Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is an excellent way to prepare a delicious and moist ham for your family gatherings, holidays, or special occasions. The slow cooker method allows for even heating and helps retain the ham’s natural juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker, including the necessary ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions.
Choosing the Right Ham
When selecting a fully cooked ham for slow cooking, it’s essential to choose a high-quality ham that suits your taste preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Types of Ham
There are several types of fully cooked hams available in the market, including:
- Bone-in ham: This type of ham has a bone in the center, which can add flavor to the dish.
- Boneless ham: This type of ham is easier to slice and serve.
- Spiral-cut ham: This type of ham is pre-cut in a spiral shape, making it easy to serve.
Ham Glaze or Rub
You can also choose a ham with a pre-applied glaze or rub, which can add extra flavor to the dish. Some common glaze or rub options include:
- Brown sugar and mustard glaze
- Honey and spice rub
- Pineapple and cherry glaze
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To cook a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 (4-6 pound) fully cooked ham
- 1/4 cup of ham glaze or rub (optional)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup of pineapple juice or cherry juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (optional)
- 1 slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
- 1 slow cooker liner (optional)
- 1 meat thermometer
Slow Cooker Liner
Using a slow cooker liner can make cleanup easier and prevent the ham from sticking to the slow cooker. You can find slow cooker liners at most kitchen supply stores or online.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a deliciously moist and flavorful ham:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Remove the ham from the packaging and place it in the slow cooker.
- If using a ham glaze or rub, apply it evenly to the surface of the ham.
- If using brown sugar, pineapple juice, cherry juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, or black pepper, mix them together in a small bowl and apply the mixture evenly to the surface of the ham.
Step 2: Set the Slow Cooker
- Set the slow cooker to the low heat setting (usually 8-10 hours).
- If you prefer a crisper exterior, you can set the slow cooker to the high heat setting (usually 4-6 hours).
- Make sure the slow cooker is at least 6-quart capacity to accommodate the ham.
Step 3: Cook the Ham
- Cook the ham for 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham.
Step 4: Glaze the Ham (Optional)
- If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to the ham, you can glaze it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Mix together your preferred glaze ingredients (such as brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard) in a small bowl.
- Brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham.
Step 5: Serve the Ham
- Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the ham thinly and serve it with your preferred sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you achieve the perfect slow-cooked ham:
Tips for a Moist Ham
- Use a slow cooker with a lid to trap the moisture and heat.
- Use a ham with a higher fat content, such as a bone-in ham, to keep the ham moist.
- Baste the ham with its juices every hour to keep it moist.
Variations for a Unique Flavor
- Add some aromatics, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Use different types of glaze or rub, such as a honey and spice rub or a pineapple and cherry glaze, to give the ham a unique flavor.
- Add some spices, such as ground cinnamon or ground cloves, to the ham for an extra boost of flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is a simple and delicious way to prepare a moist and flavorful ham for your family gatherings, holidays, or special occasions. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips outlined in this article, you can achieve a perfectly cooked ham that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you prefer a classic ham glaze or a unique flavor variation, the slow cooker method is an excellent way to cook a fully cooked ham that’s both tender and delicious.
What type of ham is best suited for slow cooking?
When it comes to slow cooking a ham, it’s essential to choose the right type of ham. A bone-in ham is ideal for slow cooking, as the bone helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor. You can choose either a smoked or cured ham, but make sure it’s not a spiral-cut ham, as it may dry out during the cooking process.
A bone-in ham can be either a butt or shank portion. The butt portion is leaner and has less fat, while the shank portion is fattier and more tender. Both portions work well for slow cooking, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Just make sure to choose a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
How do I prepare the ham for slow cooking?
Before placing the ham in the slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare it. Start by scoring the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, caramelized crust. Next, place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. This will help the fat melt and keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
You can also add some aromatics to the slow cooker, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to add extra flavor to the ham. Just place them in the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the ham. You can also add some liquid, such as pineapple juice or cola, to the slow cooker to help keep the ham moist.
What type of glaze is best for a slow-cooked ham?
A glaze is a sweet and sticky sauce that’s brushed over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It adds flavor and helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust. There are many different types of glazes you can use, but a brown sugar and mustard glaze is a classic choice. You can also use a honey and Dijon mustard glaze or a pineapple and brown sugar glaze.
To make a glaze, simply mix together the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or until the ham is nicely browned and caramelized. You can also baste the ham with the pan juices every 10-15 minutes to help keep it moist and add extra flavor.
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 and type of ham you’re using. A general rule of thumb is to cook the ham on low for 20-25 minutes per pound. So, a 5-pound ham would take around 100-125 minutes to cook. You can also cook the ham on high for 10-15 minutes per pound, but this may result in a less tender ham.
It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for a bone-in ham. You can insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any fat or bone.
Can I cook a ham in a slow cooker overnight?
Yes, you can cook a ham in a slow cooker overnight. In fact, this is a great way to cook a ham, as it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly while you sleep. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 8-10 hours. This will result in a tender and juicy ham that’s perfect for serving in the morning.
Just make sure to check the ham’s internal temperature before serving to ensure it’s reached a safe minimum internal temperature. You can also baste the ham with the pan juices every few hours to help keep it moist and add extra flavor.
How do I store leftover ham?
If you have leftover ham, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the ham for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to serve the leftover ham, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also reheat the ham in the slow cooker or oven until warmed through. Just make sure to check the ham’s internal temperature before serving to ensure it’s reached a safe minimum internal temperature.
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. While a glaze adds flavor and helps to create a crispy, caramelized crust, it’s not essential. You can simply place the ham in the slow cooker, add some aromatics and liquid, and cook until the ham is tender and juicy.
Keep in mind that the ham may not be as flavorful or visually appealing without a glaze. However, it will still be delicious and perfect for serving. You can also add some spices or herbs to the slow cooker to add extra flavor to the ham. Just be sure to check the ham’s internal temperature before serving to ensure it’s reached a safe minimum internal temperature.