Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (2024)

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Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe is a great way to cook your holiday ham with a delicious brown sugar glaze.

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (1)

Being a mom of 8, I always host our holiday meal. Slow Cooking Christmas ham saves me time and oven space because the slow cooker does all the work. The ham comes out juicy and full of flavor.

The simple ingredient brown sugar glaze take your spiral ham to the next level. Add your favorite Side Dish Recipes, for a delicious and complete holiday meal. Other holiday ham recipes you must try is Crock Pot Spiral Ham or Honey Baked Ham.

Table of Contents

  • What Kind of Ham Works Best:
  • Ingredients:
  • Variations Ideas:
  • Step by Step Instructions:
  • Recipe Tips:
  • Serving Suggestions:
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
  • More Easy Ham Recipes:
  • Crock Pot Christmas Ham Recipe

What Kind of Ham Works Best:

This recipe works great with any type of ham. The hams that you buy at the grocery stores are fully cooked ham but make sure to read the label. We have made this recipe with boneless ham, bone-in ham and a smoked ham.

Our favorite crockpot ham is the Spiral Ham because of the flavor and how juicy it cooks and how tender it is. Not only do I make this ham for Christmas, but I have even made it for Thanksgiving and our Easter Dinner.

Ingredients:

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (2)
  • Spiral Cut Ham (8-10 pounds, fully cooked)
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

For the Glaze:

  • Butter
  • Brown Sugar
  • Honey
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Cloves
  • Minced Garlic

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom to see the recipe card.

Variations Ideas:

  • Glaze – Feel free to change the ingredients for the sweet glaze to what you prefer. Substitute the honey for maple syrup, add in pineapple juice or apple cider for amazing flavor.

Step by Step Instructions:

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Step 1 – Mix together all the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Whisk together and heat on low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved (whisking constantly).

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (4)

Step 2 – Unwrap the ham and discard any glaze packets that came with the ham.Place the ham flat side down in a slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the top.

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (5)

Step 3 – Then use a basting brush to make sure that the glaze gets in between the layers of the ham in the crock pot.

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Step 4 – Add the Rosemary springs to the crock pot.Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Baste the ham from any juice that cooked down to the bottom of the crock pot.Remove ham from crock pot, slice and serve.

Recipe Tips:

  • Covering Ham – If you are unable to close the lid on your slow cooker, cover the top with foil then put lid on top.
  • Glaze – Before pouring the glaze over the top of the ham, we recommend heating in a sauce pan. This allows the glaze to combine thoroughly.
  • Basting Ham – To keep the ham from drying out, we recommend basting ham with the liquid throughout the cooking process.
  • Cutting Ham – If using a spiral ham it already pre-cut. You may still need to use a knife to finish cutting the layers and to cut into pieces to serve.
Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (7)

Serving Suggestions:

This slow cooker ham recipe is delicious served with your favorite side dishes. We also serve with a side of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and homemade rolls.

We have even used leftover ham with these recipes for a great way to use the ham in another meal.

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (8)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Size of Ham?

The size of ham will depend on the number of people you are feeding. We usually plan on about ½ pound of ham per person and that usually gives us leftovers.

How Long Does it Take to Cook:

Cooking time will vary based on your slow cooker and the size of ham you buy. Ham in the slow cooker is usually ready in about 4 hours. Make sure to baste it throughout the cooking process to keep the crock pot Christmas ham from drying out.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers:

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave depending on how much you have left.

Can I Freeze?

Yes, you can freeze crock pot ham. One the ham has cooled to room temperature, place in a freezer bag or an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

More Easy Ham Recipes:

  • Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
  • Christmas Ham
  • 37 Best Thanksgiving Ham Recipes

We love hearing from you. If you make this Crockpot Christmas Ham Recipe, make sure to leave us a comment or a star review.

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (9)

Review

Pin Print

Crock Pot Christmas Ham

5 from 2 votes

Make this Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe this year for the holidays. Easy to make and tastes amazing with a Brown Sugar Glaze

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 10

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Calories 1102

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 1 Spiral Cut Ham 8-10 pounds, fully cooked
  • 2 Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

For the Glaze:

Instructions

  • Mix together all the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Whisk together and heat on low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved (whisking constantly).

  • Unwrap the ham and discard any seasoning packets that came with the ham.

  • Place the ham flat side down in a slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the top and use a basting brush to make sure that the glaze gets in between the layers of the ham in the crock pot.

