The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the traditional feast featuring a deliciously glazed ham as the centerpiece. However, heating a large ham can be a daunting task, especially when you have a million other things on your plate (no pun intended). That’s where the slow cooker comes in – a game-changing kitchen appliance that makes heating a ham a breeze. 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 to perfection.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker to Heat Your Ham
Using a slow cooker to heat your ham offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for busy home cooks. Here are a few:
- 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.
- Even Heating: Slow cookers distribute heat evenly, ensuring that your ham is heated consistently throughout.
- Moisture Retention: The slow cooker’s lid helps to retain moisture, keeping your ham juicy and tender.
- Space-Saving: Slow cookers are perfect for small kitchens or when oven space is limited.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker for Your Ham
When it comes to choosing a slow cooker for your ham, there are a few factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Choose a slow cooker that’s large enough to accommodate 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 hams, as it allows for easy slicing and serving.
- Features: Look for a slow cooker with adjustable heat settings and a timer to ensure that your ham is heated to perfection.
Preparing Your Ham for the Slow Cooker
Before you can heat your ham in the slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare it first. Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove Packaging: Remove your ham from its packaging and discard any glaze or seasoning that may be included.
- Trim Fat: Trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham, if necessary.
- Score the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
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 a step-by-step guide:
- Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker: Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- Add Liquid: Add 1-2 cups of liquid to the slow cooker, such as pineapple juice, cola, or ginger ale. This will help keep the ham moist and add flavor.
- Cover the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with a lid to trap the heat and moisture.
- Heat the Ham: Heat the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Glaze the Ham: About 30 minutes before serving, brush the ham with a glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
Tips for Achieving a Perfect Glaze
A good glaze can make or break your holiday ham. Here are a few tips for achieving a perfect glaze:
- Use a Combination of Sweet and Savory Ingredients: A good glaze should have a balance of sweet and savory ingredients, such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
- Brush the Glaze On: Brush the glaze onto the ham in a thin, even layer to prevent it from pooling on the surface.
- Caramelize the Glaze: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the glaze, if desired, for a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Serving Your Slow Cooker Ham
Once your ham is heated and glazed, it’s time to serve it. 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, green beans, and rolls.
- Use in Sandwiches: Use the ham in sandwiches, wraps, and salads for a delicious and easy meal.
- Make Ham and Cheese Quesadillas: Slice the ham thinly and use it in ham and cheese quesadillas for a tasty and satisfying snack.
In conclusion, heating a ham in a slow cooker is a deliciously easy way to prepare a holiday meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve a perfectly cooked ham with a sweet and sticky glaze. Whether you’re serving it as the centerpiece of your holiday meal or using it in sandwiches and salads, slow cooker ham is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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.