Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite lazy-day dinner trick – throwing a precooked ham in the crockpot! When life gets crazy (and when doesn’t it?), this recipe has saved me more times than I can count. There’s something magical about how a few simple ingredients transform that ham into something ridiculously delicious with barely any effort. I first tried this method years ago when my sister showed up unexpectedly with a holiday ham leftover – “Just toss it in the slow cooker with some sweet stuff,” she said. Best advice ever! Now it’s my go-to for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or anytime I want that comforting ham flavor without babysitting the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Ham Recipes Precooked
Listen, I know what you’re thinking – “Ham in a crockpot? Really?” But trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven. Here’s why this recipe has become my secret weapon:
- Set it and forget it magic: No more peeking in the oven every 20 minutes! Just coat your ham, turn on the crockpot, and walk away for hours. It’s like having a personal chef while you tackle your to-do list (or binge your favorite show).
- Flavor that’ll knock your socks off: That sweet and tangy glaze soaks deep into every bite as it slow cooks. The brown sugar caramelizes, the pineapple juice adds brightness, and the cloves give it that warm, holiday-like aroma that fills your whole house.
- Leftovers for days (that actually stay juicy!): Unlike oven-baked ham that dries out, this method keeps the meat incredibly moist. I use leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, even pizza toppings – it stays delicious all week!
- Foolproof for any occasion: Whether it’s Easter dinner or a random Tuesday, this recipe adapts. Too sweet? Cut back the honey. Want more kick? Add extra mustard. It’s impossible to mess up!
Seriously, the first time I made this, my husband thought I’d spent all day in the kitchen. Little did he know I was actually folding laundry while dinner cooked itself! That’s the kind of kitchen magic I can get behind.
Ingredients for Crockpot Ham Recipes Precooked
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – but don’t worry, this isn’t one of those fancy recipes with 20 exotic items. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 precooked ham (5-7 lbs): Look for “fully cooked” or “ready-to-eat” on the label. Spiral-cut works great, but any shape will do – I’ve used everything from big ol’ bone-in hams to petite boneless ones!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Dark brown gives richer flavor, but light works too. Pro tip: pack it tight in your measuring cup – we want all that molasses goodness!
- 1/2 cup honey: The real stuff, please! It makes the glaze shine (literally) and adds that perfect floral note.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Don’t skip this – it cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Regular yellow mustard works in a pinch, but Dijon’s tang is worth it.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: From the can is fine (save the rings for garnishing!). If you’re out, orange juice makes a tasty swap.
- 1 tsp ground cloves: Sounds like a lot, but trust me – it’s that warm spice that makes everyone ask “What’s in this?!”
See? Nothing crazy! Just simple stuff that comes together to make magic in your slow cooker. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Ham Recipes Precooked
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – turning that humble precooked ham into something extraordinary! I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (why are those things so impossible?!). Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the most tender, flavorful ham that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
First, grab a medium bowl and let’s make that magical glaze. Dump in your brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and ground cloves. Now, here’s my little secret – whisk it like you mean it! You want everything completely smooth with no sugar lumps hiding at the bottom. The mixture should look like thick, shiny caramel when it’s ready. If it seems too thick, add a splash more pineapple juice. Too thin? A bit more brown sugar will fix it. Taste it (oh come on, I know you want to!) and adjust – more mustard for tang, more honey for sweetness. This is your masterpiece in the making!
Step 2: Coat and Cook the Ham
Place your precooked ham in the crockpot – no need to grease it first. Now, pour that gorgeous glaze all over, using a spoon or brush to coat every nook and cranny. If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, really work the glaze between those slices – that’s where the flavor magic happens! Pop the lid on and set it to low for 4-6 hours. Here’s my pro tip: every hour or so, use a spoon to baste the ham with the juices pooling at the bottom. This keeps it moist and builds layers of flavor. About halfway through, I like to give it one more good glaze coating for extra caramelization. When your kitchen smells like a holiday feast and the ham reaches 140°F inside (a meat thermometer is your best friend here), it’s done! Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing – trust me, it’s worth the wait.
