Can I prepare Crockpot Thanksgiving Ham the day before serving?

Yes, prepare the glaze and coat the ham up to 24 hours ahead, then keep it covered in the refrigerator. Start cooking from chilled and allow about 30 extra minutes before checking the 140°F internal temperature.

How long does leftover Crockpot Thanksgiving Ham stay fresh?

Store sliced ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, wrap portions tightly and keep them frozen for up to 2 months before texture starts changing.

Can I use a different ham size for this recipe?

Yes, smaller hams work well but need less time. A 5 pound ham may reach 140°F in about 2.5 to 3 hours while a larger ham may need closer to 4 hours.

Why is my ham glaze too thin after slow cooking?

The glaze may need more reduction because the ham releases moisture during cooking. Pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it lightly coats a spoon.

What is the best way to reheat leftover ham slices?

Place slices in a covered baking dish with 2 tablespoons of reserved glaze and warm at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps the meat moist instead of drying the edges.

Crockpot Thanksgiving Ham

Description

This easy Crockpot Thanksgiving Ham recipe is one of the best ideas for a quick and simple holiday meal. The secret is a slow glaze that creates a glossy finish with a sweet smoky smell and tender texture. This healthy option works for a holiday gathering, potluck, party or weeknight dinner. It is a simple recipe with the best flavor, and the ham stays juicy while the glaze thickens around every slice. Search focus: thanksgiving ham recipes crockpot.

Ingredients

Scale

8 pounds bone-in spiral-cut ham
1/2 cup honey
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Place the 8 pound bone-in spiral-cut ham into the slow cooker and cover it with honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and black pepper. Use a silicone brush to spread the glaze between the slices for 10 minutes at room temperature before cooking. (I tested a thicker glaze first and it pooled instead of reaching the spiral cuts.) Then cook the glazed ham at low heat around 200°F for 3 to 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Rotate the ham halfway through and spoon the juices over the top using a gentle sweeping motion. You’ll see the surface turn shiny and smell the warm honey spice aroma. Miss this timing and the outer slices can dry out before the center warms. Low heat keeps the ham tender while the glaze absorbs into the cuts.
Lift the spiral slices slightly and baste the ham with the collected glaze every 45 minutes during the 3 to 4 hour low heat cooking window. Use a spoon to drizzle the liquid over the ridges and gently press the slices back together. Meanwhile, watch for a darker amber surface and a sticky glaze texture that clings instead of running. The ham should release a sweet roasted smell and the edges should look slightly caramelized. Skip the basting window and the outside won’t develop the same glossy coating. The repeated glazing builds flavor because sugars slowly concentrate around the spiral cuts.
Transfer the glazed ham to a serving board and rest it for 15 minutes at room temperature before slicing. Use a sharp carving knife to follow the spiral cuts with slow downward strokes. Keep the slices uneven and natural because homemade carving gives better texture. You’ll notice the glaze stays shiny and the inside remains moist with a tender pink center. The surface should feel tacky while the juices settle. Cutting too early makes the slices lose moisture onto the board. Rest 15 minutes before slicing, gives juices time to redistribute so every piece stays tender.
Step 4

Notes

Pro Tips:

Choose a fully cooked spiral-cut ham between 7 and 9 pounds because the slices absorb more glaze without drying during the 3 to 4 hour slow cooking period.
Warm the glaze ingredients for 3 minutes before adding them if your kitchen is cold because a smoother glaze coats the ham slices more evenly.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker with enough space around the ham so heat circulates properly and the glaze doesn’t spill over the edge.
Don’t skip the 15 minute resting time after cooking because the juices settle back into the slices and prevent a dry texture.
Add fresh rosemary during the final 10 minutes of resting for a stronger holiday aroma without overpowering the honey glaze.
Save leftover glaze and simmer it for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then spoon it over reheated slices for extra moisture.

Storage: Keep leftover Crockpot Thanksgiving Ham in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze sliced portions by wrapping them tightly in freezer paper and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Label the package with the date so you can track freshness easily. Reheat slices at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes with 2 tablespoons of glaze added back into the dish. Check for sour smells, slimy texture, or unusual color changes before eating because those signs mean the ham has spoiled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1073g
Calories: 850
Sugar: 103g
Sodium: 8981mg
Fat: 47g
Carbohydrates: 107g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 583mg