This easy Crock Pot Ham is tender, juicy, and coated in a rich maple brown sugar glaze. Made with pineapple juice, butter, and fresh thyme, it’s a simple holiday main dish that saves valuable oven space.
Crock Pot Ham
Perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a comforting Sunday meal, this slow cooker ham streamlines holiday cooking. Because spiral-cut ham is already fully cooked, the crock pot gently reheats it while allowing a buttery maple brown sugar glaze to soak into every slice for maximum flavor and moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Ham Recipe
- Minimal prep—great when you’re busy with other dishes
- Keeps the ham moist and tender, even the spiral slices
- Sweet, aromatic maple brown sugar glaze that pairs well with ham
- Frees up oven space for side dishes
- Ideal for holidays, parties, and family dinners
- Makes flavorful leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles
Crock Pot Ham Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut, fully cooked boneless ham (about 5 to 8 pounds)
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 1 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, plus more for garnish (optional)
The Best Maple Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
The glaze is the highlight of this slow cooker ham. Brown sugar gives a deep caramel note while pure maple syrup adds clean, smooth sweetness. Pineapple juice brings a touch of brightness to balance the richness of butter. As the ham warms, the glaze runs into the spiral slices and pools in the bottom of the crock pot—spoon that sauce over each serving for added flavor.
How to Make Ham in the Crock Pot
Place the ham cut side down in an 8-quart or larger crock pot. In a medium bowl, melt ¼ cup of the butter. Add ¾ cup of the brown sugar, the maple syrup, pineapple juice, and fresh thyme. Stir until combined.
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, lifting it slightly so the mixture can run underneath and coat all sides. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar over the top. Cut the remaining butter into pats and arrange them over the brown sugar.
Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, or until the ham is heated through. Use a meat thermometer to check the center—aim for 140°F or follow the reheating temperature on the ham’s package. Spoon the buttery maple sauce over the ham before serving and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham
- Choose the right ham size: The ham should fit comfortably in the crock pot with the lid closed.
- Use a fully cooked ham: This recipe reheats and flavors a fully cooked spiral ham—do not start with raw ham.
- Keep the ham cut side down: This helps protect the sliced portion from drying.
- Use pure maple syrup: For the best flavor, choose genuine maple syrup rather than pancake syrup.
- Avoid overcooking: Spiral-cut ham can dry out if heated too long. Start checking temperature before the three-hour mark for smaller hams.
- Don’t lift the lid often: Every time the crock pot lid is opened heat escapes and cooking time increases.
- Spoon the glaze over each serving: The collected sauce adds moisture and a glossy finish.
- Follow package directions: Different hams may have specific reheating guidelines—check the label.
What to Serve With Crock Pot Ham
This maple brown sugar ham pairs beautifully with classic sides. Consider mashed potatoes, buttered rice, green bean casserole, squash casserole, macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, deviled eggs, scalloped potatoes, or a broccoli casserole. These comforting accompaniments round out a festive meal.
Can You Freeze Leftover Ham?
Yes—leftover ham freezes well. Portion the ham into meal-sized amounts and place in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and label with the date.
Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before reheating. Use frozen ham for sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, soups, pasta dishes, or sliders.
Ways to Use Leftover Crock Pot Ham
Leftover ham is versatile—turn it into quick meals with minimal effort. Try:
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Breakfast casserole or strata
- Ham and potato soup
- Omelets, frittatas, or scrambled eggs
- Scalloped potatoes with ham
- Ham salad sandwiches
- Macaroni and cheese with ham
- Cheesy ham pasta
- Homemade pizza topped with diced ham
- Ham fried rice
More Crock Pot Recipes
Beans in the Crock Pot (Freezer-Friendly)
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Brown Sugar Pork Chops
Crock Pot Ham Recipe
Crock Pot Ham
Equipment
- 8-quart or larger crockpot
- Medium bowl
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut, fully cooked boneless ham, 5 to 8 pounds
- ½ cup butter, divided
- 1 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, plus more for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the ham cut side down in an 8-quart or larger crock pot.
- Melt ¼ cup of the butter in a medium bowl.
- Add ¾ cup of the brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and thyme. Stir until combined.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, lifting it slightly so the mixture can run underneath and around all sides.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar over the ham.
- Cut the remaining butter into pats and arrange them over the brown sugar.
- Cover and cook on low for approximately 3 hours, or until heated throughout.
- Check the center with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F or the temperature specified on the ham’s package.
- Spoon the sauce over the ham, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve warm.
Notes
Can I use a bone-in spiral ham? Yes—if it’s fully cooked and fits in your slow cooker with the lid closed. Bone-in hams may take slightly longer to heat.
Can I cook the ham on high? Low is recommended to gently heat the ham and avoid drying it. If using high, monitor it closely and follow the package directions.
Do I need to add water? No. The maple syrup, pineapple juice, butter, and the ham’s natural juices provide enough moisture.
Should the ham be submerged? No. The ham does not need to be covered in liquid—pour the glaze over all sides and spoon the collected sauce over the ham before serving.
Can I prepare this ahead? Yes. Combine the glaze ingredients and refrigerate them in a covered container. When ready, place the ham in the crock pot, add the glaze, brown sugar, and butter, then cook as directed.
Additional Info
This Crock Pot Ham recipe is optimized for ease and flavor. It highlights a maple brown sugar glaze and uses minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for holiday menus and large gatherings.