Juicy Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper: The Easiest Comfort Feast

Sophia

Founder of Vintage cooks

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a slow-cooked meal that practically prepares itself, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas while you go about your day. That’s exactly what I love about my Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper recipe. The sweet caramel notes from the soda perfectly complement the savory, tender ham, creating a flavor combo that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or aiming to impress guests without fuss, this recipe hits all the marks—easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Let me show you how simple it is to transform a humble ham into a succulent centerpiece with just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker.

Why choose Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper?

Effortless cooking: Simply toss ingredients in your slow cooker and forget it.
Unique flavor twist: Dr Pepper adds a sweet, caramelized depth that elevates classic ham.
Tender, juicy results: Slow cooking breaks down the meat for melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Versatile centerpiece: Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or casual gatherings alike.
Time-saving magic: Prepare ahead and come home to a ready-to-serve feast that impresses every time.

Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper Ingredients

For the Ham and Sauce

Bone-in Ham (about 5 lbs) – Choose a pre-cooked ham for easy shredding and rich flavor.
Dr Pepper (12 oz can) – The star ingredient adds a sweet, caramelized depth to your Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper.
Brown Sugar (½ cup) – Helps create a sticky, sweet glaze that perfectly balances the savory ham.
Honey (¼ cup) – Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze form a beautiful crust.
Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp) – Adds a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness for a well-rounded sauce.
Ground Cloves (½ tsp) – Gives a warm, aromatic note hinting at holiday flavors.

For Optional Garnishes and Serving

Fresh Thyme or Rosemary Sprigs – Use for an herbal aroma that complements the ham’s richness.
Pineapple Rings or Cherries – Classic festive additions that add color and a fruity touch.

How to Make Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper

Prepare the Ham: Remove netting and excess fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern, then place your bone-in ham flat side down in the Crock Pot to ensure even cooking.
Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk Dr Pepper, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until smooth, creating a glossy, amber sauce ready for pouring over the ham.
Add the Sauce: Carefully pour the glaze over your ham, using a spoon to help the sauce fill the scored crevices, ensuring every nook is coated for maximum flavor.
Cook Low & Slow: Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the ham reaches 140°F internally and emits a mouthwatering aroma that hints at caramelized edges.
Baste Periodically: Every 2 hours, lift the lid gently and spoon some cooking juices over the top to help create that signature sticky, deep caramel glaze on your ham.
Optional Broil Finish: For extra color and crisp edges, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with reserved glaze, then broil 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme before slicing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper

Choose the Right Ham: Select a bone-in, pre-cooked ham around 5 lbs for juicy, tender results and easier shredding.
Score for Flavor: Scoring the ham’s surface allows the Dr Pepper glaze to seep deep, enhancing every bite with caramelized sweetness.
Low and Slow Cooking: Keep the crock pot on low to gently break down the meat fibers, avoiding dry, tough ham.
Baste Often: Spoon the cooking juices over the ham every couple of hours to build a rich, sticky glaze and maintain moisture.
Final Broil for Texture: Don’t skip the broil step if you want that irresistible crisp and caramelized edges—watch it closely to prevent burning.
Balance Sweet and Tangy: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard ensures your Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper stays flavorful without being overly sweet.

How to Store and Freeze Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper

Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the delicious glaze separately to drizzle later if desired.

Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then put in a freezer bag. This way, your Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper stays fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, basting occasionally with glaze.

Serving Suggestion: For best flavor, serve immediately after reheating, perhaps with your favorite sides for a hearty meal experience.

Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper Variations

Feel free to get creative with this delightful ham recipe, enhancing it with your favorite flavors!

