How do I cook a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker?

Start with a fully cooked smoked spiral cut ham, ideally 7-8 pounds. Place it in a large slow cooker and coat the ham with brown sugar. Pour a glaze made from maple syrup and pineapple juice (or apple cider as a substitute) over the top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, ensuring it’s heated through and tender.

What size slow cooker should I use for ham?

Use a large slow cooker, preferably 7 to 8 quarts in capacity, to comfortably fit a 7-8 pound ham. An oval-shaped slow cooker is best for fitting the ham without crowding and allowing even cooking.

Can I change the ingredients in the glaze for slow cooker ham?

Yes, you can customize the glaze. Common substitutions include apple cider for pineapple juice or honey instead of maple syrup. Adjust sweetness and acidity to your preference, but keeping a balance of sugar and liquid helps create a flavorful, caramelized glaze.

How much ham should I prepare per person to avoid waste?

Plan on about ¾ pound of bone-in ham per person for a meal without leftovers. If you want leftover ham for sandwiches or other recipes, aim for 1 pound per person to ensure there’s enough to serve and save.

What are good side dishes to serve with slow cooker ham?

Slow cooker ham pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed or roasted potatoes, green vegetables (such as green beans or Brussels sprouts), cornbread, and stuffing. These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors of the ham and make a well-rounded meal.

Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze for Easy Meals

Ingredients

– 8 lb spiral cut ham

– 1 cup brown sugar

– 1 cup pure maple syrup

– 1 cup pineapple juice

– Cooking spray

– Fresh herbs for garnish

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Instructions

1-Spray the inside of a large 7-8 quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2-Place the 8 lb spiral cut ham cut side down in the slow cooker for even cooking.

3-Rub 1 cup of brown sugar all over the ham to start building that tasty brown sugar glaze.

4-Pour 1 cup of pure maple syrup and 1 cup of pineapple juice over the ham to infuse it with flavor.

5-Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, checking with a meat thermometer until it reaches 140°F (60°C) for safety.

6-Transfer the ham to a serving platter once done.

7-Pour the cooking liquid into a medium pan, bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook for 6-8 minutes until thickened; you can add a cornstarch mixture if you want it thicker.

8-Pour the thickened glaze over the ham and garnish with fresh herbs for a final touch.

Notes

🍲 Use a large oval slow cooker (7-8 quarts) to fit the ham comfortably.
🌿 Garnish with fresh herbs and fruit slices for an attractive presentation.
🍎 Pineapple juice can be substituted with apple cider for a different flavor profile.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 404 kcal
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 557 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg