Crockpot pulled ham has become my absolute go-to for stress-free entertaining and delicious weeknight meals. I remember the first time I made this slow cooker pulled ham recipe for a family gathering; the aroma of sweet and smoky glaze filling the house was incredible, and everyone raved about how tender and flavorful it was. It’s amazing how a humble ham roast can transform into something so melt-in-your-mouth delicious with just a few simple ingredients and the magic of slow cooking. This easy crockpot pulled ham is truly a game-changer, perfect for game days or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pulled Ham

This pulled ham in a crockpot is a weeknight dinner hero and a party starter all rolled into one. You’ll love how incredibly easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for busy schedules. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a tender, juicy ham that practically melts in your mouth. It’s fantastic for meal prep, giving you delicious leftovers ready to go. Plus, the sweet, tangy, and smoky glaze is absolutely irresistible, making it the best crockpot pulled ham for sandwiches or any meal.

Incredibly easy to make with minimal prep time
Produces wonderfully tender and juicy pulled ham
Perfect for stress-free entertaining and family gatherings
Ideal for meal prep – make ahead and enjoy later
The sweet and smoky glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, or serving as a main dish
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
The ultimate slow cooker ham for sandwiches

Ingredients for Crockpot Pulled Ham

Gathering the ingredients for this slow cooker pulled ham recipe is the first step to pure deliciousness. You’ll start with a substantial 6 to 8 pound bone-in ham (not spiral sliced); the bone adds incredible flavor and helps keep the meat moist. A couple of tablespoons of mustard add a subtle tang that cuts through the richness. For that essential smoky depth, we use 2 teaspoons liquid smoke – just a little goes a long way in creating that authentic BBQ flavor. The glaze is where the magic happens: a half cup each of bbq sauce, apricot preserves for sweetness, and brown sugar for caramelization. Finally, a cup of cola helps tenderize the meat and adds a unique sweetness. This combination ensures your pulled ham in a crockpot will be incredibly flavorful.

Crockpot Pulled Ham: 6 Delicious Ways - Crockpot Pulled Ham - main visual representation

How to Make Crockpot Pulled Ham

Making this pulled ham recipe slow cooker style is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. It’s perfect for busy days because the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. Just a few minutes of prep and you’ll have a melt-in-your-mouth ham ready for dinner. Follow these simple steps to achieve the best crockpot pulled ham.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Start by placing your 6 to 8 pound bone-in ham directly into the basin of your slow cooker. Make sure it fits comfortably. There’s no need to trim excess fat; it will baste the meat as it cooks, adding flavor and moisture to your pulled ham in a crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mustard, liquid smoke, bbq sauce, apricot preserves, brown sugar, and cola. Keep whisking until all the ingredients are combined into a smooth, luscious glaze. This mixture is what gives our slow cooker ham roast pulled its incredible sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Ham

Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid, ensuring a tight seal. Cook on the low setting for 6–8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the ham is incredibly fork-tender and the meat is easily pulled away from the bone—a true sign of tender crockpot pulled ham recipe success.

Step 4: Shred and Serve

Once the ham is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the ham until it pulls apart into delicious strands. Toss the shredded ham with the flavorful sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Serve this easy crockpot pulled ham warm, piled high on buns for the ultimate sandwich experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Pulled Ham

Achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture for your pulled ham in a crockpot is all about a few key techniques. These tips will elevate your slow cooker ham experience from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Always start with a bone-in ham (not spiral sliced) for superior moisture and flavor.
Don’t be tempted to rush the cooking process; low and slow is the magic formula.
Taste and adjust the glaze before pouring it over the ham to ensure your desired sweetness and tang.
Allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes after shredding before serving to let the juices redistribute.

What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Pulled Ham?

The real secret to a perfect tender crockpot pulled ham recipe lies in two things: using a bone-in ham and not rushing the cooking time. The bone infuses the meat with flavor, and slow cooking on low allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in that incredible shreddable texture. For more on slow cooking techniques, check out this guide to slow cooking.

Can I make Crockpot Pulled Ham ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy crockpot pulled ham is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on warm.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Pulled Ham?

