Cooking a ham roast in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook a ham roast in a slow cooker, including tips and tricks to ensure a perfect result.
Choosing the Right Ham Roast
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right ham roast for your slow cooker. There are several types of ham roasts available, including bone-in, boneless, and spiral-cut. For a slow cooker, a bone-in ham roast is recommended, as the bone adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist.
When selecting a ham roast, look for one that’s around 5-7 pounds (2.3-3.2 kg) in size. This size will fit comfortably in most slow cookers and will provide enough meat for 8-10 servings. You can also choose a smaller or larger ham roast, depending on your needs.
Types of Ham Roasts
There are several types of ham roasts available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few options:
- Bone-in ham roast: This type of ham roast has the bone intact, which adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist.
- Boneless ham roast: This type of ham roast has the bone removed, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Spiral-cut ham roast: This type of ham roast is cut in a spiral shape, making it easy to slice and serve.
Preparing the Ham Roast
Before cooking the ham roast, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Trimming the Fat
If your ham roast has a thick layer of fat, it’s a good idea to trim it down to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. This will help the ham roast cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
Scoring the Fat
Scoring the fat on the ham roast will help it cook more evenly and create a crispy, caramelized crust. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep.
Seasoning the Ham Roast
Seasoning the ham roast is essential to add flavor and aroma. You can use a variety of seasonings, including salt, pepper, brown sugar, and spices. Rub the seasonings all over the ham roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
Cooking the Ham Roast in a Slow Cooker
Now that the ham roast is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Here are the steps to follow:
Adding Liquid to the Slow Cooker
Add about 1-2 cups (250-500 ml) of liquid to the slow cooker, depending on the size of your ham roast. You can use a variety of liquids, including pineapple juice, orange juice, or cola. The liquid will help to keep the ham roast moist and add flavor.
Adding Aromatics to the Slow Cooker
Add some aromatics to the slow cooker, including onions, carrots, and celery. These will add flavor and aroma to the ham roast as it cooks.
Placing the Ham Roast in the Slow Cooker
Place the ham roast in the slow cooker, fat side up. This will help the fat to melt and create a crispy, caramelized crust.
Cooking the Ham Roast
Cook the ham roast on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of ham roast you’re using, as well as your personal preference for doneness.
Glazing the Ham Roast
Glazing the ham roast is a great way to add flavor and create a sticky, caramelized crust. Here are the steps to follow:
Making the Glaze
Make a glaze by mixing together some brown sugar, mustard, and spices. You can also add some pineapple juice or orange juice to the glaze for extra flavor.
Brushing the Glaze on the Ham Roast
Brush the glaze all over the ham roast, making sure to coat it evenly. You can brush the glaze on during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or you can brush it on after the ham roast is cooked and let it set for a few minutes.
Serving the Ham Roast
Once the ham roast is cooked, it’s time to serve it. Here are some tips for serving:
Slicing the Ham Roast
Slice the ham roast thinly, using a sharp knife. You can slice it against the grain or with the grain, depending on your preference.
Serving with Sides
Serve the ham roast with some delicious sides, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or rolls.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you cook the perfect ham roast in a slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer will help you ensure that the ham roast is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Don’t overcook the ham roast: Overcooking the ham roast can make it dry and tough. Cook it until it’s tender and juicy, but still slightly pink in the center.
- Experiment with different glazes: Try using different glazes, such as a honey-mustard glaze or a brown sugar-bourbon glaze, to add flavor and variety to your ham roast.
- Add some spice: Add some spice to your ham roast, such as cloves or allspice, to give it a unique flavor and aroma.
| Ham Roast Size | Cooking Time (Low) | Cooking Time (High) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 pounds (2.3 kg) | 8-10 hours | 4-6 hours |
| 7 pounds (3.2 kg) | 10-12 hours | 6-8 hours |
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and tender ham roast in a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, a slow-cooked ham roast is sure to please.
What are the benefits of cooking a ham roast in a slow cooker?
Cooking a ham roast in a slow cooker offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can prepare the dish in the morning and let it cook while you’re busy with other tasks. This is especially convenient for people with busy schedules or those who want to spend more time with their families.
Another benefit of cooking a ham roast in a slow cooker is that it helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the meat. The low heat and closed environment of the slow cooker ensure that the ham roast cooks evenly and stays juicy, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
What type of ham roast is best suited for slow cooking?
The best type of ham roast for slow cooking is a bone-in, smoked, or cured ham. These types of hams are typically more flavorful and tender than boneless hams, and they hold up well to the low heat and moisture of the slow cooker. You can also use a boneless ham, but it’s essential to choose a high-quality ham that is not too lean, as it may become dry during cooking.
When selecting a ham roast, look for one that is labeled as “slow-cooker friendly” or “suitable for slow cooking.” You can also ask your butcher or the staff at your local grocery store for recommendations on the best type of ham roast for slow cooking.
How do I prepare the ham roast for slow cooking?
To prepare the ham roast 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 layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and add flavor.
After scoring the ham, place it in the slow cooker and add your desired aromatics, such as onions, carrots, and celery. You can also add a glaze or sauce to the ham, such as a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for the specific glaze or sauce you’re using.
How long does it take to cook a ham roast in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a ham roast in a slow cooker will depend on the size and type of ham, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, a bone-in ham roast will take 8-10 hours to cook on low or 4-6 hours to cook on high. A boneless ham roast will typically take 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-5 hours to cook on high.
It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham roast is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). You can also check the ham for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the meat. If it slides in easily, the ham is cooked.
Can I cook a ham roast in a slow cooker with other ingredients?
Yes, you can cook a ham roast in a slow cooker with other ingredients, such as vegetables, potatoes, and grains. In fact, cooking the ham with other ingredients can add flavor and texture to the dish. Some popular ingredients to cook with ham include carrots, potatoes, onions, and green beans.
When cooking the ham with other ingredients, make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed. For example, if you’re cooking the ham with potatoes, you may need to add them to the slow cooker for the last 2-3 hours of cooking time to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
How do I glaze a ham roast during slow cooking?
Glazing a ham roast during slow cooking is a great way to add flavor and sweetness to the dish. To glaze the ham, mix together your desired ingredients, such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices, and brush the glaze over the surface of the ham during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time.
You can also glaze the ham roast at the beginning of the cooking time, but this may result in a less caramelized glaze. To achieve a caramelized glaze, it’s best to glaze the ham during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time, when the surface of the ham is hot and the glaze can set.
How do I store and reheat a cooked ham roast?
To store a cooked ham roast, let it cool completely to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cooked ham roast for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
To reheat a cooked ham roast, place it in the slow cooker with some liquid, such as broth or water, and heat it on low for 1-2 hours. You can also reheat the ham in the oven, wrapped tightly in foil, at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes per pound.