Why? Recipe didn’t specify adding it. The pineapple liquid and brown sugar was supposed to be enough.
Now I know why most recipes have you tightly seal the ham and glaze in foil, place it on a rack, and add water 1 – 2 cups. The water won’t burn.
Anyway, I took my ham out of the instant pot, cleaned the bottom of the pot, wrapped the ham and glaze tightly in aluminum foil, put it back in the IP on a trivet, added water, sealed the pot and cooked it for 14 minutes. I did natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release. Carefully removed the foil then used a thermometer to ensure internal temp hit 145 degrees (I did).
Jessica says
Do you have a newer Instant Pot? I have one that’s several years old and have never gotten a burn notice. Sounds like you figured it out!
Theresa says
We Followed the directions in this recipe step by step. The only difference is we used fresh pineapple. Our ham was mush! What a disappointment!
Nicole says
Oh no! So sorry to hear that