  • Add the Rosemary springs to the crock pot.

  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

  • Baste the ham from any juice that cooked down to the bottom of the crock pot.

  • Carefully remove the ham from the crock pot. Cut the ham and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 1102kcal, Carbohydrates 36g, Protein 79g, Fat 70g, Saturated Fat 28g, Polyunsaturated Fat 7g, Monounsaturated Fat 31g, Trans Fat 0.4g, Cholesterol 249mg, Sodium 4421mg, Potassium 1088mg, Fiber 0.3g, Sugar 35g, Vitamin A 286IU, Vitamin C 0.4mg, Calcium 52mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (18)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you heat a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker? ›

A large slow cooker, with its moist environment, is perfect for reheating a fully-cooked ham. As the ham heats up, it releases juices that blend with the glaze, creating a delicious sauce to spoon over the sliced meat.

Does ham need to be submerged in a slow cooker? ›

Pour in the cola, and make sure the ham joint is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 5-6 hours on medium/high. I find that 5 hours is enough in my slow cooker. You want the gammon joint to be cooked through and tender but still retain its shape.

How do you know when ham is cooked enough? ›

Cook all raw fresh ham and ready-to-eat ham to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 °C) as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.

Do you cover Christmas ham when cooking it? ›

You can remove the rind and score the ham up to three days before using it. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also prepare the ham, glaze and bake it completely. Allow it to cool, and cover with a layer of baking paper then a layer of foil.

What is the best way to cook a precooked ham? ›

If the ham is labeled "fully cooked" (does not require heating), heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 140 F. If the ham is labeled "cook before eating," heat in an oven set no lower than 325 F to an internal temperature of at least 145 F.

Is it better to slow cook on low or high? ›

Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low. However, for all-day cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting. It's safe to cook foods on low the entire time -- if you're leaving for work, for example, and preparation time is limited.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Does meat in a slow cooker need to be covered with liquid? ›

To keep a pot roast from drying out, your slow cooker needs liquid to create a moist environment, and that can include meat or vegetable stock, wine or water. This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be enough, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside.

Can you overcook slow cooked ham? ›

It's hard to overcook gammon in the slow cooker, especially if you keep it on the low setting. If you're unsure whether you can take the gammon out after 4-5 hours on the high setting due to your schedule, let it cook on the low setting instead.

Does ham get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Editor's Tip: For a fall-apart tender ham, let it cook longer; 10 to 12 hours on low. This method is perfect for families who prefer a more casual dinner of shredded hot ham and roll sandwiches.

How long to cook a 3 lb fully cooked ham? ›

Bake in a preheated 325F oven for 10-14 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 135F. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. If the ham came with extra glaze, follow the package directions for adding it and cooking the glaze.

Why does precooked ham have to reach 140? ›

However, if you want to reheat these cooked hams, set the oven no lower than 325 °F and heat to an internal temperature of 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Unpackaged, cooked ham is potentially contaminated with pathogens.

Can you overcook Christmas ham? ›

A: You can cook a ham or gammon in a pressure cooker, but do be careful not to overcook it unless you want a texture that can easily be shredded – especially if you have a smaller joint. Many joints bought in supermarkets are 1kg or smaller.

How do you keep a Christmas ham moist? ›

Storing your ham
  1. Soak a Ham Bag, pillowcase or tea towel in 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
  2. Wring out excess water and place ham in the Ham Bag, pillowcase or wrap in tea towel. Store in coolest part of fridge.
  3. Re-soak bag in solution every few days or when Ham Bag dries out.

How do you know when Christmas ham is cooked? ›

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 71°C. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding contact with any bones, and wait for it to give an accurate temperature reading. You can lightly tent the ham with aluminium foil to keep it warm while it rests.

How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out? ›

The goal is to reheat the ham without drying it out. The best way to do this is to place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Add water to the bottom of the pan and cover the whole thing tightly with foil. Bake at 325F for 16-20 minutes per pound, until a meat thermometer registers 135F.

Can you slow cook already cooked meat? ›

Reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended. Cooked food should be reheated on the stove, in a microwave, or in a conventional oven until it reaches 165 °F. Then the hot food can be placed in a preheated slow cooker to keep it hot for serving—at least 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

Does meat need to be submerged in slow cooker? ›

To keep a pot roast from drying out, your slow cooker needs liquid to create a moist environment, and that can include meat or vegetable stock, wine or water. This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be enough, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside.

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