Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. However, it’s essential to cook the ham for the right amount of time to ensure that it’s heated through and flavorful. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker, including cooking times, temperatures, and tips for achieving the perfect glaze.
Understanding Fully Cooked Hams
Before we dive into cooking times and temperatures, it’s essential to understand what a fully cooked ham is. A fully cooked ham is a type of ham that has been pre-cooked to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C). This means that the ham is already cooked and can be safely eaten without further cooking. However, it’s still important to heat the ham through to ensure that it’s tender and flavorful.
Types of Fully Cooked Hams
There are several types of fully cooked hams available, including:
- Bone-in hams: These hams have the bone left in and are often more flavorful and tender.
- Boneless hams: These hams have the bone removed and are often easier to slice and serve.
- Spiral-cut hams: These hams are cut in a spiral shape and are often easier to serve and more visually appealing.
Cooking a Fully Cooked Ham in a Slow Cooker
Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. Here are some general guidelines for cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker:
- Cooking time: 2-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high
- Cooking temperature: 275-300°F (135-150°C)
- Liquid: 1-2 cups of liquid, such as pineapple juice or cola
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
There are several factors that can affect the cooking time of a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker, including:
- Size: Larger hams will take longer to cook than smaller hams.
- Type: Bone-in hams may take longer to cook than boneless hams.
- Temperature: Cooking the ham at a higher temperature will reduce the cooking time.
Table: Cooking Times for Fully Cooked Hams in a Slow Cooker
| Ham Size | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 pounds | 2-3 hours | 1-2 hours |
| 4-5 pounds | 3-4 hours | 2-3 hours |
| 6-7 pounds | 4-5 hours | 3-4 hours |
Adding Flavor to Your Fully Cooked Ham
While a fully cooked ham is already flavorful, you can add even more flavor by using a glaze or sauce. Here are some ideas for glazes and sauces:
- Brown sugar and mustard glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of mustard, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
- Honey and pineapple glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
- Cola and brown sugar glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup of cola, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of mustard.
Applying the Glaze
To apply the glaze, simply brush it onto the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also apply the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a more caramelized glaze.
Tips for Cooking a Fully Cooked Ham in a Slow Cooker
Here are some tips for cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is heated through to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
- Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker:
- Overcooking the ham: This can make the ham dry and tough.
- Not using a meat thermometer: This can result in undercooked or overcooked ham.
- Not letting the ham rest: This can result in a less tender and less flavorful ham.
Conclusion
Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your ham is heated through and flavorful. Remember to use a meat thermometer, apply a glaze or sauce, and let the ham rest before slicing and serving. With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be a pro at cooking fully cooked hams in a slow cooker in no time.
What are the benefits of cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker?
Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker offers several benefits. For one, it allows for even heating and prevents the ham from drying out. This is especially important for pre-cooked hams, which can become dry and tough if overcooked. Additionally, using a slow cooker frees up oven space, making it ideal for large gatherings or holidays.
Another benefit of cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is the ease of preparation. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, add your desired glaze or seasonings, and let the slow cooker do the work. This hands-off approach makes it easy to prepare a delicious, stress-free meal.
How long does it take to cook a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the ham and the desired level of heating. As a general rule, a fully cooked ham can be heated through in 2-4 hours on the low setting or 1-2 hours on the high setting. However, it’s essential to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
It’s also important to note that you can cook a fully cooked ham on the low setting for 6-8 hours if you prefer a more tender and fall-apart texture. This is especially useful if you’re cooking a larger ham or want to cook it while you’re away from home.
What type of glaze or seasonings can I use for my slow-cooked ham?
The type of glaze or seasonings you can use for your slow-cooked ham is limited only by your imagination. Some popular options include a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices, or a glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and cloves. You can also try using a pre-made glaze or seasoning packet specifically designed for hams.
When choosing a glaze or seasoning, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you prefer a sweet and sticky ham, opt for a glaze with brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a more savory flavor, try using a mixture of herbs and spices. You can also experiment with different combinations to create a unique flavor.
Can I cook a boneless ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a boneless ham in a slow cooker. In fact, boneless hams are often preferred for slow cooking because they are easier to slice and serve. When cooking a boneless ham, it’s essential to adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the ham.
To ensure even cooking, you can place the boneless ham in a foil packet or wrap it in foil before placing it in the slow cooker. This will help retain moisture and promote even heating. You can also add your desired glaze or seasonings to the foil packet for added flavor.
How do I prevent my slow-cooked ham from drying out?
To prevent your slow-cooked ham from drying out, it’s essential to maintain moisture during the cooking process. You can do this by adding a liquid to the slow cooker, such as pineapple juice, cola, or chicken broth. You can also cover the slow cooker with a lid or foil to trap moisture and heat.
Another way to prevent drying is to use a glaze or seasoning that contains a moisture-rich ingredient, such as honey or brown sugar. These ingredients will help keep the ham moist and add flavor. Additionally, you can baste the ham with the juices from the slow cooker periodically to keep it moist and promote even heating.
Can I cook a spiral-cut ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a spiral-cut ham in a slow cooker. In fact, spiral-cut hams are ideal for slow cooking because they are pre-sliced and easy to serve. When cooking a spiral-cut ham, it’s essential to adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the ham.
To prevent the slices from separating during cooking, you can place the spiral-cut ham in a foil packet or wrap it in foil before placing it in the slow cooker. This will help retain moisture and promote even heating. You can also add your desired glaze or seasonings to the foil packet for added flavor.
How do I store leftover slow-cooked ham?
To store leftover slow-cooked ham, it’s essential to cool it to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, you can wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the ham for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating leftover slow-cooked ham, make sure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). You can reheat the ham in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave, depending on your preference. It’s also essential to check the ham for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.