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Crockpot Pulled Ham (Tender, Sweet & Savory)

ByFoodarshia

You know that feeling when you want something delicious but absolutely refuse to stand over a stove? That’s where this Crockpot Pulled Ham comes in. It’s sweet, savory, melt-in-your-mouth tender—and the slow cooker does all the work while you live your best lazy life.

Whether it’s for sandwiches, sliders, or just fork-to-mouth action (no judgment), this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe is ridiculously easy—like, “toss it in the pot and forget it” easy. The ham slow-cooks in a mix of brown sugar, pineapple, and a hint of mustard until it basically falls apart at the touch of a fork. It’s the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and smoky—aka flavor harmony.

And the best part? It’s versatile. Throw it in sandwiches, serve it over rice, or just eat it straight out of the crockpot while pretending to “taste test.” This one’s idiot-proof, comforting, and perfect for both family dinners and sneaky midnight snacks.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American Comfort
Difficulty: Easy (your slow cooker does all the work)
Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6–8 hours
Calories: Around 400 per serving
Total time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 fully cooked ham (about 3–4 lbs) – spiral, boneless, or even leftover holiday ham works.
  • 1 cup brown sugar – the sweet secret weapon.
  • 1 cup pineapple juice – makes it tender and tropical.
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard – adds just enough zing.
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – because balance matters.
  • 2 tbsp honey – for a glossy finish (and because why not?).
  • ½ tsp black pepper – a subtle kick.
  • ½ tsp garlic powder – because garlic is never optional.
  • Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep your ham. If it’s spiral-cut, great—it’ll soak up more flavor. If it’s whole, score the top in crisscross patterns so that sweet glaze gets in every crevice.
  2. Mix your magic potion. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, vinegar, honey, and seasonings until smooth.
  3. Get that crockpot ready. Place the ham inside and pour your mixture all over it. Make sure every inch gets that sweet love.
  4. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Your kitchen will start smelling like heaven after hour two.
  5. Shred it up. Once the ham is tender enough to pull apart with a fork, transfer it to a board and shred it. Skim excess fat from the liquid if needed.
  6. Mix it back. Toss the shredded ham back into the crockpot juices and let it soak for another 10–15 minutes on warm. Flavor infusion = complete.
  7. Serve & devour. Pile it on buns, serve over rice, or enjoy straight from the pot like a responsible adult.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using raw ham. This recipe is meant for cooked ham—using raw will throw off timing and texture.
  • Overcooking. Yes, it’s slow cooking, but 12 hours is overkill unless you like ham mush.
  • Skipping the glaze. That sweet-savory mix makes the dish. Don’t skip it unless you’re actively trying to ruin your dinner.
  • Not tasting as you go. Every ham’s different. Adjust sweetness or acidity mid-way if needed.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • No pineapple juice? Use orange juice or apple cider. Still tangy, still fabulous.
  • No honey? Maple syrup or brown sugar does the trick.
  • Want it smoky? Add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
  • Spicy mood? A squirt of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes transforms it.
  • Feeling fancy? Stir in a splash of bourbon or cola for a deeper flavor. Trust me—it’s worth it.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use leftover ham?
Absolutely! Just cut it into chunks and reduce the cooking time to about 2–3 hours. Still tender, still delish.

Can I make it in the oven instead?
Sure! Bake covered at 300°F for about 3 hours. It won’t be exactly the same, but close enough.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Store in freezer bags with some of the juices for up to 2 months. It reheats beautifully.

Can I add BBQ sauce?
Heck yes. Add it during the last hour for a tangy-sweet twist. Great for pulled ham sandwiches.

What’s the best way to serve it?
On Hawaiian rolls, over mashed potatoes, in tacos, or even on pizza (don’t knock it till you try it).

Do I need to trim the fat?
A little fat = flavor. Trim the thick stuff, but leave some on for juicy results.

Can I double the recipe?
Yep! Just use a bigger crockpot—or two. The more ham, the merrier.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Pulled Ham is the definition of easy comfort food. It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and smells like pure happiness. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just flexing your slow cooker skills, this recipe’s a total winner.

So go ahead—dump, cook, shred, and devour. Minimal effort, maximum flavor. The kind of meal that makes people think you tried when, really, your crockpot did all the heavy lifting. 😉

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