Cooking a delicious ham in a slow cooker with a sweet and sticky glaze is a great way to impress your family and friends during the holidays or any special occasion. However, cooking a ham can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to determining the right cooking time. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to cook a ham in a slow cooker with glaze, including the different types of hams, cooking times, and glaze recipes.
Choosing the Right Type of Ham
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right type of ham for your slow cooker. There are several types of hams available, including:
Bone-In Ham
A bone-in ham is a classic choice for slow cooking. It’s a whole ham with the bone still intact, which makes it more flavorful and tender. Bone-in hams are available in different sizes, ranging from 5 to 20 pounds.
Boneless Ham
A boneless ham is a leaner and more convenient option. It’s a whole ham with the bone removed, which makes it easier to slice and serve. Boneless hams are also available in different sizes, ranging from 2 to 10 pounds.
Spiral-Cut Ham
A spiral-cut ham is a pre-cut ham that’s perfect for slow cooking. It’s a bone-in ham that’s been cut into a spiral shape, which makes it easier to glaze and serve.
Cooking Time for Ham in a Slow Cooker
The cooking time for a ham in a slow cooker depends on the size and type of ham. Here are some general guidelines for cooking a ham in a slow cooker:
Cooking Time for Bone-In Ham
- 5-7 pounds: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- 7-10 pounds: 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- 10-15 pounds: 10-12 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high
Cooking Time for Boneless Ham
- 2-4 pounds: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- 4-6 pounds: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- 6-8 pounds: 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Cooking Time for Spiral-Cut Ham
- 5-7 pounds: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- 7-10 pounds: 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Glaze Recipes for Ham
A glaze is a sweet and sticky sauce that’s brushed over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Here are some delicious glaze recipes for ham:
Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Honey and Pineapple Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Cook a Ham in a Slow Cooker with Glaze
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker with glaze is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. If using a bone-in ham, make sure the bone is facing down.
Step 2: Cook the Ham
Cook the ham on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on the size and type of ham.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
Mix the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 4: Brush the Glaze
Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you cook the perfect ham in a slow cooker with glaze:
Use a Meat Thermometer
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 140°F.
Add Aromatics
Add aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker for added flavor.
Use Different Types of Glaze
Experiment with different types of glaze, such as a spicy glaze or a fruit-based glaze.
Serve with Sides
Serve the ham with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
| Ham Size | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 pounds | 6-8 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 7-10 pounds | 8-10 hours | 4-5 hours |
| 10-15 pounds | 10-12 hours | 5-6 hours |
In conclusion, cooking a ham in a slow cooker with glaze is a delicious and easy way to prepare a special meal. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to cook the perfect ham every time. Remember to choose the right type of ham, cook it for the right amount of time, and brush it with a sweet and sticky glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Happy cooking!
What type of ham is best suited for slow cooker cooking?
The type of ham best suited for slow cooker cooking is a bone-in, cured ham. This type of ham is typically less expensive than boneless hams and has more flavor. It’s also easier to cook in a slow cooker because the bone acts as an insulator, helping to distribute heat evenly throughout the ham. When selecting a ham, look for one that is labeled “cured” or “smoked,” as these will have the most flavor.
A bone-in ham can be either a whole ham or a half ham. A whole ham is typically 5-7 pounds and serves 8-10 people, while a half ham is 2.5-3.5 pounds and serves 4-6 people. Either size will work well in a slow cooker, but you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the ham.
How do I prepare the ham for slow cooker cooking?
To prepare the ham for slow cooker cooking, start by trimming any excess fat from the surface of the ham. This will help the glaze adhere to the ham and prevent it from becoming too greasy. Next, score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and add flavor.
Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. If using a whole ham, you may need to trim it to fit in the slow cooker. Make sure the ham is not touching the sides of the slow cooker, as this can cause it to cook unevenly. If necessary, you can place a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper under the ham to prevent it from sticking to the slow cooker.
What is the best glaze to use for slow cooker ham?
The best glaze to use for slow cooker ham is a sweet and sticky glaze made with a combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices. This type of glaze will caramelize during cooking, creating a crispy, sweet exterior on the ham. You can also add other ingredients to the glaze, such as pineapple juice or orange marmalade, to give it a unique flavor.
To make the glaze, simply combine the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. You can also brush the glaze over the ham during the last 10 minutes of cooking and then broil the ham for an additional 2-3 minutes to create a crispy exterior.
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, a bone-in ham will take 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours to cook on high. A half ham will take 2-4 hours to cook on low or 1-2 hours to cook on high.
It’s best to cook the ham on low for a longer period of time, as this will help to break down the connective tissues in the meat and create a tender, fall-apart texture. If you’re short on time, you can cook the ham on high, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the meat to become dry and tough.
Can I cook a ham in a slow cooker without a glaze?
Yes, you can cook a ham in a slow cooker without a glaze. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The ham will still be delicious and tender, but it won’t have the same sweet and sticky exterior that a glaze provides.
If you choose not to use a glaze, you can still add flavor to the ham by placing aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery in the slow cooker with the ham. You can also add a few cloves of garlic or a sprig of fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the slow cooker for added flavor.
How do I store leftover ham?
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store leftover ham in the refrigerator, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. To freeze leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When reheating leftover ham, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety. You can reheat leftover ham in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave. Simply wrap the ham in foil and heat it until warmed through.
Can I cook a ham in a slow cooker ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook a ham in a slow cooker ahead of time. In fact, cooking a ham ahead of time can be a great way to save time and reduce stress during the holidays. Simply cook the ham in the slow cooker as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
When you’re ready to serve the ham, simply reheat it in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave until warmed through. You can also glaze the ham during the reheating process to add a sweet and sticky exterior.