4 Ingredient Crock Pot Ham

When it comes to easy holiday recipes or simple family dinners, this 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Ham is one of my go-to favorites. It’s made with sweet pineapple, tangy apricot preserves, and a spiral ham—then slow cooked to tender, juicy perfection. Whether you’re planning an Easter brunch, Christmas dinner, or just need an easy main dish, this slow cooker ham recipe is a no-stress way to serve something special.

Sliced honey glazed ham with a crispy edge on a plate, garnished with pineapple chunks. A bowl of mustard is in the background.

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Every holiday meal calls for a standout dish; mine has always been a mouthwatering, beautiful ham. Over the years, I’ve perfected recipes for cooking ham—Brown Sugar Mustard Ham and Copycat Honey Baked Ham—and now I’m excited to include a crockpot version in my lineup.

I started experimenting with slow cooking techniques using a crock pot instead of a roasting pan, and I’m thrilled with the results. It also saves oven space during busy times like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Which is Best for the Crock Pot: Bone-In or Boneless Ham?

When it comes to choosing between a bone-in or boneless ham for this slow cooker recipe, the great news is that either will work beautifully! Here are a few things to think about for all your upcoming special occasions.

Bone-in hams tend to have a richer, more traditional flavor, thanks to the marrow and fat surrounding the bone. This enhances the meat as it cooks and makes a beautiful presentation,n perfect for any holiday dinner.
Boneless Hams are incredibly easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for family gatherings or when you want leftovers for sandwiches. They tend to be smaller and more compact, which may fit better in your Crock Pot if you’re limited on space. Plus, they cook faster since there’s no bone.

Crock Pot Ham Ingredients

A wooden table with ingredients labeled: whole grain mustard, apricot preserves, orange juice, and a pre-cooked ham on parchment paper.

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 This Easy Crock Pot Ham Recipe

A spoon drizzles mustard sauce over slices of ham in a slow cooker. The ham is glazed, golden brown, and appears tender and juicy.

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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.

How Much Ham Do I Serve Per Person?

I usually plan for about ¾ of a pound per person when I serve it for dinner. Increase that amount to 1 pound if you want leftovers.

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!

A plate featuring glazed ham slices is garnished with mustard seeds, accompanied by cooked lima beans and chunks of bacon. The dish rests on a wooden table, next to a red-striped napkin and a small bowl of sauce.

For a delicious comfort for meal, serve this ham with my Southern Style Green Beans and Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Donya’s Tips For The Perfect Holiday Ham

Can I cook the ham on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook the ham on HIGH for 2-3 hours, but cooking it on low for a longer period ensures more tender and juicy results.

How can I thicken the glaze of this crockpot ham recipe if it’s too thin?

Combine cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then mix it into the glaze in the Crock Pot. Cook on high for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the glaze thickens.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

More Crock Pot Recipes

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!

5 from 5 votes