Slow Cooker Ham

I love a good ham, especially when a big food holiday rolls around like Easter. Ham is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and leftover ham recipes are just as good as eating it the first time around. While I often turn to this glazed ham that's roasted in the oven, I came up with this new take on the classic centerpiece that's even easier: a slow cooker ham. Not only will it free up space in your oven for all of your Easter side dishes, but cooking your ham in the slow cooker allows all the juices to stay in one place so the ham turns out extra moist and flavorful. That's a win-win!

Most hams you buy at the grocery store are pre-cooked, so cooking the ham in the slow cooker really just means warming it through. Just consider your guest list and calculate how much ham you need per person, and you're set. But don't skip out on the tangy, beautiful homemade glaze made with a secret ingredient that may not may not be my favorite soda.

What kind of ham is best for slow cooker ham?

Choose a fully-cooked, bone-in ham that isn't spiral cut for this recipe. Non-spiral cut hams tend to stay juicier and heat more evenly. Plus, they're easy to carve yourself!

What size ham is best to cook in the slow cooker?

You don't want to buy a ham that's too large for your slow cooker! Aim for a ham that's between five and seven pounds if you have a standard six- to seven-quart slow cooker.

Can you overcook ham in the slow cooker?

Yes. Slow cookers may cook low and slow, but you can still overcook just about anything in one. Keep in mind that you're starting with a fully cooked ham, so all you're really doing in the slow cooker is reheating it. A five- to seven-pound ham will take five to six hours to fully heat in a Crock-Pot. Cook it too much longer, and the ham could start to dry out.

Do you cook ham on low or high in a slow cooker?

As with many slow cooker recipes, low and slow is the name of the game. Five to six hours in a slow cooker set to low allows the ham to heat slowly and evenly, without a chance of drying out. It also gives time for all the sweet soda and zippy glaze to really sink in.

Do you put liquid in with ham?

Yes, liquid is essential for a juicy Crock-Pot ham! My liquid of choice? Good ol' Dr Pepper, of course! The soda, along with the mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar glaze, adds some sticky-sweetness that every holiday ham deserves. Coca-Cola works great, too.

Can you use the glaze packet that comes with the ham?

You certainly can if you want (it's usually made of brown sugar and spices), but I think the glaze in this recipe is even more delicious. The tang of the mustard, the brightness of the vinegar, and the sweetness of the brown sugar and soda add such scrumptious flavor to this ham. Plus, it's easy to make!

Can you use diet soda for slow cooker ham?

Sure! Diet Dr Pepper or Diet Coca-Cola will work just fine in this recipe. The end result may taste slightly less sweet, but it'll still be delicious.

Does ham need to be submerged in a slow cooker?

No, it doesn't have to be submerged in liquid; you just need some liquid in the bottom of the slow cooker so that the ham stays juicy and doesn't dry out.

Can you make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook the ham. This is a genius way to save time and effort when preparing a holiday meal on the big day!

How do you heat a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker?

Making a ham in a slow cooker couldn't be easier. Remember, it's already fully cooked so you just need to heat it through. Stud the ham with cloves, brush with a glaze, and add to your slow cooker with some liquid. It cooks slowly and gets a second glaze for good measure.

Will ham dry out in the slow cooker?

Keeping moisture around the ham is super important so that it doesn't dry out. If you're cooking the ham in the oven, you can cover it with foil until the very end, but in the slow cooker you don't have to worry about it drying out. The slow cooker lid will help keep all the moisture in.

How long does leftover ham last in the fridge?

Place your leftover ham in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.