slow cooker ham recipe
The Best slow cooker ham recipe
This recipe is also great for busy days because it’s hands-off once you start it. You can prep everything the night before, toss the ham in the crockpot in the morning, and come home to a meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for holidays or get-togethers because it’s hearty enough to feed a crowd without being overwhelming, and it pairs well with almost anything—sides, salads, or even as a sandwich filling. Plus, slow cooking breaks down the meat gently, keeping it moist and flavorful without needing a ton of extra fat. It’s a way to eat well without feeling like you’re sacrificing taste or convenience. My husband always says it’s the kind of meal that makes him feel like he’s done something good for his family, and honestly, that’s the whole point.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ham
A tender, flavorful pulled ham glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 (10–12 lb) bone-in ham, fresh or smoked
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
👨🍳Directions
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1
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) if using fresh ham. If using smoked ham, skip this step. -
2
Pat ham dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil. Place in the slow cooker. -
3
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, cornstarch, water, smoked paprika, black pepper, and onion powder. -
4
Pour sauce over the ham in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. -
5
Remove ham and let it rest for 10 minutes. Shred or slice the ham, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine sauce and ham. -
6
Cover and cook on LOW for another 30–45 minutes until ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
🔧Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- For extra tenderness, add 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to the slow cooker before adding the ham.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or reducing soy sauce if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ham Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ham
How long should I cook the ham in the slow cooker for a tender, juicy result?
Cooking time depends on the ham size, but a general rule is 4–5 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH for a 10–12 lb bone-in ham. For bone-in hams, aim for 1.5–2 hours per pound (e.g., 12 lbs = 18–24 hours total). Preheat the slow cooker for 30 minutes if using an electric model. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer (130–140°F internal for shreddable tenderness).
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Can I use pre-cooked or smoked ham in a slow cooker, and if so, what’s the best way to do it?
Yes! Pre-cooked or smoked ham works well—just follow these steps: Remove the ham from the packaging, discard the liquid, and pat it dry. Place it in the slow cooker, cover with a lid or foil (to prevent drying), and cook on LOW for 2–4 hours (or HIGH for 1–2 hours) until heated through (135°F internal). Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness. If using a bone-in ham, cook longer (up to 5 hours on LOW) to ensure even heat.
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What’s the best way to add flavor to the slow cooker ham without drying it out?
To enhance flavor without drying the ham, use these methods:
– Seasoning the ham first: Rub with 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp black pepper before placing it in the slow cooker.
– Adding liquid: Use 1 cup broth, apple cider, or wine in the bottom of the slow cooker (do not submerge the ham). Simmer for 30–60 minutes before adding the ham.
– Herbs & spices: Sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves around the ham or in the liquid.
– Basting: After cooking, drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or glaze (e.g., ¼ cup honey + 2 tbsp mustard) and return to the slow cooker for 1–2 hours for a sticky, flavorful finish.
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Can I make a glaze or sauce for the ham, and how do make it in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Here’s a simple slow cooker glaze recipe:
1. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
2. Cook the ham: Place the ham in the slow cooker with a splash of liquid (e.g., ½ cup broth). Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
3. Make the glaze: After cooking, pour the sauce into the slow cooker (or transfer to a small pot) and simmer on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1–2 tbsp honey for sweetness if desired.
4. Glaze the ham: Spoon the sauce over the ham and let it melt for 30–60 minutes on LOW. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftover slow cooker ham without losing moisture or flavor?
To reheat leftover ham safely and tenderly:
– Low & slow method: Place the ham in a slow cooker with ½ cup broth, apple juice, or water, cover, and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1 hour. This keeps it moist.
– Oven method: Wrap the ham tightly in foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 20–30 minutes, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
– Steam method: Place the ham in a steamer basket over boiling water for 15–20 minutes to retain moisture.
– Avoid microwaving: This can dry out the ham. If microwaving is necessary, spray with water and cover loosely with a damp paper towel.
