Cooking a 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 free up oven space during the holidays. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooking a ham in the slow cooker, provide a basic recipe, and offer some tips and variations to help you get the most out of your slow-cooked ham.
The Benefits of Cooking a Ham in the Slow Cooker
Cooking a ham in the slow cooker offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, set the temperature and timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender and juicy meat: The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker help to break down the connective tissues in the ham, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
- Easy to serve: Once the ham is cooked, it can be sliced and served directly from the slow cooker, making it a great option for buffet-style meals or parties.
- Space-saving: Cooking a ham in the slow cooker frees up oven space, making it a great option for large gatherings or holidays.
Basic Slow Cooker Ham Recipe
Here is a basic recipe for cooking a ham in the slow cooker:
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
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the ham for tenderness and baste it with the pan juices.
- Continue to cook the ham for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Choosing the Right Ham
When choosing a ham for slow cooking, look for a bone-in ham that is labeled as “ready to eat” or “pre-cooked.” These hams have already been cooked to an internal temperature of 140°F, making them safe to eat after slow cooking. You can also use a boneless ham, but keep in mind that it may not be as tender or flavorful as a bone-in ham.
Glaze Options
The glaze is an important part of slow-cooked ham, as it adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist. Here are a few glaze options you can try:
- Brown sugar and mustard glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- Honey and spice glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Pineapple and brown sugar glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you get the most out of your slow-cooked ham:
- Use a ham with a bone: A bone-in ham will be more tender and flavorful than a boneless ham.
- Score the fat: Scoring the fat on the surface of the ham will help the glaze penetrate the meat and add flavor.
- Add some aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery are all great additions to the slow cooker, as they add flavor and moisture to the ham.
- Try a different glaze: Experiment with different glaze ingredients, such as maple syrup, soy sauce, or orange marmalade, to find the flavor combination that you like best.
Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
This variation adds a sweet and fruity twist to the basic slow cooker ham recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup cherry juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pineapple rings
- 1 cup cherry halves
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, cherry juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Arrange the pineapple rings and cherry halves on top of the ham.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Slow Cooker Ham with a Honey-Bourbon Glaze
This variation adds a rich and indulgent twist to the basic slow cooker ham recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
| Slow Cooker Ham Recipe Variations | Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Slow Cooker Ham | Ham, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, black pepper | 8-10 hours on low, 4-6 hours on high |
| Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple and Cherries | Ham, pineapple juice, cherry juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, black pepper, pineapple rings, cherry halves | 8-10 hours on low, 4-6 hours on high |
| Slow Cooker Ham with a Honey-Bourbon Glaze | Ham, honey, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, black pepper | 8-10 hours on low, 4-6 hours on high |
In conclusion, cooking a ham in the slow cooker is a deliciously easy way to prepare a tender and flavorful meal. With a few simple ingredients and some basic instructions, you can create a mouth-watering ham that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick with the basic recipe or try one of the variations, you are sure to be impressed with the results. So go ahead, give slow cooker ham a try, and enjoy the convenience and flavor that it has to offer!
What are the benefits of cooking a ham in a slow cooker?
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off way to prepare a delicious meal. One of the main benefits is that it allows for even cooking and prevents the ham from drying out. The low heat and moisture in the slow cooker help to keep the ham juicy and tender.
Additionally, cooking a ham in a slow cooker is a great way to free up oven space, especially during the holidays when multiple dishes need to be cooked at once. It’s also a low-maintenance way to cook a ham, as it can be left to cook for several hours without needing to be checked on.
What type of ham is best for slow cooking?
The best type of ham for slow cooking is a bone-in, cured ham. This type of ham is typically less expensive than boneless hams and has more flavor. Look for a ham that is labeled as “smoked” or “cured” for the best flavor.
A bone-in ham is also easier to cook in a slow cooker because the bone acts as a natural rack, allowing the ham to cook evenly. Avoid using a spiral-cut ham, as it can fall apart during cooking.
How do I prepare the ham for slow cooking?
To prepare the ham for slow cooking, start by trimming any excess fat from the surface of the ham. This will help the ham cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too greasy. Next, score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up, and add your desired glaze or seasonings. You can use a store-bought glaze or make your own using ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
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. As a general rule, cook a ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
It’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 140°F. You can also check the ham for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the ham. If it slides in easily, the ham is cooked.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham to create a complete meal. Some ideas include pineapple rings, cherry sauce, and carrots. You can also add potatoes, onions, and bell peppers to the slow cooker for a hearty, one-pot meal.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the ingredients you add. For example, if you add potatoes, you may need to cook the ham for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
How do I glaze a ham in a slow cooker?
To glaze a ham in a slow cooker, start by mixing together your desired glaze ingredients, such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Brush the glaze all over the surface of 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 entire cooking time. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a sticky, caramelized crust.
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 the ham first. If you don’t have time to thaw the ham, you can cook it on low for an additional 2-3 hours.
Just be sure to check the ham for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the ham. If it slides in easily, the ham is cooked. It’s also important to note that cooking a frozen ham can affect the texture and flavor of the meat.