Maple Twist: Replace honey with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the ham.
This subtle flavor shift brings a warm, cozy note that enhances the overall dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a zesty heat.
This will elevate the flavors, giving your ham an exciting punch that surprises the palate.
Pineapple Glaze: Incorporate crushed pineapple into the sauce for a fruity twist that blends sweet and savory.
The caramelized edges give a nostalgic nod to classic ham dishes while keeping it fresh and delicious.
Apple Cider Version: Swap Dr Pepper for apple cider for an autumn-inspired flavor profile.
This substitution yields a tangy, fruity glaze that complements the ham beautifully.
Brown Sugar Alternative: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier, lower-glycemic glaze.
You can maintain the caramel flavor with a modern twist that’s just as satisfying.
Herbed Infusion: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for aromatic depth.
This addition enhances the savory quality of the ham and brings a delightful fragrance to your kitchen.
Citrus Zing: Add orange or lemon juice to the glaze for a bright, zesty complement to the sweetness.
This option balances flavors while giving your dish a refreshing twist that brightens each bite.
Slow Cooker Veggies: Toss in carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal full of comforting flavors.
These veggies soak up the delicious juices, making them a perfect addition that rounds out the dish.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper?

Creating a delightful meal is all about harmony, and these pairings will perfectly complement your flavorful ham.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes provides a comforting base that soaks up the sweet glaze beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispy edges balance the sweetness, adding a burst of green to your plate.
Honey Glazed Carrots: These provide a colorful crunch and echo the sweet notes of the ham, making for a vibrant side dish.
Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw introduces a refreshing contrast, enhancing the savory richness of the ham.
Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread works as the perfect tool for mopping up the delicious glaze.
Apple Sauce: A classic pairing that offers a delightful tartness, cutting through the savory flavors and providing a light finish.
Dinner Rolls: Warm, fluffy rolls are perfect for sopping up the savory juices from the ham, making every bite a symphony of flavors.
Sparkling Cider: A chilled glass of sparkling cider adds a fizzy, refreshing note to your meal, making it feel festive and celebratory.
Chocolate Cake: For dessert, a moist chocolate cake pairs well with the meal’s sweetness, rounding off your feast on a decadent note.

Make Ahead Options

These Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper preparations are a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can prep the ham and glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Simply score the ham and mix the glaze ingredients (Dr Pepper, brown sugar, honey, mustard, and cloves) together, then refrigerate them separately in airtight containers. This ensures the ham remains juicy and flavorful while avoiding any browning. When you’re ready to cook, just place the ham in the Crock Pot, pour the chilled glaze over it, and follow the cooking instructions. With these make-ahead options, you’ll effortlessly serve a delicious, tender ham that’s just as delightful as if it had been cooked on the spot!

Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the perfect ham for this Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper recipe?
I recommend using a pre-cooked, bone-in ham around 5 pounds. Look for one with a nice pink color and even marbling. Avoid hams with dark spots all over or any unusual odor. A bone-in ham retains juiciness and flavor better during slow cooking.

Can I store leftover Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper safely, and for how long?
Absolutely! Place any leftover ham slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the glaze separate in a small jar to maintain its sticky goodness. This way, you can reheat and drizzle the sauce fresh without it getting soggy.

Is it possible to freeze Crock Pot Ham with Dr Pepper, and how should I do it for best results?
Very! To freeze, wrap your cooled ham tightly in plastic wrap, then place it inside a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently at 350°F (175°C), basting occasionally with any reserved glaze to rejuvenate that luscious flavor.

What if my ham turns out a bit dry after slow cooking?
Don’t worry—it happens sometimes! To rescue dry ham, slice it thinner and warm it in a shallow pan with a little extra Dr Pepper glaze or broth. Cover and heat gently on low to allow moisture to soak in. Basting frequently during cooking also helps retain juiciness, so try to spoon the juices over your ham every couple of hours next time.

Are there any dietary concerns I should keep in mind for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is delicious for most people but not suitable for pets—especially dogs and cats, as ham and high sugar sodas can upset their digestion and be harmful. Also, if you’re watching sodium intake, be aware that pre-cooked ham is often quite salty, so you might want to rinse it briefly before cooking or choose a low-sodium variant. Those with honey sensitivities can substitute maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.