The most common mistake is using a spiral-sliced ham, which tends to dry out. Another pitfall is overcooking, which can make the meat mushy rather than perfectly shreddable. Finally, ensure your glaze ingredients are well-balanced before adding them to the ham.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Pulled Ham

Once you’ve made this delicious pulled ham sandwich crockpot delight, the serving possibilities are endless! The most classic way is piled high on soft slider buns or toasted brioche rolls, creating the ultimate slow cooker ham for sandwiches. I love adding a crisp coleslaw and some pickles for that perfect sweet, savory, and tangy bite. You can also use this tender shredded ham to top baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Don’t forget about using it in tacos or quesadillas for a fun twist on Taco Tuesday! This versatile crockpot pulled ham recipe truly shines in so many dishes. For more ideas on delicious pairings, explore these food pairing suggestions.

Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Pulled Ham

Figuring out the exact nutritional breakdown for this amazing pulled ham in a crockpot can vary a bit since hams and BBQ sauces differ. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (which is about 1/6th of the ham):

Calories: Varies based on ham size and glaze ingredients
Fat: Varies based on ham
Saturated Fat: Varies based on ham
Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on ham
Trans Fat: Varies based on ham
Protein: High
Carbohydrates: Varies based on glaze ingredients
Fiber: Low
Sugar: Varies based on glaze ingredients
Sodium: Varies based on ham and BBQ sauce
Cholesterol: Varies based on ham

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on ham nutrition, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Pulled Ham

This crockpot pulled ham for meal prep is a lifesaver, and storing it properly ensures you can enjoy it for days to come. Once your delicious shredded ham has cooled down a bit, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, this pulled ham recipe slow cooker freezes beautifully. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and it can stay frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating is just as easy! For refrigerated ham, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or even some extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through. Frozen crockpot pulled ham should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of these methods. It’s the best way to ensure your leftover ham is just as tender and flavorful as when it was freshly made. This method is also great for preparing dishes for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Pulled Ham

What’s the best type of ham for crockpot pulled ham?

For the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth crockpot ham, I always recommend using a bone-in, whole ham that isn’t spiral-sliced. Bone-in hams release more flavor and moisture during the slow cooking process, leading to a more tender and juicy result. Spiral-sliced hams, while convenient, tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker.

Can I make this crockpot pulled ham recipe with a boneless ham?

Yes, you absolutely can use a boneless ham if that’s what you have! Just be aware that boneless hams might cook a little faster, so keep an eye on it and start checking for tenderness around the 4-hour mark on low. The flavor might be slightly less intense since you’re missing out on the bone’s contribution, but it will still be a delicious easy crockpot pulled ham.

Why is my crockpot pulled ham dry?

If your pulled ham in a crockpot turned out dry, it’s likely due to using a spiral-sliced ham or overcooking it. Another reason could be not enough liquid in the slow cooker to create steam. Make sure to use a bone-in ham and cook it until it’s just fork-tender, not until it’s falling apart completely. Adding a bit more liquid like cola or broth can also help prevent dryness. For tips on preventing dry meat, consider these moisture retention tips.

How do I get the best flavor in my slow cooker pulled ham?

The key to amazing flavor in this slow cooker ham roast pulled is the glaze! Don’t skip any of the ingredients – the combination of BBQ sauce, apricot preserves, brown sugar, mustard, and cola creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. For an extra flavor boost, you can also rub the ham with some smoked paprika or garlic powder before adding the glaze.

Variations of Crockpot Pulled Ham You Can Try

While this classic crockpot pulled ham recipe is already a winner, there are so many fun ways to switch it up! If you’re looking for a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a zesty twist. For a lighter option, consider a more vinegar-based BBQ sauce or a fruitier glaze using peach preserves instead of apricot; this offers a delightful sweet and tangy profile perfect for a lighter take on slow cooker pulled ham. You can also adapt this for different cooking methods; while the crockpot is ideal, a Dutch oven in the oven works too, although it requires more attention. For a truly unique flavor, experiment with adding a splash of pineapple juice to the glaze for a tropical Hawaiian-inspired pulled ham.