Fantastic Crock Pot Ham: The Easiest, Most Flavorful Ham You’ll Ever Make

The aroma of slow-cooked ham, infused with the sweet notes of brown sugar and a hint of tang from pineapple juice and vinegar, instantly transports me back to countless family gatherings. I remember one Thanksgiving in particular, where the oven was crammed with pies and side dishes, and the main event, our turkey, was taking up precious real estate. My aunt, with a twinkle in her eye and a knowing smile, unveiled a gloriously glazed ham that had been quietly simmering in her slow cooker all day. It was tender, juicy, and had a caramelized crust that was simply divine – a revelation that made me question my oven-bound traditions forever.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes – 9 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 20
• Yield: 1 Slow Cooker Ham
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 1 (7-8 pound) cured picnic ham (bone-in)
• 1⁄2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice (or enough to cover the bottom of your crock pot)
• 2 cups brown sugar, divided
• 4 tablespoons vinegar

Equipment Needed

• Large crock pot (ensure your ham fits comfortably inside)
• Cooking spray
• Basting spoon (optional, for quick basting)

Instructions

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, transforming a humble ham into a show-stopping centerpiece. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it locks in moisture, resulting in an incredibly tender and succulent ham that practically falls off the bone.

1. Begin by preparing your crock pot. Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. This ensures that the glaze doesn’t stick and makes for easier cleanup later.
2. Next, pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of the crock pot. This forms the flavorful base of our glaze, adding a subtle sweetness and moisture. If your crock pot is larger and the 1/2 cup doesn’t seem to adequately cover the bottom, feel free to add a little more to ensure a good liquid base.
3. Now, it’s time to create the sugar crust. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups of the brown sugar onto the pineapple juice. This sugar will begin to dissolve and caramelize as the ham cooks, creating a luscious glaze.
4. Take your cured picnic ham and rub the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar onto the ham. Ensure the sugar adheres to the surface of the ham, particularly on the thicker parts. This step is crucial for building that irresistible caramelized exterior.
5. Carefully place the ham fat-side down into the crock pot. Positioning the ham fat-side down allows the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks, contributing to its moistness and rich flavor. The note about uncooked ham with bone inches facing up and using vinegar to make it fall off the bone is a bit contradictory with a “cured” picnic ham typically being pre-cooked. For a cured picnic ham, the goal is to heat it through and develop flavor, not to cook it from raw. Therefore, the emphasis should be on ensuring the ham is fully heated and tender.
6. Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours. The low and slow cooking method is key here. This extended period allows the connective tissues in the ham to break down, resulting in exceptionally tender meat.
7. About halfway through the cooking time, you have the option to baste the ham. If you choose to do so, do this quickly to prevent a significant amount of heat from escaping the crock pot. A quick basting can help distribute the glaze and add extra moisture.
8. The ham is ready when it’s thoroughly heated and wonderfully tender. As the original note suggests, the goal is for the ham to be so tender that no carving is needed – it should practically fall off the bone.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Choosing the Right Ham: For this recipe, a bone-in cured picnic ham is ideal. The bone adds flavor and helps the ham retain moisture. Avoid pre-sliced spiral-cut hams as they tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker.
• Fitting the Ham: You may need to trim the ham slightly to fit it into your crock pot. Don’t be afraid to do this; the flavor will still be magnificent.
• Glaze Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can carefully remove the ham during the last hour of cooking, place it on a baking sheet, and broil it for a few minutes to further caramelize the sugars, then return it to the crock pot. However, this is an oven step and not part of the core slow cooker method.
• Vinegar’s Role: The mention of vinegar in conjunction with making the ham fall off the bone points to its tenderizing properties. While the cured ham is pre-cooked, the vinegar can still contribute to a more tender texture and balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This spectacular slow cooker ham is best served warm. Once cooked, you can carefully lift it from the crock pot and place it on a serving platter. The juices from the crock pot make an excellent, naturally thickened sauce that can be spooned over the ham. It pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a vibrant green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm slices in a skillet with a little of the reserved cooking liquid, or microwave them for short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, the ham can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Nutritional Information

While precise nutritional values can vary based on the specific ham and exact quantities used, here’s an estimated breakdown.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (estimated)	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	15g	23%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	80mg	27%
Sodium	1200mg	50%
Total Carbohydrate	22g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	20g	40%
Protein	30g	60%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can fluctuate.

Variations & Substitutions

While the pineapple juice and brown sugar combination is classic and delicious, feel free to experiment:

• Fruity Glazes: Swap pineapple juice for orange juice or even apple cider for a different sweet profile.
• Spiced Brown Sugar: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the brown sugar rub for a warmer flavor.
• Maple Syrup Twist: Replace some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich, distinct sweetness.
• Savory Notes: Incorporate a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the brown sugar rub for a touch of savory complexity.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a pre-sliced spiral ham in my slow cooker?
A: It’s not recommended. Spiral-cut hams tend to be drier and can fall apart too much in the slow cooker, resulting in a less desirable texture.

Q: My ham is too tall for my crock pot. What should I do?
A: You may need to trim some of the meat from the top to help it fit. The juices will still permeate the remaining meat beautifully.

Q: How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
A: The ham should be very tender and easily pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for a pre-cooked ham.

Q: Can I skip the pineapple juice and just use water?
A: While you can use water, the pineapple juice adds a crucial layer of sweetness and acidity that helps tenderize the meat and create a more complex glaze.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for any size crock pot?
A: You’ll need a large crock pot, typically 6 quarts or larger, to accommodate a 7-8 pound ham. Ensure the lid fits snugly.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker ham is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to simplify your holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor or tradition. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and frees you up to enjoy the company of loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try; you might just find yourself rethinking your entire approach to holiday roasts. Imagine the ease of pulling off a tender, succulent ham with minimal effort – it’s a true game-changer.