Here's a 2-ingredient recipe that takes the guesswork out of making a simple, juicy ham perfect for special occasions. Thousands of home cooks agree — our slow cooker ham recipe will wow any time of year.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham
Making a sweet and savory ham to share with the whole family couldn't be easier. You'll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe:
Simply spread the brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker, place the ham flat side down, then spread the remaining sugar all over the ham. Crushed pineapple or pineapple juice is an optional (but delicious) addition to the flavor profile.
![looking down at a plate of sliced slow cooker ham.](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/MTteyhrq4RFv3NX5gXrWXc3mBYc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/80525-slow-cooker-ham-ddmfs-beauty-3x4-b5686176ff294e1aaa8e1045396cd274.jpg)
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How Long to Cook Ham in Slow Cooker
Cover the ham and cook on low for six to eight hours. If you have a smaller ham (4-5 pounds) you can reduce the cooking time to about four hours. The internal temperature should read at least 145 degrees F before serving.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Ham
Flavorful slow cooker ham pairs well with decadent dishes like scalloped potatoes and old-fashioned green bean casserole. Maple-glazed carrots or bean salad would also work well.
How to Store Slow Cooker Ham
Cooked ham will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic for best results. Reheat in a 300 degrees F oven just until thoroughly warmed.
To freeze leftover ham, wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"This is one of our favorite recipes and I have made it a half a dozen times or so," shares Auntylene. "It is so easy to prepare before I go to work in the morning and when I get home it is ready and delicious. What a welcome smell when I walk in the door!"
"This recipe results in a moister ham than one baked in the oven," says reviewer Cathy D. "You can use a pre-cooked spiral cut ham, but you have to cook it for a much shorter time than the recipe indicates."
"Ridiculously simple," raves Tim. "I added whole cloves (around 18) and used my injector every 2 hrs 30 minutes to inject that juice and baste the outside. REALLY good!"
Editorial contributions by Rai Mincey
Ingredients
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2 cups packed brown sugar
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1 (8 pound) cured, bone-in picnic ham
Directions
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Gather the ingredients.
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Spread about 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar on the bottom of a slow cooker.
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Place ham on the brown sugar with the flat side facing down; you might have to trim it a little to make it fit.
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Use your hands to rub the remaining brown sugar onto the ham. Cover, and cook on Low for 8 hours.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Recipe Tips
If using a spiral-cut ham, cut the cooking time by about half, as a spiral cut will dry out faster.
You can add a 6-ounce can of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple and a few pinches of ground cloves in Step 2 if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
360 | Calories |
20g | Fat |
18g | Carbs |
26g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings Per Recipe 24 | |
Calories 360 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 20g | 26% |
Saturated Fat 7g | 36% |
Cholesterol 74mg | 25% |
Sodium 1425mg | 62% |
Total Carbohydrate 18g | 7% |
Total Sugars 18g | |
Protein 26g | 52% |
Calcium 24mg | 2% |
Iron 1mg | 7% |
Potassium 367mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.