I used to wonder how to heat fully cooked ham in slow cooker without drying it out. One rainy day, I gave it a try—and I’ve never looked back. The meat came out tender, sweet, and full of flavor. No oven, no fuss. Just set it and forget it. Now it’s my favorite way to warm ham for holidays or quiet nights at home. This method is simple, stress-free, and works like magic every time. In this guide, I’ll show you how I do it, step by step—so you can serve juicy ham with zero guesswork.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start, gather a few simple things. No fancy gear needed—just and a few pantry basics.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless, both work great)
- A slow cooker
- Brown sugar or honey (for a sweet glaze)
- Dijon mustard or apple cider (for a little tang)
- Pineapple juice or broth (adds moisture and flavor)
Glaze is optional, but I always use it. It makes the ham glossy and rich.
Beginner Tip:
Choose a ham that fits snugly in your slow cooker. For small meals, a half-ham or boneless cut works best. Don’t stress over brand or size—just make sure the lid can close.
Step-by-Step: How to Heat Fully Cooked Ham in Slow Cooker
Step 1: Unwrap and trim the ham
Remove the ham from its packaging. Remove any plastic caps or covers on the bone. Pat it dry with paper towels. If it’s too big, trim it a little to fit
Step 2: Make a simple glaze (optional)
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons mustard, and ¼ cup juice or honey. Stir until smooth. This glaze gives the ham a sweet, rich taste.
Step 3: Add ham and glaze to the slow cooker
Place the ham cut-side down in the cooker. Pour the glaze over the top. Let some drip around the sides. Don’t worry if it looks messy—it’s all flavor.
Step 4: Cover and heat on LOW for 4–5 hours
Put the lid on tight. Set the slow cooker to LOW. Let the ham warm slowly. You don’t need to flip or stir it.
Step 5: Check internal temperature
After 4 hours, check the thickest part of the ham. Use a meat thermometer. You want it to reach 140°F for safe and juicy results.
Step 6: Let it rest before slicing
Turn off the heat and let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps lock in the juices. Then slice and serve warm.
That’s it! Simple, tasty, and stress-free.
Expert Tips to Get Juicy, Flavorful Ham Every Time
Use juice instead of water
Skip the water. Use apple cider, pineapple juice, or broth. They add sweetness and depth without overpowering the meat.
Baste during cooking
Spoon glaze from the bottom and pour it over the top once or twice. It keeps the ham moist and adds shine.
Don’t overcook
This is the number one mistake. A fully cooked ham only needs warming. Heating it too long dries it out. Four hours on LOW is usually perfect.
Keep it warm
Hosting guests? Leave the ham in the slow cooker on WARM. It stays tender and ready to serve all day.
Choosing the Right Size: Best Slow Cookers for One Person
You don’t need a big slow cooker to make great ham. In fact, some of the best slow cookers for one person are just right for smaller meals or leftovers.
Look for one that’s 1.5 to 3 quarts in size. These are easy to store, clean, and use. Some even come with a locking lid for travel or storage.
Brands like Crock-Pot, Elite Gourmet, and Hamilton Beach make great small models. Choose one with a simple dial and “keep warm” setting—it’s all you need.
Small work well for half-hams, ham steaks, or slices. You still get the same rich flavor in a size that fits your table—and your fridge.
What to Do With Leftovers
Leftover ham is a gift. You can turn it into tasty meals without much effort.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Ham and cheese sandwiches (toast them for extra crunch)
- Chopped ham in scrambled eggs or omelets
- Add to soup or toss into fried rice
Storage tips:
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They stay good for about 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in small bags. Label them, so they’re easy to grab later.
Nothing should go to waste. Ham gets even better the next day—trust me.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ham in a slow cooker?
It’s best to thaw the ham first. A frozen ham heats unevenly and takes too long to reach a safe temperature. For even cooking, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Do I need to add water or broth?
Nope! Juice or a glaze is enough. Water can make the flavor bland. Apple cider or pineapple juice adds moisture and a sweet kick.
How do I know the ham is ready?
Use a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 140°F. That’s warm enough to serve and still juicy.
What’s the best way to slice it?
Let the ham rest first. Then use a sharp knife. For spiral-cut, just follow the lines. For boneless, cut across the grain in thin slices.
Conclusion
Heating ham in a slow cooker is easy. You don’t need special tools or skills. Just place the ham in, add a little glaze, and let the do the work. The result? Juicy, flavorful ham every single time.
Even in a small kitchen, this method works. One of the best things is you can use a small and still enjoy a home-cooked meal that feels special.
This simple process has become one of my favourite kitchen traditions. It’s low-stress, full of flavor, and always brings people together. I hope it becomes a favourite for you, too.
