Smoked ham is a staple of many holiday meals, and for good reason – it’s delicious, easy to serve, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to cook a smoked ham is in a slow cooker. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to cook a smoked ham in a slow cooker, including the benefits of using a slow cooker, the different types of smoked ham you can use, and some tips for getting the best results.
The Benefits of Cooking a Smoked Ham in a Slow Cooker
There are several benefits to cooking a smoked ham in a slow cooker. Here are a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to be easy to use, and cooking a smoked ham in one is no exception. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, add your desired seasonings and liquids, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender and juicy results: Slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like smoked ham, because they use low heat and moisture to break down the connective tissues in the meat. This results in a tender and juicy ham that’s perfect for slicing and serving.
- Easy to serve: Smoked ham is often served as the centerpiece of a meal, and cooking it in a slow cooker makes it easy to serve. Simply slice the ham and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.
Choosing the Right Smoked Ham
There are several types of smoked ham you can use in a slow cooker, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are a few options:
- Bone-in smoked ham: This is a classic choice for slow cooker smoked ham, and for good reason. The bone adds flavor to the ham as it cooks, and it’s easy to slice and serve.
- Boneless smoked ham: If you prefer a leaner ham, boneless is a good option. It’s also easier to slice and serve than bone-in ham.
- Spiral-cut smoked ham: This is a great option if you want to make serving easy. The spiral cut makes it easy to slice the ham into thin pieces.
What to Look for When Buying a Smoked Ham
When buying a smoked ham, there are a few things to look for to ensure you get the best results. Here are a few tips:
- Look for a ham with a good balance of fat and lean meat: A ham with too much fat can be greasy and overpowering, while a ham with too little fat can be dry and flavorless.
- Choose a ham with a good smoke flavor: Smoked ham is all about the smoke flavor, so choose a ham that has a rich, smoky flavor.
- Consider the size of the ham: If you’re cooking for a large crowd, you’ll want to choose a larger ham. If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, a smaller ham is a better option.
Basic Slow Cooker Smoked Ham Recipe
Here’s a basic recipe for cooking a smoked ham in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) smoked ham
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried cloves
Instructions:
- Place the smoked ham in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, and cloves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cook the ham on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations on the Basic Recipe
There are many ways to vary the basic slow cooker smoked ham recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your ham, you can add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos to the glaze.
- Use different types of sugar: Instead of brown sugar, you can use white sugar, turbinado sugar, or even maple syrup to give the ham a different flavor.
- Add some fruit: Diced apples or pineapple can add a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham.
- Use different types of vinegar: Instead of apple cider vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even beer to give the ham a different flavor.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Here are a few tips for getting the best results when cooking a smoked ham in a slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the ham. The internal temperature should be at least 140°F.
- Don’t overcook the ham: Smoked ham can become dry and flavorless if it’s overcooked, so make sure to check the ham regularly and remove it from the slow cooker when it’s done.
- Let the ham rest: Before slicing and serving the ham, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the ham to retain its moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking a smoked ham in a slow cooker:
- Not using enough liquid: Smoked ham needs liquid to stay moist and flavorful, so make sure to use enough glaze or other liquid to cover the ham.
- Not cooking the ham long enough: Smoked ham needs to be cooked for a long time to become tender and flavorful, so make sure to cook it for at least 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
- Not letting the ham rest: Letting the ham rest before slicing and serving is important to allow the juices to redistribute and the ham to retain its moisture.
Conclusion
Cooking a smoked ham in a slow cooker is a deliciously easy way to prepare a tasty and convenient meal. By following the basic recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create a tender and juicy ham that’s perfect for serving to your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday meal or just a weeknight dinner, slow cooker smoked ham is a great option.
What is the best type of smoked ham to use in a slow cooker?
The best type of smoked ham to use in a slow cooker is a bone-in, fully cooked smoked ham. This type of ham is already cooked, so it just needs to be heated through in the slow cooker. You can find bone-in, fully cooked smoked hams at most grocery stores, usually in the meat department. Look for a ham that is labeled as “fully cooked” or “ready to eat” to ensure that it is safe to eat.
When selecting a smoked ham, consider the size of your slow cooker and the number of people you are serving. A 5-7 pound ham is a good size for most slow cookers and will serve 8-10 people. You can also use a smaller or larger ham, depending on your needs.
How do I prepare the smoked ham for the slow cooker?
To prepare the smoked ham for the slow cooker, start by removing the packaging and any glaze or netting that may be on the ham. If the ham has a glaze, you can save it and brush it on the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Next, place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. This will help the ham stay moist and flavorful as it cooks.
You can also add some aromatics to the slow cooker with the ham, such as sliced onions, carrots, and celery. These will add flavor to the ham and the juices that collect in the slow cooker. You can also add some spices or herbs, such as cloves, mustard, or thyme, to give the ham extra flavor.
How long does it take to cook a smoked ham in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a smoked 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 5-7 pound smoked ham will take 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours to cook on high. You can check the ham for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. The internal temperature should be at least 140°F.
It’s also important to note that you can cook a smoked ham in a slow cooker overnight. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker before bed and cook it on low for 8-10 hours. This is a great way to have a delicious, hot meal ready for breakfast or brunch.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the smoked ham?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the smoked ham. Some popular options include pineapple rings, brown sugar, and mustard. You can also add some potatoes, carrots, and onions to the slow cooker, which will cook in the juices of the ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the ingredients you add.
When adding other ingredients, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you want a sweet and tangy ham, add some pineapple rings and brown sugar. If you want a savory ham, add some potatoes and carrots. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create a unique flavor profile.
How do I glaze a smoked ham in a slow cooker?
To glaze a smoked ham in a slow cooker, start by mixing together your glaze ingredients, such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Brush the glaze on the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add some fruit, such as pineapple rings or cherry slices, to the glaze for extra flavor.
When glazing a smoked ham, be sure to use a glaze that is suitable for the slow cooker. Some glazes, such as those with a high sugar content, can burn or caramelize in the slow cooker. To avoid this, use a glaze that is specifically designed for slow cookers or reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze.
Can I cook a smoked ham in a slow cooker on high?
Yes, you can cook a smoked ham in a slow cooker on high. Cooking on high will reduce the cooking time, but it may also affect the texture and flavor of the ham. As a general rule, cooking on high will result in a slightly drier ham, while cooking on low will result in a more tender and juicy ham.
When cooking on high, be sure to check the ham frequently to avoid overcooking. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature. If you’re short on time, cooking on high can be a good option, but if you want the best results, cooking on low is usually the way to go.
How do I store leftover smoked ham?
To store leftover smoked ham, start by letting it cool to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. You can also freeze the ham for later use. When freezing, be sure to wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When storing leftover smoked ham, be sure to use it within a few days. Cooked ham can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, while frozen ham can be safely stored for several months. When reheating leftover ham, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 140°F to ensure food safety.