The first time I tried this slow cooker ham it was my first Thanksgiving as a new mom. My husband’s aunt made it and I was skeptical. Ham wasn’t really my thing. I used to imagine a rubbery salt-lick when people asked me if I wanted some ham at Thanksgiving dinner.
I am so glad I tried it, because after 8 years, it is still the only ham I like to eat for Thanksgiving.
I’ve given this recipe out to several people and I don’t think they’ve ever had ham any other way again either. The reason is that it tastes like candy! It’s sweet, salty, and melts in your mouth. It’s addicting!
The first time I had it, my aunt had to cut me off because she wanted some leftovers. I could eat half a ham alone cooked like this and it is too easy!
Usually I would write up a recipe card for this, but I’m just going to tell you because it’s a no-brainer.
The BEST Slow Cooker Ham Recipe
Drum-roll please…..
Ingredients: 1 Spiral Sliced Honey Ham, 2 cups of brown sugar and a few pineapple slices (optional).
Directions: Put 1 cup of brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the ham in and cover with another cup of brown sugar. Top with pineapple slices (optional). Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
That’s it!
I know, right?! So easy. Maybe it’s not really considered a protein after all the sugar, so just substitute it for that extra slice of pie you’re tempted to have. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Maybe you’d like to try this tasty marvel but you don’t want to buy a half a ham. You can always get a quarter of a ham and cut the recipe in half, which is SO difficult. 🙂 Just make sure it is spiral cut or it won’t work. I’ve tried it and it was the biggest disappointment.
To serve, I usually leave it in the slow cooker. If you take it out, make sure you take a lot of the juice with it because it will dry out.
Freeze the left-overs and use them in split pea soup, ham casserole, or Ramen.
I’m temped to make some right now and it’s only October. Quick, someone make up a holiday other than Halloween so I have an excuse.
Now that you know this secret recipe, try it, come back and tell me what you think!
It does sound absolutely wonderful but since we are trying to eat more healthy I will just hold that idea in the back of my mind until we feel like splurging. How about a wonderful idea for making turkey?
One suggestions. This type is so faint it is a struggle for me to read it.
There’s a lot of sugar in it 🙂 I know an awesome way to bake chicken, but I have never tried to cook my own Turkey!
You are right about the type! I just changed my blog over and will try to get it fixed today. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know. You are the best!
Wow! That IS easy. Thanks for the recipe.
Virginia recently posted…I Can’t Let It Go
You don’t add any water?
No Water! 🙂
on low or high
low
Do you buy a cooked spiral ham?
Yep! Easy peasy!
Where did you buy the ham? Sorry for the silly question , but I am new to cooking meat.
Not silly 🙂 I got it at Winco, but you can find them anywhere. Just make sure it is spiral cut.
Thank you so much for the prompt response.
Thank you for the easy recipe! It will be my first time cooking the ham for thanksgiving so I’m a little nervous about it.
How many pounds should the ham be? Also, you said 6-8 hours for cooking time. Does it depend on the ham on how many hours I cook it for?
Thanks!
It just depends on the size of your slow cooker. I have a round 5 qt slow cooker so I always try to find a smaller half of a ham. Usually I have to cut it to make it fit, and I can barely get the lid on :). I would just check it at 6 hrs and taste it to see if you like it. You don’t have to worry about it being raw or anything because your ham is already cooked, but you want it to fall apart.
I was nervous the first time I made it too, but it turned out awesome so don’t worry!
This sounds incredible! I am a chef and am browsing for new Xmas dinner ideas. I will be using this recipe with credit to you.
Thank you,
Chef Tony
what size ham would you suggest for 8 qrt crock pot
I suggest half of a ham. I have trouble fitting it in my slow cooker and I have a 6qrt
Is it ok to cook it on high, for even part of the time, to cut down on cook time? Sounds yummy! Thanks!
I’ve never tried it. Ham is so expensive, I’m afraid to alter my aunt’s recipe and messing it up. I’m sure if you kept a good eye on it, it would be ok.
Ok, thank you!
Tried this for NYE and my ham turned out incredibly dry 🙁 I think 6-8 hrs in a slow cooker is way too long for a fully cooked ham. it was sitting in so much juice so I was surprised to see how dried out it was when we went to eat it.
Did you have it on high? It should be on low.
Ooh, I am definitely trying this for Easter! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
This is so so yummy. The flavor is so simple and just like candy. My husband isn’t crazy about ham but we actually fought over the leftovers on this one.
I did have troubles with it being a bit dry. I cooked mine four hours on low and it was still dried out. I just sliced it and put it back into the slow cooker in the left over juices. That softened it up a bit and made it moist again. I have no idea why it was so dry (and a bit tough) when there was so much juice from the sugar. I wonder if the ham has to be large and almost fill the slow cooker. Mine was about 3 pounds. It’s the only idea I could come up with. Any suggestions?
Bottom line though is everyone should try this. Simple and so so yummy.
It probably just wasn’t cooked enough. I do mine for 6 hrs on low usually. It could be the type of ham? If you don’t use the spiral cut then the liquid doesn’t get into the ham as easy. Glad you liked it though! Hope it is even better next time.
Hi Janine,
Just found you spiral ham in a slow cooker my question is do you think that you can maybe pull the ham off and cook in the cooker with the brown sugar with most of the ham but not the whole thing?
I think so! As long as you fill it up pretty full 🙂
When placing it into the slow cooker, which direction are the slices facing? Would this affect how well it does?
Hi Katrina! Sorry I missed this! I usually put the open face down, that way the juices cover the thickest parts the most.
Somebody quick I’m making this now for a party, do you I need to baste every few hours at all or keep it closed!?
Sorry Lisa! You just need to keep it closed
HI,
Getting ready to use your recipe for Easter…..Just a little confused on which way to lay the ham. Do you put the sliced side on the bottom of the crockie or do you put the flat side down ? thank you
Camille