Easter dinner wouldn’t be complete without a beautifully glazed ham as the star of the table. But who wants to spend hours tending to the oven when you could be enjoying time with family and friends? That’s where the Crock Pot Ham comes to the rescue! This slow-cooked ham is tender, juicy, and infused with sweet and savory flavors, making it the perfect hassle-free main dish for your Easter feast.
Using a slow cooker to prepare ham not only frees up oven space for other Easter sides and desserts, but it also ensures a moist, fall-apart texture that’s impossible to achieve with traditional baking. Plus, the low and slow cooking method allows the ham to fully absorb the flavors of the glaze, creating a sticky, caramelized outer layer that is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for a small family gathering or hosting a large Easter feast, this Crock Pot Ham recipe is a foolproof way to make a show-stopping main dish with minimal effort. Just set it, forget it, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you focus on making memories!
Why You’ll Love This Easter Crock Pot Ham
- Effortless Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy Easter celebrations.
- Tender and Juicy – Cooking ham in a crock pot ensures that it stays moist and full of flavor.
- Caramelized Glaze – A sticky-sweet glaze coats the ham, creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- Saves Oven Space – Leaves your oven free for baking other Easter dishes like casseroles, rolls, or desserts.
- Minimal Ingredients – This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Feeds a Crowd – A ham is the perfect choice for serving a large group of guests.
- Great for Leftovers – Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, soups, omelets, and more.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10-12
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 14g
Ingredients for Easter Crock Pot Ham
For the Ham:
- 1 (7-9 pound) fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham
- ½ cup water or pineapple juice (for moisture)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Crock Pot Ham
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or lightly coat with butter. Pour ½ cup of water or pineapple juice into the bottom of the crock pot. This helps keep the ham moist during cooking.
Step 2: Place the Ham in the Crock Pot
Unwrap the fully cooked, spiral-cut ham and place it flat side down in the slow cooker. If the ham is too tall to fit, you can trim a little off the bottom to make it fit snugly.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Coat the Ham
Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it between the slices. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
Step 5: Baste Occasionally
Every hour, spoon some of the glaze and juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 6: Finish with Extra Glaze
About 30 minutes before serving, pour the remaining glaze over the ham, then cover and let it continue cooking to create a sticky, caramelized coating.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ingredient Background
Understanding the ingredients in this Crock Pot Ham will help you appreciate how each one contributes to its delicious flavor.
Ham
Ham is the cured and smoked leg of a pig, traditionally served for Easter as a symbol of celebration. A fully cooked, spiral-cut ham is the best choice for this recipe because it allows the glaze to seep into every slice while making serving easy.
Brown Sugar, Honey & Maple Syrup
These three ingredients combine to create a sweet and caramelized glaze. Brown sugar gives the ham a deep molasses flavor, honey adds richness, and maple syrup brings a subtle smokiness.
Dijon Mustard & Apple Cider Vinegar
These provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness, helping balance the overall flavor of the glaze. Dijon mustard also adds depth and a slight spice.
Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg)
These warm spices give the ham a cozy holiday feel, similar to a classic Christmas ham. Cloves, in particular, have a naturally sweet and aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with pork.
Vanilla Extract
Though not traditionally used in ham glazes, vanilla enhances the overall sweet and aromatic profile of the dish.
Technique Tips for Easter Crock Pot Ham
To get the best results from your slow cooker ham, follow these essential tips:
Use a Bone-In Spiral Ham
A bone-in ham retains more moisture than boneless hams, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. The bone also enhances the taste and makes for great leftovers in soups or stews.
Cook on Low for Maximum Tenderness
Slow-cooking on LOW for 4-6 hours prevents the ham from drying out while allowing it to absorb the glaze. Cooking on HIGH can make the meat tough.
Baste for Extra Flavor
Basting the ham every hour or so ensures the glaze fully coats the meat and seeps into every slice.
Use Pineapple Juice for Added Sweetness
For an extra fruity and tangy glaze, swap the water in the slow cooker for pineapple juice. This enhances the sweetness and gives the ham a subtle tropical flavor.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Want to make your Easter ham even more festive? Try these presentation ideas:
Pineapple and Cherry Ham
Place pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top of the ham before cooking. The juices will infuse into the meat, creating a beautiful and delicious dish.
Glazed Ham with Roasted Vegetables
Surround the ham with roasted baby carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes for a colorful presentation.
Ham Carving Station
Set up a “carving station” with warm rolls, honey mustard, and pickles so guests can make their own mini ham sandwiches.
Freezing and Storing Easter Crock Pot Ham
Storing in the Refrigerator
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing for Later
Ham freezes beautifully! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer bags. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Healthier Twist Ideas
If you want to make this Easter ham a little healthier, here are a few easy swaps:
Use Natural Sweeteners
Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar and replace maple syrup with date syrup for a refined sugar-free version.
Reduce Sodium
Look for a low-sodium ham to cut back on salt content.
Add More Spices Instead of Sugar
Increase the amount of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to boost natural sweetness without adding more sugar.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Easter Brunch
Serve slices of ham with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fresh fruit for a delightful Easter morning feast.
Easter Dinner
Pair ham with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and buttery dinner rolls for a classic Easter dinner.
Leftover Ham Ideas
Use leftover ham in omelets, pasta, soups, or grilled cheese sandwiches for delicious post-Easter meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I cook ham in the crock pot overnight?
No, it’s best to cook it on the day you’re serving it to avoid drying out.
2. Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?
Yes, ½ cup of water or juice prevents the ham from drying out.
3. What size slow cooker do I need?
A 6-quart or larger slow cooker works best for a full-sized ham.
4. Can I use a boneless ham instead?
Yes! Boneless hams work, but bone-in hams are more flavorful.
5. How do I keep my ham from getting dry?
Cook on LOW and baste it with glaze throughout cooking.
6. Can I make this ham with a sugar-free glaze?
Yes! Use a monk fruit or stevia-based sweetener instead of sugar.
7. Should I cover the slow cooker while cooking?
Yes! Always keep the lid on to retain moisture.
8. How do I make the glaze thicker?
For a thicker glaze, simmer it in a saucepan for a few minutes after cooking.
9. Can I cook a frozen ham in the slow cooker?
No, always thaw the ham before cooking for even heating.
10. What can I do with the ham bone?
Use it to make ham and bean soup or stock for soups and stews!
Conclusion
This Easter Crock Pot Ham is the ultimate hassle-free, crowd-pleasing dish for your holiday gathering. With its tender texture, caramelized glaze, and rich, savory-sweet flavor, it’s guaranteed to be the highlight of your Easter meal.
By using a slow cooker, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday while still serving an impressive and flavorful ham. Whether you’re celebrating with family, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a classic Easter dish, this recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
So, set it, forget it, and get ready to serve the best Easter ham ever!