This keto slow cooker ham recipe makes a juicy, flavourful ham with very little preparation. Use a fully cooked ham, discard the sugary glaze packet and warm it gently with one of the four low-carb glazes below. Choose from classic brown-sugar-style, maple mustard, garlic herb or spicy orange ham.
Is Slow Cooker Ham Keto-Friendly?
Plain ham is naturally low in carbohydrates, but packaged varieties may contain sugar, honey, syrup or sweetened curing ingredients.
Check both the nutrition label and ingredient list. Choose a fully cooked, unglazed ham with the lowest practical carbohydrate count, and calculate the final nutrition using the exact brand purchased.
This article is designed for reheating fully cooked ham. Fresh ham or uncooked gammon requires a different cooking method.
Which Ham Is Best for Slow Cooking?
A 5–7 pound or 2.3–3.2 kilogram spiral-sliced ham works well in a 6–8 quart slow cooker.
Bone-in ham provides a traditional presentation, while boneless ham is easier to fit and carve. Whichever type you choose, the lid must close completely without pressing against the meat.
Place the ham cut side down. This keeps the exposed slices closer to the cooking liquid and helps prevent them from drying out.
How Long Should You Cook Ham in a Slow Cooker?
Cook fully cooked ham on LOW for approximately 3–4½ hours. Begin checking its internal temperature after three hours.
Cooking time varies according to the ham’s size, shape, starting temperature and slow-cooker model. Use a thermometer rather than relying only on time.
USDA guidance says fully cooked ham packaged in a USDA-inspected plant should be reheated to 140°F or 60°C. Other previously cooked hams should reach 165°F or 74°C. Follow the product’s instructions when they are more specific.
How Do You Keep Slow Cooker Ham Juicy?
Cook the ham on LOW, add only a small amount of liquid and stop heating it once the centre reaches the required temperature.
Avoid repeatedly opening the lid. Spiral-cut slices can dry out faster than an unsliced ham, so start checking earlier than you think necessary.
A slow cooker keeps meat moist, but it cannot produce a crisp glaze. For a glossy finish, apply the reserved glaze after heating and broil the ham for 2–4 minutes. Applying the final glaze near the end also reduces the risk of burning it.
Recipe Card 1: Classic Keto Slow Cooker Ham
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 3–4½ hours
Servings: Approximately 12
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham, 5–7 pounds
- ¼ cup water or unsalted chicken stock
- ⅓ cup brown allulose or brown monk-fruit sweetener
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Remove all packaging and discard the supplied glaze packet.
- Whisk together the sweetener, mustard, butter, vinegar and seasonings.
- Pour the water or stock into the slow cooker.
- Place the ham cut side down.
- Brush two-thirds of the glaze over the ham and between several slices.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4½ hours.
- Begin checking the centre with a thermometer after three hours.
- Transfer the ham to a foil-lined tray and add the remaining glaze.
- Broil for 2–4 minutes, watching continuously.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Final Tips
Do not submerge the ham in liquid. Use temperature rather than colour to determine when it is ready. Watch it closely under the broiler because keto sweeteners can darken quickly.
Recipe Card 2: Keto Maple Mustard Ham
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 3–4½ hours
Servings: Approximately 12
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham, 5–7 pounds
- ¼ cup unsalted chicken stock
- ⅓ cup sugar-free maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the ham cut side down over the chicken stock.
- Mix the maple syrup, mustard, butter, vinegar, paprika and pepper.
- Brush two-thirds of the glaze over the ham.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4½ hours.
- Check the internal temperature after three hours.
- Brush with the remaining glaze and broil briefly if desired.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Final Tips
Choose maple syrup clearly labelled sugar-free and check its carbohydrate content. Smoked paprika adds depth without making the glaze excessively spicy.
Recipe Card 3: Garlic Herb Keto Ham
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 3–4½ hours
Servings: Approximately 12
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham, 5–7 pounds
- ⅓ cup unsalted chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pour the stock into the slow cooker.
- Place the ham inside with its cut side facing downward.
- Combine the butter, mustard, garlic, thyme, rosemary and pepper.
- Brush the mixture over the ham and between several slices.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4½ hours.
- Check the centre with a thermometer after three hours.
- Rest for 10 minutes, spoon over a little cooking juice and add parsley.
Final Tips
This savoury version contains no added sweetener. Use unsalted stock because cured ham may already contain considerable salt. Avoid adding extra salt before tasting.
Recipe Card 4: Spicy Orange Keto Ham
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 3–4½ hours
Servings: Approximately 12
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham, 5–7 pounds
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup brown keto sweetener
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Place the ham cut side down over the water.
- Whisk the remaining ingredients into a thick glaze.
- Brush two-thirds of the glaze over the ham.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4½ hours.
- Begin checking the temperature after three hours.
- Brush on the remaining glaze.
- Broil for 2–4 minutes and rest before serving.
Final Tips
Use orange zest instead of orange juice for citrus flavour with fewer carbohydrates. Reduce or omit the cayenne when serving children or guests who prefer mild food.
Which Keto Ham Recipe Should You Make?
Choose the classic glaze for a traditional holiday ham.
Make the maple mustard version when you prefer a sweeter flavour. Choose garlic herb ham for a savoury recipe without sweetener, or prepare the spicy orange version for a combination of heat, citrus and warm spices.
What Can You Serve With Keto Ham?
Serve keto slow cooker ham with:
- Cauliflower mash
- Garlic butter green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Creamed spinach
- Buttered cabbage
- Cauliflower cheese
- Broccoli casserole
- Sugar-free coleslaw
For a balanced meal, combine one creamy side with one roasted or steamed green vegetable.
Why Is My Ham Glaze Watery?
Slow cookers trap steam, and ham releases additional liquid while heating. This prevents the glaze from thickening properly inside the cooker.
Transfer some cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer it until reduced. Alternatively, brush reserved glaze over the finished ham and place it under the broiler for a few minutes.
Do not add large amounts of water, stock or sugar-free soda. About ¼ cup of liquid is normally sufficient.
How Should You Store and Reheat Ham?
Place leftover ham in shallow, covered containers and refrigerate it within two hours. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.
Reheat leftover ham to 165°F or 74°C. USDA guidance advises against reheating cold leftovers in a slow cooker because the food may warm too slowly.
Reheat individual portions in a covered skillet, microwave or low oven with a spoonful of water or cooking juice.
Use leftovers in:
- Ham and cauliflower soup
- Crustless ham quiche
- Ham and cheese egg muffins
- Ham and cabbage skillet
- Broccoli and ham casserole
- Cauliflower fried rice
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to add liquid to slow cooker ham?
Add only ¼–⅓ cup. Ham releases moisture as it warms, while the covered slow cooker traps steam.
Can you cook the ham on HIGH?
LOW provides better temperature control and reduces the chance of dry spiral slices. Use HIGH only when necessary and begin checking much earlier.
Can you use boneless ham?
Yes. Boneless ham is easier to fit and carve, although its compact shape may affect the heating time.
Can you put frozen ham in a slow cooker?
No. Thaw the ham completely in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker.
Is honey-baked ham keto-friendly?
Traditional honey glaze contains sugar. Check the product’s nutrition label and ingredients before deciding whether it fits your carbohydrate limit.
Why did my slow cooker ham become dry?
The ham was probably heated for too long. Start checking its internal temperature after three hours and remove it when it reaches the appropriate temperature.
Humera is the recipe creator behind Keto Slow Cooker Recipes. She focuses on simple, practical keto and low-carb slow cooker meals made with everyday ingredients. Her recipes are designed to help home cooks prepare satisfying meals with straightforward instructions and less hands-on cooking.