The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the traditional feast featuring a deliciously glazed ham as the centerpiece. However, heating a ham can be a daunting task, especially when you’re short on oven space or want to free up your time for more important things… like enjoying the company of your loved ones. That’s where a slow cooker comes in – a convenient and easy way to heat your ham to perfection. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a slow cooker to heat your ham and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker to Heat Your Ham
Using a slow cooker to heat your ham offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: A slow cooker allows you to heat your ham hands-free, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your holiday meal.
- Space-saving: Slow cookers are perfect for small kitchens or when you’re short on oven space. They’re also great for heating smaller hams or ham slices.
- Even heating: Slow cookers heat food evenly, ensuring that your ham is cooked consistently throughout.
- Moisture retention: Slow cookers help retain moisture, keeping your ham juicy and tender.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker for Your Ham
When it comes to choosing a slow cooker for your ham, there are a few things to consider:
- Size: Choose a slow cooker that’s large enough to hold your ham comfortably. A 6-quart slow cooker is a good size for most hams.
- Shape: A slow cooker with a rectangular shape is ideal for heating hams, as it allows for easy slicing and serving.
- Features: Look for a slow cooker with a temperature control feature, which allows you to adjust the heat to your liking.
Popular Slow Cooker Brands for Heating Hams
Some popular slow cooker brands for heating hams include:
- Crock-Pot
- Hamilton Beach
- KitchenAid
- Instant Pot
Preparing Your Ham for the Slow Cooker
Before heating your ham in the slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare it. Here’s how:
- Remove packaging: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in the slow cooker.
- Score the fat: Use a sharp knife to score the fat on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Apply glaze: Apply your favorite glaze to the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.
Popular Ham Glaze Recipes
Here are a few popular ham glaze recipes you can try:
- Brown sugar and mustard glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons honey.
- Honey and pineapple glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
Heating Your Ham in the Slow Cooker
Now that your ham is prepared, it’s time to heat it in the slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Set the temperature: Set the slow cooker to the low temperature setting (usually around 275°F).
- Cooking time: Cook the ham for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Baste the ham: Baste the ham with the juices every hour or so to keep it moist and promote even browning.
Tips for Achieving a Perfectly Glazed Ham
Here are a few tips for achieving a perfectly glazed ham:
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Don’t overcook: Don’t overcook the ham, as this can cause it to dry out.
- Baste frequently: Baste the ham frequently to keep it moist and promote even browning.
Serving Your Slow Cooker Ham
Once your ham is heated, it’s time to serve. Here are a few ideas for serving your slow cooker ham:
- Slice and serve: Slice the ham thinly and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Ham sandwiches: Use the ham to make delicious sandwiches, paired with your favorite toppings and condiments.
- Ham and cheese platter: Serve the ham with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and garnishes, such as grapes and figs.
Popular Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Ham
Here are a few popular side dishes that go well with slow cooker ham:
- Mashed potatoes: A classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with ham.
- Green beans: Steamed or roasted green beans are a tasty and healthy side dish that complements ham nicely.
- Sweet potato casserole: A sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for the holidays.
Conclusion
Heating a ham in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to prepare a delicious holiday meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to achieve a perfectly glazed ham that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, a slow cooker is a great way to heat your ham and free up your time for more important things. So why not give it a try this holiday season? Your taste buds – and your guests – will thank you.
| Slow Cooker Ham Cooking Times | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| 4-6 hours | 140°F |
Note: The cooking time and internal temperature may vary depending on the size and type of ham you’re using. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature.
What is the best type of ham to use in a slow cooker?
The best type of ham to use in a slow cooker is a bone-in, cured ham. This type of ham is typically less expensive than boneless hams and has more flavor. Look for a ham that is labeled as “cured” or “smoked” for the best results. You can also use a boneless ham, but it may not be as tender or flavorful.
When selecting a 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. Make sure to choose a ham that fits in your slow cooker and leaves enough room for the glaze and any other ingredients you plan to add.
How do I prepare the slow cooker ham for cooking?
To prepare the slow cooker ham for cooking, start by trimming any excess fat from the surface of the ham. This will help the glaze stick 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 bone-in ham, you may need to trim the bone to fit it in the slow cooker. Make sure the ham is centered and not touching the sides of the slow cooker. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too brown.
What is the best glaze to use for slow cooker ham?
The best glaze to use for slow cooker ham is a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. This type of glaze is sweet and tangy, and it pairs well with the salty flavor of the ham. You can also add other ingredients to the glaze, such as honey, cloves, or pineapple juice, to give it more flavor.
To make the glaze, combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also brush it on earlier, but this may cause the glaze to become too caramelized.
How long does it take to cook a slow cooker ham?
The cooking time for a slow cooker ham will depend on the size of the ham and the temperature of the slow cooker. A 5-7 pound ham will typically take 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours to cook on high. Make sure to check the ham for tenderness and flavor before serving.
It’s also important to note that the ham should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 140°F to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. If it’s not hot enough, cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham. Some popular options include pineapple rings, cherry juice, and cloves. These ingredients will add flavor and moisture to the ham, and they can also help to create a delicious sauce.
When adding other ingredients, make sure to place them in the slow cooker with the ham. You can also add them later, but this may not allow them to infuse as much flavor into the ham. Some ingredients, such as pineapple rings, can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
How do I serve the slow cooker ham?
The slow cooker ham can be served in a variety of ways. One popular option is to slice it thinly and serve it with a side of pineapple rings and cherry sauce. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
To slice the ham, use a sharp knife and cut it against the grain. This will help the ham to be more tender and easier to slice. You can also use a meat slicer to get even, thin slices.
Can I make the slow cooker ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the slow cooker ham ahead of time. In fact, this is a great way to prepare for a holiday meal. Simply cook the ham as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
To reheat the ham, place it in the slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours. You can also reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at 325°F for 15-20 minutes per pound. Make sure to check the ham for tenderness and flavor before serving.