The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the age-old question: how to cook the perfect ham without spending all day in the kitchen. While traditional oven-roasting is always an option, many home cooks are turning to their slow cookers as a convenient and hands-off alternative. But can you really heat a ham in a slow cooker? The answer is a resounding yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the benefits and best practices for slow-cooking a delicious and moist ham.
The Benefits of Slow-Cooking a Ham
Slow-cooking a ham offers several advantages over traditional oven-roasting. For one, it’s a much more hands-off process, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday meal while the ham cooks quietly in the background. Slow cookers are also incredibly forgiving, making it difficult to overcook or dry out your ham. And because slow cookers use low heat and moisture, they’re perfect for cooking hams that are already cured or smoked, as they won’t dry out the meat.
Choosing the Right Ham for Slow-Cooking
Not all hams are created equal, and when it comes to slow-cooking, you’ll want to choose a ham that’s specifically labeled as “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.” These hams have already been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C), making them safe to eat straight out of the package. You can also use a “cook before eating” ham, but you’ll need to cook it to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C) before serving.
Some popular types of hams that work well for slow-cooking include:
- Bone-in hams: These hams have a bone running through the center, which helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Boneless hams: These hams are easier to slice and serve, but may dry out more quickly than bone-in hams.
- Spiral-cut hams: These hams are pre-sliced and easy to serve, but may not hold their shape as well as bone-in or boneless hams.
Preparing Your Ham for Slow-Cooking
Before you can start slow-cooking your ham, you’ll need to prepare it for the slow cooker. Here are a few steps to follow:
Scoring the Fat
If your ham has a thick layer of fat on the surface, you may want to score it before slow-cooking. Scoring the fat helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the surface of the ham, and can add flavor and texture to the finished dish. To score the fat, use a sharp knife to cut a diamond pattern into the surface of the ham, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
Glazing the Ham
A glaze can add flavor and moisture to your slow-cooked ham, and can help to create a sticky, caramelized crust on the surface. To glaze your ham, mix together your favorite ingredients – such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices – and brush them onto the surface of the ham before slow-cooking.
Cooking Your Ham in a Slow Cooker
Now that your ham is prepared, it’s time to start slow-cooking. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your slow-cooked ham will depend on the size and type of ham you’re using. As a general rule, you’ll want to cook your ham on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for food safety.
Adding Liquid to the Slow Cooker
Adding liquid to the slow cooker can help to keep your ham moist and flavorful, and can add extra flavor to the finished dish. Some popular liquids for slow-cooking a ham include:
- Pineapple juice: This sweet and tangy liquid pairs perfectly with the salty flavor of the ham.
- Cola: This sweet and fizzy liquid can add a rich, caramelized flavor to the finished dish.
- Stock or broth: This savory liquid can add moisture and flavor to the ham, and can help to create a delicious gravy.
Tips and Variations for Slow-Cooking a Ham
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when slow-cooking a ham:
Using a Slow Cooker Liner
A slow cooker liner can make cleanup a breeze, and can help to prevent the ham from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker. Simply place the liner in the slow cooker before adding the ham and liquid, and discard it when you’re finished cooking.
Adding Aromatics to the Slow Cooker
Aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery can add flavor and moisture to the finished dish, and can help to create a delicious gravy. Simply chop the aromatics and add them to the slow cooker with the ham and liquid.
Conclusion
Slow-cooking a ham is a delicious and convenient way to prepare a holiday main course, and with these tips and techniques, you can create a moist and flavorful ham that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re using a bone-in or boneless ham, a spiral-cut or a traditional ham, the slow cooker is a great way to cook a ham that’s sure to please. So why not give it a try this holiday season, and see the difference that slow-cooking can make?
| Ham Type | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in Ham (5-7 pounds) | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Boneless Ham (5-7 pounds) | 4-6 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Spiral-Cut Ham (5-7 pounds) | 4-6 hours | 2-3 hours |
Note: The cooking times listed above are approximate and may vary depending on the size and type of ham you’re using. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for food safety.
What is the best type of ham to use in a slow cooker?
The best type of ham to use in a slow cooker is a bone-in ham, as it will be more tender and flavorful. You can use either a smoked or cured ham, depending on your personal preference. A smoked ham will have a more robust flavor, while a cured ham will be milder.
When selecting a ham, look for one that is labeled as “ready to eat” or “pre-cooked.” This will ensure that the ham is safe to eat and will not require any additional cooking before placing it in the slow cooker. You can also use a spiral-cut ham, which will be easier to slice and serve.
How long does it take to cook a ham in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a ham in a slow cooker will depend on the size and type of ham you are using. A general rule of thumb is to cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You can also cook the ham on low for 8-10 hours if you prefer a more tender and fall-apart texture.
It’s also important to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure that it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I add flavorings to the slow cooker with the ham?
Yes, you can add flavorings to the slow cooker with the ham to enhance the flavor and aroma. Some popular options include brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. You can also add some chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker for added flavor.
When adding flavorings, be sure to mix them with a liquid such as pineapple juice or cola to create a glaze. This will help to keep the ham moist and add flavor to the meat. You can also brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a caramelized crust.
How do I prevent the ham from drying out in the slow cooker?
To prevent the ham from drying out in the slow cooker, it’s essential to keep it moist. You can do this by adding a liquid such as pineapple juice or cola to the slow cooker, and covering the ham with foil. This will help to trap the moisture and keep the ham tender.
You can also baste the ham with the juices from the slow cooker every hour or so to keep it moist. Additionally, you can add some fat such as butter or oil to the slow cooker to help keep the ham moist and add flavor.
Can I cook a frozen ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a frozen ham in a slow cooker, but it’s essential to thaw it first. You can thaw the ham in the refrigerator or in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Once the ham is thawed, you can place it in the slow cooker and cook it as you would a fresh ham.
When cooking a frozen ham, it’s essential to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A frozen ham will take longer to cook than a fresh ham, so be sure to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time. You can also check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure that it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.
How do I slice and serve the slow-cooked ham?
To slice and serve the slow-cooked ham, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the ham easier to slice. You can then slice the ham thinly against the grain, using a sharp knife.
To serve the ham, you can place it on a platter or individual plates, and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. You can also serve the ham with a side of pineapple rings, cherry sauce, or roasted vegetables. The slow-cooked ham is perfect for a holiday main course, and can be served at room temperature or warmed up in the oven.
Can I make a slow-cooked ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a slow-cooked ham ahead of time, which is perfect for a holiday meal. You can cook the ham in the slow cooker the day before, and then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, you can reheat the ham in the oven or slow cooker, and serve it hot.
When reheating the ham, be sure to cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also add some additional liquid such as pineapple juice or cola to the ham to keep it moist. The slow-cooked ham can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for a holiday meal.