Step 1: PREPARE THE HAM

1. Choose the Right Ham: When selecting your ham, you’ll want to look for a bone-in ham, as it provides more flavor and moisture than a boneless version. Spiral-cut hams are an excellent option if you prefer easy slicing, but a whole ham can result in a richer, juicier dish. Make sure the ham fits comfortably into your Crock Pot; you don’t want it to be too large for the slow cooker.
2. Trim the Ham (If Necessary): If your ham has a thick layer of fat, you can trim it slightly, but leave some for flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can score the fat to help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful caramelized crust.
3. Place the Ham in the Crock Pot: Set the ham in the bottom of your slow cooker, fat side up. This will allow the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks, ensuring it stays tender and juicy throughout the process.

Step 2: MAKE THE GLAZE

1. Combine the Glaze Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
2. Pour the Glaze Over the Ham: Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it covers the entire surface. If you want the glaze to penetrate even further, you can use a small knife or skewer to poke a few holes in the ham before pouring the glaze over it.
3. Reserve Some Glaze: If you want to serve extra sauce on the side, reserve a bit of the glaze before it touches the raw ham. You can heat it up separately and serve it with the ham once it’s finished cooking.

Step 3: SLOW COOK THE HAM

1. Set the Crock Pot: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your ham. A smaller ham (6-7 pounds) will take closer to 4 hours, while a larger ham (8 pounds or more) may need closer to 6 hours. The ham should be heated through, and the glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.
2. Baste the Ham: If you have time, it’s a good idea to baste the ham a few times during the cooking process. Every 1-2 hours, spoon some of the glaze over the top of the ham to keep it moist and ensure the glaze develops a nice, sticky texture.
3. Check the Temperature: To ensure the ham is fully cooked, you can check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) when measured at the thickest part of the ham. However, since the ham is already pre-cooked, you’re simply reheating it and allowing it to absorb all the flavor from the glaze.

Step 4: FINISH AND SERVE

1. Remove the Ham: Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the Crock Pot. Use tongs or two large forks to transfer it onto a serving platter.
2. Glaze the Ham: Before serving, pour some of the remaining glaze over the ham to enhance its flavor and give it a glossy finish.
3. Garnish and Slice: Garnish the ham with fresh parsley or thyme for a beautiful touch of color. Slice the ham against the grain for tender, easy-to-cut pieces. Serve it alongside your favorite sides.