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This easy Crock Pot Ham is tender, juicy, and coated in a rich brown sugar maple glaze. Made with pineapple juice, butter, and fresh thyme, it is an effortless holiday main dish that frees up valuable oven space.
Crock Pot Ham
Whether you are preparing Easter dinner, Christmas lunch, Thanksgiving, or a comforting Sunday meal, this slow cooker ham makes entertaining simple. Since the spiral ham is already fully cooked, the crock pot gently warms it while allowing the sweet glaze to soak between every slice.
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Pin It NowWhy You’ll Love This Crock Pot Ham Recipe
- Requires very little preparation
- Keeps the ham moist and tender
- Features an irresistible maple brown sugar glaze
- Frees up oven space for side dishes
- Perfect for holidays, parties, and family dinners
- Makes delicious leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles
Crock Pot Ham Ingredients
- Spiral-cut, fully cooked boneless ham
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Pineapple juice
- Fresh thyme, plus more for garnish (optional)
The Best Maple Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
The glaze is what makes this slow cooker ham so special. Brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor, while pure maple syrup gives the glaze a smooth sweetness. Pineapple juice adds a bright, slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
As the ham warms, the glaze runs between the spiral-cut slices and collects in the bottom of the slow cooker. Spoon this sauce over each serving for even more flavor.
How to Make Ham in the Crock Pot
Place the ham cut side down in the bottom of an 8-quart or larger crock pot. Melt ¼ cup of the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Add ¾ cup of the brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and fresh thyme. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham. Carefully lift the ham slightly so the glaze can seep underneath and cover all sides. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar over the top of the ham.
Cover and cook on low for approximately 3 hours, or until the ham is heated throughout. Check the center with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 140°F, or the reheating temperature directed on the package.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham
- Choose the right size ham. Make sure your ham fits comfortably inside the slow cooker with the lid completely closed.
- Use a fully cooked ham. This recipe is designed to reheat a fully cooked spiral-cut boneless ham.
- Keep the ham cut side down. This helps prevent the sliced portion from drying out.
- Use pure maple syrup. Pure maple syrup provides a richer flavor than pancake syrup.
- Do not overcook the ham. Spiral-cut ham can become dry when cooked too long. Begin checking its temperature before the three-hour mark if your ham is closer to five pounds.
- Avoid frequently lifting the lid. Opening the crock pot releases heat and can increase the cooking time.
- Spoon on the glaze before serving. The buttery brown sugar sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker adds moisture and flavor.
- Follow the package directions. Heating times and recommended internal temperatures may vary depending on the type and brand of ham.
What to Serve With Crock Pot Ham
Serve this maple brown sugar ham with classic holiday and comfort-food side dishes, such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Stick of Butter Rice
- Green bean casserole
- Squash casserole
- Macaroni and cheese
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
- Deviled eggs
- Scalloped potatoes
- Broccoli casserole
Can You Freeze Leftover Ham?
Yes, leftover ham freezes well. Divide it into meal-sized portions and place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing, then label each portion with the date.
Thaw frozen ham safely in the refrigerator before reheating. Use the leftovers in sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, soups, pasta, or ham and cheese sliders.
Ways to Use Leftover Crock Pot Ham
Turn leftover ham into another easy meal with these ideas:
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Breakfast casserole
- Ham and potato soup
- Omelets or scrambled eggs
- Scalloped potatoes with ham
- Ham salad sandwiches
- Macaroni and cheese with ham
- Cheesy ham pasta
- Homemade pizza
- Ham fried rice
More Crock Pot Recipes
Crock Pot Ham Recipe
Crock Pot Ham
Equipment
- 8-quart or larger crockpot
- Medium bowl
- stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut, fully cooked boneless ham, 5 to 8 pounds
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 1 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, plus more for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the ham cut side down in an 8-quart or larger crock pot.
- Melt ¼ cup of the butter in a medium bowl.
- Add ¾ cup of the brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and thyme. Stir until combined.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, lifting it slightly so the mixture can run underneath and around all sides.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar over the ham.
- Cut the remaining butter into pats and arrange them over the brown sugar.
- Cover and cook on low for approximately 3 hours, or until heated throughout.
- Check the center with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F or the temperature specified on the ham’s package.
- Spoon the sauce over the ham, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve warm.
