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.
In This Post
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.
This recipe is even easier with the right equipment! Discover my top slow cooker recommendations and make your cooking effortless.
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
- 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
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
Notes
- 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.
- 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.
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- When I serve it for dinner, I usually plan for about ¾ of a pound per person. Increase that amount to 1 pound if you want leftovers.
Nutrition
Want To Know More About Slow Cooking?
If you are new to cooking with a Crock Pot or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using a slow cooker like a pro!
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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