Are you tired of slaving away in the kitchen, constantly monitoring the temperature and basting your ham to achieve that perfect glaze? Look no further! Cooking a ham in a slow cooker is a game-changer, offering a hassle-free and deliciously tender alternative to traditional oven-roasted ham. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of slow cooker ham, provide you with a simple recipe to get you started, and offer some expert tips to ensure your ham turns out perfectly every time.
The Benefits of Slow Cooker Ham
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker offers several advantages over traditional oven-roasting methods. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to be hands-off, allowing you to simply set it and forget it. This means you can cook your ham while you’re busy with other tasks, or even while you’re sleeping.
- Tender and juicy: The low heat and moisture of a slow cooker help to break down the connective tissues in the ham, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
- Easy to glaze: The slow cooker’s low heat and moisture also make it easy to achieve a perfectly glazed ham. Simply brush the glaze on during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully caramelized crust.
- Space-saving: Slow cookers are perfect for small kitchens or for cooking large hams in a compact space.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Slow Cooker
When it comes to choosing a ham for your slow cooker, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect ham:
- Bone-in or boneless: Both bone-in and boneless hams can be cooked in a slow cooker, but bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and tender.
- Size: Choose a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker, leaving about an inch of space around the ham for even cooking.
- Cured or uncured: Cured hams are typically more salty and have a longer shelf life, while uncured hams are lower in sodium and have a more delicate flavor.
Popular Types of Ham for Slow Cookers
Here are some popular types of ham that are well-suited for slow cookers:
- Spiral-cut ham: A classic choice for slow cookers, spiral-cut hams are easy to glaze and serve.
- Bone-in ham: A bone-in ham is a great choice for slow cookers, as the bone helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
- Country ham: A country ham is a type of cured ham that’s perfect for slow cookers. It’s typically more salty than other types of ham, but it’s also incredibly flavorful.
A Simple Recipe for Slow Cooker Ham
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some of the glaze into the scored lines.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze on again to achieve a perfectly caramelized crust.
Tips for Achieving a Perfectly Glazed Ham
Here are some expert tips for achieving a perfectly glazed ham:
- Use a mixture of sweet and savory ingredients: A combination of sweet ingredients like brown sugar and honey, along with savory ingredients like Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, will help to create a rich and complex glaze.
- Don’t over-glaze: Too much glaze can make the ham taste overly sweet and sticky. Start with a small amount of glaze and brush it on during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use a pastry brush: A pastry brush is the perfect tool for applying the glaze to the ham. It helps to get the glaze into all the nooks and crannies, and it’s easy to clean up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking a Ham in a Slow Cooker
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking a ham in a slow cooker:
- Overcooking: Hams can quickly become dry and overcooked if they’re cooked for too long. Make sure to check the ham regularly during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Under-glazing: A good glaze can make or break a ham. Make sure to brush the glaze on during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a perfectly caramelized crust.
- Not scoring the ham: Scoring the ham helps to create a beautiful, diamond-patterned crust. Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
How to Score a Ham
Scoring a ham is a simple process that helps to create a beautiful, diamond-patterned crust. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
- Cut the scores about 1 inch apart, making sure to cut in the same direction as the lines of the ham.
- Use a gentle sawing motion to cut through the fat and meat, being careful not to cut too deeply.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker is a deliciously easy alternative to traditional oven-roasted ham. With its tender and juicy texture, perfectly glazed crust, and hassle-free cooking method, slow cooker ham is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple recipe and expert tips will help you to achieve a perfectly cooked ham every time. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
| Ham Type | Weight | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiral-cut ham | 4-6 pounds | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Bone-in ham | 4-6 pounds | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Country ham | 4-6 pounds | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
Note: The cooking times listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the size and type of ham you’re using. Always check the ham regularly during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
What are the benefits of using a slow cooker to cook a ham?
Using a slow cooker to cook a ham offers several benefits. For one, it allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities. Additionally, slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like ham, to tender perfection.
Slow cookers also help to retain moisture, which can be a challenge when cooking a ham in the oven. This results in a juicy and flavorful ham that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, slow cookers are often more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, making them a great option for those looking to save on their energy bill.
How do I choose the right ham for slow cooking?
When choosing a ham for slow cooking, look for a bone-in ham, as the bone will add flavor to the dish. You can choose either a smoked or unsmoked ham, depending on your personal preference. Smoked hams have a richer, more complex flavor, while unsmoked hams are milder.
It’s also important to consider the size of the ham. A 5-7 pound ham is a good size for most slow cookers. If you have a larger or smaller slow cooker, adjust the size of the ham accordingly. You can also use a smaller ham, such as a ham steak or a ham shank, if you prefer.
What are some common slow cooker ham recipes?
There are many delicious slow cooker ham recipes to try. One popular option is a brown sugar and mustard glaze, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham. You can also try a honey and pineapple glaze for a sweeter, more tropical flavor.
Other options include a spicy glaze made with hot sauce and brown sugar, or a savory glaze made with chicken broth and herbs. You can also add some aromatics, such as onions and cloves, to the slow cooker for added flavor. Experiment with different glazes and seasonings to find your favorite.
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 of the ham and the temperature of the slow cooker. Generally, a 5-7 pound ham will take 8-10 hours to cook on low or 4-6 hours to cook on high.
It’s best to cook the ham on low for a longer period of time to ensure that it’s tender and falls apart easily. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach 140°F for food safety.
Can I cook a frozen ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a frozen ham in a slow cooker, but it’s best to thaw it first. If you don’t have time to thaw the ham, you can cook it from frozen, but it will take longer. Add an extra 2-3 hours to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
It’s also important to note that cooking a frozen ham can result in a less tender final product. If you have the time, it’s best to thaw the ham in the refrigerator or cold water before cooking it in the slow cooker.
How do I glaze a slow cooker ham?
Glazing a slow cooker ham is easy and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish. To glaze the ham, mix together your desired glaze ingredients, such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices, in a small bowl. Brush the glaze all over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
You can also add some of the juices from the slow cooker to the glaze for added flavor. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can mix in some cornstarch or flour to thicken it. Brush the glaze on the ham every 10-15 minutes during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a sticky, caramelized crust.
Can I serve a slow cooker ham for a special occasion?
A slow cooker ham is perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or family gatherings. It’s an impressive dish that’s sure to wow your guests, and it’s easy to serve a crowd. Simply slice the ham and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or rolls.
You can also add some festive touches, such as a sprinkle of brown sugar or a few cloves, to make the dish more special. A slow cooker ham is also a great option for a buffet-style meal, as it’s easy to serve and can be kept warm for a long period of time.