5 Star Reader Comment
This was so delicious. I tried this recipe today and I am hooked! Only had a 6 pound ham, so there was a bit more liquid at the end. I poured it off and thickened it on the top of the stove, had the ham and sauce with rice and a salad. There is a ham biscuit in my future tomorrow morning!
Mary

Stop Everything—You Need to Make This Ham

This 4-ingredient ham started as a little experiment during a busy holiday week when I needed oven space and didn’t have time for anything fussy. I grabbed sweet pineapple, apricot preserves, and whole-grain mustard and whisked them together to make the most delicious glaze, then I let the slow cooker do all the work.
Sweet pineapple, apricot preserves, and whole-grain mustard come together to make the most delicious glaze over a juicy, tender ham. It’s the kind of main dish that makes you look like you spent all day in the kitchen when the truth is… you didn’t.
Enjoy!

Donya’s Tips To Know
- Choose the right size Crock Pot. A 7–8 quart slow cooker holds a full or spiral-cut ham comfortably.
- Place the ham cut-side down. This keeps it moist and lets the glaze soak into the slices.
- Warm the glaze if needed. A quick whisk helps the apricot preserves blend smoothly.
- Low and slow works best. Heating gently helps the ham stay juicy instead of drying out.
- Use a thermometer. Pre-cooked ham should reach 140°F at the thickest part before serving.
Want the best and easiest ham recipes? Try my brown sugar mustard baked ham or copycat honey baked ham next.

Bone-In or Boneless? Here’s My Take
Both types work beautifully — it just depends on what you’re going for:
- Bone-in ham: Classic flavor, richer taste, gorgeous presentation, and perfect for holidays.
- Boneless ham: Easy to slice, fits neatly in the Crock Pot, cooks faster, and ideal for leftovers.
4 Ingredient Crock Pot Ham
If you want the prettiest centerpiece? Bone-in.
If you want easy serving and next-day sandwiches? Go boneless.
Ingredients You Need
- Ham: Use a 7-8 pound whole or spiral-cut ham.
- Orange Juice: Fresh or canned pineapple juice adds the taste of sweet and tropical fruit.
- Apricot Preserves: Grab and use your favorite brand.
- Mustard: This recipe calls for whole-grain mustard, which is a bit tangy and slightly spicy but not overwhelming.
How Long To Cook Ham In A Crock Pot?
For a pre-cooked ham (bone-in or boneless):
Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (use a meat thermometer to check at the thickest part of the ham).

How To Make
Making this tender, flavorful ham is as easy as it gets! Here’s how:
- Place the ham in your slow cooker.
- Whisk together pineapple juice, apricot preserves, and mustard.
- Pour the sweet glaze over the ham, cover, and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
- Once done, remove the ham, spoon over the juices, and slice to serve.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Baked Ham
- This effortless crock pot ham dinner served with baked potatoes, roasted carrots, and dinner rolls makes a delicious weeknight meal.
- I love turning leftover ham into Southern Ham Salad and Ham and Potato Soup.
- My family goes crazy over leftovers turned into Ham Jam Sandwiches.
- Tender ham is fantastic for breakfast or brunch with French Toast, Casserole, Pimento Cheese Grits, and fruit salad.
- This delicious ham on a beautiful serving platter with your favorite side dishes is essential for Easter dinner!

More Crock Pot Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 7-8 pound ham – whole or spiral cut
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
Instructions
- Place ham in a 7 to 8 quart slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, apricot preserves and mustard. Pour over ham. Cover ham and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or until a thermometer reads 140 degrees. **Make sure to take the temperature from the thickest part of the ham.
- Remove ham from slow cooker and spoon over juices from bottom of pot. Slice or remove slices and serve.
Nutrition
People Often Ask Me
don’t recommend it. Low and slow keeps the ham tender and juicy.
Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes on the stove until it reduces.
Store for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Yes — you’re reheating a pre-cooked ham, then adding big flavor with the glaze.
If you tried this Crock Pot Ham Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!



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I have a hickory smoked ham. Would that flavor work with the fruit in this recipe?
Feel free to use whatever ingredients and flavors you like to make it your own! If you try it, let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking! ~Donya
This was so delicious. I tried this recipe today and I am hooked! Only had a 6 pound ham, so there was a bit more liquid at the end. I poured it off and thickened it on the top of the stove, had the ham and sauce with rice and a salad. There is a ham biscuit in my future tomorrow morning!
That sounds wonderful! Using the leftover liquid is a great idea! ~Donya
This ham sounds amazing but I’m allergic to pineapple. Is there another juice you would recommend?
Hi there. I have not tried another juice, if you do, let me know how you like it! ~Donya
HI there Stu here AM going to make it my Pop and servant on Thursday football day. Awesome
Enjoy and happy Thanksgiving!
~Donya
Reservations. Just the two of us now.
Thanks! Enjoy, Tad and Happy Thanksgiving.
~Donya
Hi Donya — Love your recipes. This ham looks fully sliced all the way through. What brand is it?
Charlotte Craver
Hey Charlotte.
I purchased the ham at Lowe’s Foods. I’m not sure of the brand.
~Donya
Is this a fully cooked ham already or raw?
Hey Michelle.
It’s a cooked ham. This method infused tons of flavor.
Hope you enjoy the recipe.
Have a great day,
~Donya