Crockpot Ham and Potatoes

A crockpot turns a simple ham and potato combo into a melt-in-your-mouth dinner with barely any effort. The meat stays juicy, the potatoes soak up the savory broth, and everything comes together in one pot.

Servings: 6 servings

Set-and-Forget Comfort

Just toss ham, potatoes, onion, and a few aromatics into the slow cooker, let it simmer all day, and you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal ready for dinner. No stovetop fuss, no constant checking—just pure, comforting flavor from start to finish.

The Secret to Ultra-Tender Ham

The trick is to use a low-sodium chicken broth mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of brown sugar. The vinegar gently breaks down the ham’s fibers while the sugar balances the salt, ensuring the meat stays moist and the sauce stays glossy without becoming overly salty.

Ingredients for Crockpot Ham and Potatoes

• 2 pounds smoked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the crockpot)

How to Make It: Crockpot Ham and Potatoes

1. Grease the inside of the crockpot with olive oil.
2. Layer the potatoes, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the pot.
3. Add the cubed ham on top of the vegetables.
4. In a small bowl whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, and pepper; pour over the meat and veggies.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the ham is fork-tender and potatoes are soft.
6. Stir gently before serving to coat everything in the glossy sauce.

Quick Tips for Success

Use baby potatoes so they cook evenly with the ham; larger potatoes may need to be cut smaller. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Adjust salt by adding a pinch of soy sauce if the ham is very low-sodium.

Serving Ideas

Serve the ham and potatoes straight from the crockpot with a simple green salad or steamed green beans. A crusty roll or buttery biscuits make a perfect side to mop up the flavorful broth.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh ham instead of smoked?

Yes, but add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to keep the smoky flavor.

What if I don’t have baby potatoes?

Cut regular potatoes into 1-inch cubes so they cook at the same rate.

Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

Set the pressure cooker to high for 25 minutes, then quick-release; the ham will still be tender.