See? I told you it was easy! Now you’ve got a juicy, flavorful ham that practically made itself while you went about your day. That’s what I call a win!
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Ham Recipes Precooked
After making this recipe more times than I can count (hello, holiday leftovers!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks that’ll take your ham from good to “Oh my gosh, how did you make this?!” Here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Sweetness control: If you’re watching sugar, cut the brown sugar to 3/4 cup and honey to 1/4 cup – it’ll still be delicious. For extra indulgence? Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze. Boom!
- Leftover magic: That glorious glaze liquid at the bottom? Don’t you dare toss it! Strain it and use as a sauce for sandwiches or drizzle over scrambled eggs. Life-changing.
- No peeking! I know it’s tempting, but resist lifting the lid. Every peek adds 15 minutes to cooking time. Set a timer and walk away – your patience will be rewarded.
- Bone bonus: If your ham has a bone, save it! Toss it in a freezer bag for the best split pea soup you’ll ever make next week.
There you go – my hard-earned wisdom from years of crockpot ham adventures. Now go forth and ham it up!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Ham Recipes Precooked
Now for my favorite part – plating up this gorgeous ham! You’ll want sides that complement that sweet-savory goodness without stealing the show. My go-to? Creamy mashed potatoes (that glaze makes an incredible gravy substitute, by the way) and roasted honey-glazed carrots – they echo the ham’s flavors perfectly. For holidays, I add fluffy biscuits and green bean casserole. Weeknight dinner? Simple buttered noodles and steamed broccoli do the trick. Honestly, this ham shines with anything, even just a slice of crusty bread to soak up those amazing juices!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the beautiful thing about this ham – it stays just as delicious days later! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For reheating, I’ve got two foolproof methods: microwave slices with a splash of water (cover with a damp paper towel) for quick lunches, or wrap larger portions in foil and warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes. Pro tip: drizzle a little reserved glaze over before reheating – it brings back that fresh-from-the-crockpot magic!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating – each 100g slice of this glorious ham packs about 250 calories, with 18g protein to keep you full. Now, full disclosure: these numbers can wiggle a bit depending on your exact ham brand and how much glaze soaks in. But hey, when something tastes this good, who’s counting? See how simple ingredients can still provide great flavor!
FAQs About Crockpot Ham Recipes Precooked
Q1. Can I use spiral ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Spiral-cut ham works beautifully – just make sure to work that glaze between all those pretty slices. The only difference is it might cook a tad faster since the heat penetrates more easily, so check it at the 4-hour mark.
Q2. My ham is smaller/larger than recommended – how do I adjust?
No worries! For smaller hams (3-4 lbs), cut the glaze ingredients by a third and check at 3 hours. Bigger hams (8+ lbs) might need an extra hour – just keep an eye on that internal temp hitting 140°F.
Q3. Can I make this without pineapple juice?
Sure thing! Orange juice works great, or even apple cider for a fall twist. In a real pinch, just use water with a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic that tang. Sometimes a little acidity is key!
Q4. Why does my glaze seem watery at first?
Don’t panic! The juices will thicken as they cook down. If it’s still too thin at the end, just pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce.
Q5. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
I wouldn’t recommend it – low and slow keeps the ham tender. High heat can make it rubbery. But if you’re in a rush, do 2 hours on high, checking constantly after 90 minutes. For more general cooking tips on slow cookers, check out resources on food safety guidelines.
Share Your Experience
Did you try this lazy-day ham trick? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on social – let’s swap stories and tips about our crockpot ham adventures!
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“Juicy Crockpot Ham Recipe in Just 4 Hours (Precooked)”
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and flavorful crockpot ham recipe using precooked ham. Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 precooked ham (5–7 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Place the precooked ham in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and ground cloves.
- Pour the mixture over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, basting occasionally.
- Remove the ham from the crockpot, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar and honey.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot ham, precooked ham, easy ham recipe, slow cooker ham