Introduction
Holiday cooking can get overwhelming fast, and this crockpot holiday ham recipe is here to take one major dish off your oven’s plate — literally. A fully cooked ham gets glazed with a sweet, sticky brown sugar and honey mixture and left to warm through in the slow cooker, freeing up your oven for everything else on the menu while still delivering a genuinely delicious centerpiece.
I love this one because it takes all the stress out of holiday ham without sacrificing any of the flavor. The crockpot keeps the ham moist and tender while the glaze slowly caramelizes into something sticky and irresistible, and you don’t have to worry about oven space or timing everything else around it.
Serve it sliced on a platter as the centerpiece of your holiday table, with the extra glaze spooned generously over the top. However you serve it, this crockpot holiday ham recipe makes holiday hosting just a little bit easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Frees up your oven — perfect for holidays when oven space is limited.
- Sweet, sticky glaze — a classic flavor everyone looks forward to.
- Mostly hands-off cooking — the crockpot keeps the ham warm and moist.
- Great for a crowd — easy to scale for holiday gatherings.
- Simple ingredient list — pantry staples come together into a stunning centerpiece.
Ingredient Notes
A fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham is the easiest option here, since it’s already cooked and simply needs to be warmed through and glazed, and the spiral cuts help the glaze work its way into every slice. Look for a ham that will comfortably fit in your crockpot, since sizes vary quite a bit and a too-large ham may need to be trimmed to fit.
Brown sugar and honey form the sweet base of the glaze, while a bit of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar add tang and depth that keep the glaze from tasting purely sugary. A splash of pineapple juice, while optional, adds a classic holiday ham flavor and a bit of extra brightness to the glaze.
Since the ham is already fully cooked, this recipe is really about gently reheating it while building flavor through the glaze, rather than cooking raw meat through. This means the crockpot’s job is mostly about keeping the ham moist and warm while the glaze has time to caramelize and soak in.
🍯 Crockpot Holiday Ham Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) | Total Time: about 4 hours 15 minutes Servings: 10–12
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 (7–8 lb) fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (for the bottom of the crockpot)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
For Finishing:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crockpot. Pour the water or chicken broth into the bottom of a large crockpot. This helps create steam that keeps the ham moist as it warms through.
Step 2: Add the ham. Place the spiral-cut ham into the crockpot, cut-side down if possible, nestling it in as best it fits. If your ham is too large for the crockpot, you may need to trim off a section to fit it properly.
Step 3: Make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice (if using), cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
Step 4: Apply the glaze. Pour about two-thirds of the glaze evenly over the ham, letting it drip down between the spiral slices. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting partway through cooking.
Step 5: Cook on low. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the ham is heated through to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C), since it’s already fully cooked and just needs to warm through. Tip: avoid cooking on high, since this can dry out the ham rather than gently warming it, and the glaze needs time to slowly caramelize rather than just melt.
Step 6: Baste partway through. About halfway through cooking, baste the ham with some of the pan juices and the reserved glaze, spooning it over the top and between the slices. This helps build up layers of sticky, caramelized flavor as it continues to cook.
Step 7: Check the temperature. Toward the end of the cook time, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. It should read at least 140°F (60°C), and can go a bit higher without drying out significantly, given the ham’s already-cooked state.
Step 8: Rest, slice, and serve. Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon any remaining pan juices and glaze over the top, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Since the ham is already fully cooked, the goal is gentle reheating rather than cooking through — low and slow is the way to go to avoid drying it out.
- If you’d like a more caramelized, slightly crisp glaze on top, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes after crockpot cooking, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Leftover glaze, if any remains after basting, can be simmered on the stove for a few minutes and served as an extra sauce alongside the sliced ham.
Nutrition Snapshot (Estimated, Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbs: ~24g
- Fat: ~17g
These numbers are estimates based on standard ingredients and a typical bone-in spiral-cut ham, and will vary depending on the exact size and brand of ham used.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ham will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a covered dish in a 300°F oven, or in the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of the reserved pan juices to help keep it moist.
This ham freezes well for up to 2–3 months; slice it before freezing for easier portioning later, and wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Budget Note
This recipe costs about $3–5 per serving depending on ham prices, which often drop significantly around major holidays. To stretch it further, plan for leftovers to use in sandwiches, soups, or a classic ham and bean dish in the days following your holiday meal.
Variations
Maple Glazed Version: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a slightly different, warmer sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and cloves. This variation feels especially fitting for a fall or winter holiday table.
Spiced Orange Version: Add the zest and juice of one orange to the glaze in place of the pineapple juice for a brighter, citrus-forward twist on the classic sweet glaze. This pairs particularly well with the mustard and vinegar’s tang.
Extra Spicy-Sweet Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness. This is a fun way to give a classic holiday ham a bit of a modern twist.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Slice and portion leftover ham into containers for easy additions to sandwiches, salads, or breakfast dishes throughout the following week. It’s also a great base for a quick soup using the leftover bone for stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? The glaze can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making morning-of prep even faster. The ham itself is best cooked the day you plan to serve it, since reheating an already-warmed ham a second time can dry it out.
Do I need to use a spiral-cut ham? A spiral-cut ham is recommended since the pre-made cuts allow the glaze to soak in between the slices, but a regular bone-in ham will also work — just score the surface in a diamond pattern before glazing to achieve a similar effect. Cooking time should stay roughly the same either way.
Why does my ham need water in the bottom of the crockpot? The water or broth creates steam as it heats, which helps keep the ham moist throughout the long, gentle reheating process. Skipping this step can result in a drier ham, especially toward the bottom where it sits directly against the crockpot.
Can I make this in a smaller crockpot for a smaller ham? Yes — simply scale down to a smaller ham (4–5 lbs) that fits your crockpot, and reduce the cook time slightly to around 3–4 hours on low, checking the internal temperature to confirm it’s heated through.
What should I serve with crockpot holiday ham? Classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, and a green bean casserole all pair beautifully. The sweet glaze also complements a tangy cranberry sauce or a simple green salad if you want something lighter alongside the richness of the ham.
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