To cook a juicy, tender ham in a slow cooker, place a pre-cooked ham cut-side down in the cooker with a little liquid (like ginger ale or pineapple juice), cook on low for about 4–6 hours until it reaches 140°F, then glaze and rest before slicing. This method keeps the ham moist and frees up your oven for other dishes.

Basic method

  • Use a fully cooked bone-in or spiral-cut ham, about 7–10 pounds, that fits your slow cooker.
  • Place the ham cut-side down in a 6–8 quart slow cooker.
  • Add 1–2 cups of liquid such as ginger ale or pineapple juice to the bottom to keep it moist.
  • Cover and cook on low for about 4–6 hours, until the internal temperature at the thickest part is 140°F.

Simple glaze ideas

  • Honey-mustard spice glaze: Mix honey, ground mustard, ground cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon, then pour or brush over the ham during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking.
  • Brown sugar–pineapple glaze: Make a paste of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey, spread it over the ham before cooking, and baste once or twice during the cook.
  • For extra flavor, warm any leftover juices and glaze on the stove and spoon over sliced ham before serving.

Timing and temperature tips

  • Keep the cooker on low ; using high heat can dry the meat instead of gently reheating it.
  • The ham is ready when it is heated through and reaches 140°F in the center; use a meat thermometer rather than relying only on time.
  • Let the ham rest, tented with foil, for about 15–20 minutes before carving so the juices redistribute and the slices stay moist.

Mini FAQ

  • Do you need extra liquid? A cup or two of ginger ale, apple juice, or pineapple juice helps keep the ham moist and adds mild sweetness.
  • Can you overcook it? Yes—going far past 6 hours on low can make it dry, especially for smaller hams, so start checking temperature around 4 hours.
  • Bone-in vs. boneless? Bone-in hams often stay juicier but may take slightly longer to heat through than boneless hams of the same weight.

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Learn exactly how to cook a ham in a slow cooker: best liquids, easy glazes, timing, and food-safety temps so your crockpot ham turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

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