Cooking a Small Ham in the Slow Cooker: A Deliciously Easy Guide

Cooking a small ham in the slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. This method is perfect for busy people who want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal, or for those who want to impress their guests with a mouth-watering dish. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking a small ham in the slow cooker, including the benefits, preparation, and cooking times.

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The Benefits of Cooking a Small Ham in the Slow Cooker

Cooking a small ham in the slow cooker offers several benefits, including:

Convenience: The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks.
Tender meat: The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy ham.
Easy to serve: The slow cooker keeps the ham warm for a long time, making it easy to serve to your guests.
Less mess: The slow cooker contains the mess, making cleanup a breeze.

Choosing the Right Ham

When it comes to choosing a small ham for the slow cooker, there are several options to consider. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Size: Look for a ham that is 2-4 pounds in size. This size is perfect for the slow cooker and will feed 4-6 people.
Type: You can choose from a variety of ham types, including bone-in, boneless, smoked, and cured.
Glaze: Consider a ham with a glaze or rub already applied. This will add flavor to your ham without requiring extra effort.

Popular Ham Options for the Slow Cooker

Here are a few popular ham options that are perfect for the slow cooker:

Black Forest Ham: A smoked ham with a sweet and savory flavor.
Honey Glazed Ham: A sweet and sticky ham with a honey glaze.
Brown Sugar Ham: A ham with a brown sugar rub that adds a rich and caramel-like flavor.

Preparing the Ham for the Slow Cooker

Before cooking the ham in the slow cooker, you will need to prepare it. Here are the steps to follow:

Trim excess fat: Trim any excess fat from the ham to prevent it from becoming too greasy.
Score the fat: Score the fat on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
Apply a glaze or rub: If your ham doesn’t come with a glaze or rub, apply one to the surface of the ham. You can use a store-bought glaze or make your own using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, and mustard.

Cooking the Ham in the Slow Cooker

Now that your ham is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Here are the steps to follow:

Place the ham in the slow cooker: Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
Add liquid: Add 1-2 cups of liquid to the slow cooker, such as pineapple juice, cola, or chicken broth.
Cook on low: Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Baste the ham: Baste the ham with the juices every hour to keep it moist and promote even cooking.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Here are some general cooking times and temperatures for cooking a small ham in the slow cooker:

Glazing the Ham

A glaze can add a rich and caramel-like flavor to your ham. Here are a few glaze options you can try:

Brown sugar glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
Honey glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
Pineapple glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.

Applying the Glaze

To apply the glaze, follow these steps:

Brush the glaze: Brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Baste the ham: Baste the ham with the juices every 10 minutes to keep it moist and promote even cooking.

Serving the Ham

Once the ham is cooked, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few serving options:

Slice and serve: Slice the ham thinly and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.
Serve with a sauce: Serve the ham with a sauce, such as a honey mustard sauce or a pineapple sauce.
Use in sandwiches: Use the ham in sandwiches, such as a ham and cheese sandwich or a ham and pineapple sandwich.

Popular Side Dishes

Here are a few popular side dishes that go well with ham:

Mashed potatoes: A classic side dish that pairs well with ham.
Green beans: A simple and delicious side dish that can be steamed or roasted.
Rolls: A warm and fluffy roll is the perfect accompaniment to ham.

Conclusion

Cooking a small ham in the slow cooker is a deliciously easy way to prepare a tender and juicy meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a convenient meal solution or a special occasion dish, cooking a small ham in the slow cooker is a great option.

What size slow cooker is best for cooking a small ham?

A small to medium-sized slow cooker is ideal for cooking a small ham. A 2-4 quart slow cooker is a good size, as it allows for even cooking and prevents the ham from getting too crowded. This size slow cooker also helps to distribute the heat evenly, ensuring that the ham is cooked consistently throughout.

When choosing a slow cooker, consider the size of the ham you plan to cook. A small ham typically weighs between 2-4 pounds, so a slow cooker with a capacity of 2-4 quarts should be sufficient. If you have a larger slow cooker, you can still use it, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

How long does it take to cook a small ham in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for a small ham in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the ham and the temperature setting. Generally, a small ham can be cooked on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. It’s essential to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.

To ensure the ham is cooked evenly, you can baste it with the juices every hour or so. This will help to keep the ham moist and add flavor. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What is the best way to glaze a small ham in a slow cooker?

Glazing a small ham in a slow cooker is easy and adds a sweet and sticky flavor to the ham. To glaze the ham, mix together your desired glaze ingredients, such as brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

You can also add the glaze to the slow cooker with the ham and cook on low for the remaining 30 minutes. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and stick to the ham. If you prefer a crispy glaze, you can broil the ham for an additional 5-10 minutes after cooking. Keep an eye on the ham to prevent burning.

Can I cook a small ham in a slow cooker with the bone in?

Yes, you can cook a small ham in a slow cooker with the bone in. In fact, cooking a ham with the bone in can add more flavor to the ham. To cook a bone-in ham, place the ham in the slow cooker and add your desired seasonings and glaze. Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

When cooking a bone-in ham, make sure to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

How do I keep a small ham moist in a slow cooker?

To keep a small ham moist in a slow cooker, make sure to add enough liquid to the slow cooker. You can use a combination of juices, such as pineapple juice, orange juice, or cola, and add some brown sugar and spices. You can also add some fat, such as butter or oil, to the slow cooker to keep the ham moist.

Another way to keep the ham moist is to baste it with the juices every hour or so. This will help to keep the ham moist and add flavor. You can also cover the slow cooker with a lid to trap the moisture and heat. By following these tips, you can ensure a deliciously moist and flavorful ham.

Can I cook a small ham in a slow cooker ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook a small ham in a slow cooker ahead of time. In fact, cooking a ham ahead of time can make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to meld together. To cook a ham ahead of time, cook the ham in the slow cooker as directed, then let it cool completely.

Once the ham is cooled, you can refrigerate it or freeze it for later use. To reheat the ham, place it in the slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours or until heated through. You can also reheat the ham in the oven or on the stovetop. By cooking the ham ahead of time, you can save time and effort when it’s time to serve.

What are some popular glaze ingredients for a small ham in a slow cooker?

There are many popular glaze ingredients for a small ham in a slow cooker. Some common ingredients include brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices, such as cloves and cinnamon. You can also use fruit juices, such as pineapple or orange, to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham.

Other popular glaze ingredients include maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. You can mix and match these ingredients to create a unique and delicious glaze for your ham. When choosing glaze ingredients, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve and the ingredients you have on hand.