Are you looking for a mouth-watering, stress-free way to prepare a delicious ham for your next family gathering, holiday meal, or special occasion? Look no further than your trusty slow cooker. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a scrumptious slow cooker ham that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker Ham?
There are many reasons why a slow cooker ham is an excellent choice for any occasion. Here are just a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to make cooking easy and convenient. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking is a great way to cook a ham because it helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
- Flavorful: Slow cookers allow you to add a variety of flavorful ingredients to your ham, such as spices, herbs, and glazes, which penetrate deep into the meat as it cooks.
Choosing the Right Ham
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about choosing the right ham for your slow cooker. Here are a few things to consider:
- Type of Ham: You can use either a bone-in or boneless ham for this recipe. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, but boneless hams are often easier to slice and serve.
- Size of Ham: Choose a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. A 5-7 pound ham is a good size for most slow cookers.
- Cured or Uncured: You can use either a cured or uncured ham for this recipe. Cured hams have been treated with salt or sugar to preserve them, while uncured hams have not.
What’s the Difference Between Cured and Uncured Ham?
Cured hams have been treated with salt or sugar to preserve them and enhance their flavor. Uncured hams, on the other hand, have not been treated with any preservatives. Here are some pros and cons of each type of ham:
- Cured Ham:
- Pros: Cured hams tend to be more flavorful and have a longer shelf life.
- Cons: Cured hams can be high in sodium and may contain added nitrates or nitrites.
- Uncured Ham:
- Pros: Uncured hams are lower in sodium and do not contain added nitrates or nitrites.
- Cons: Uncured hams may have a shorter shelf life and can be more prone to spoilage.
The Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in or boneless ham
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some of the glaze into the scored lines.
- Add the Juice (Optional): If using pineapple or cherry juice, pour it into the slow cooker with the ham.
- Cook the Ham: Cook the ham on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Baste the Ham: Every hour or so, baste the ham with the juices that have accumulated in the slow cooker.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for a boneless ham or 145°F (63°C) for a bone-in ham.
- Let it Rest: Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the most of your slow cooker ham:
- Score the Ham: Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Use a Ham Bag: If you have a ham bag, use it to line the slow cooker before adding the ham. This will help make cleanup easier and prevent the ham from sticking to the slow cooker.
- Add Some Aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery are all great aromatics to add to the slow cooker with the ham. They’ll add extra flavor to the ham and make the kitchen smell amazing.
- Try a Different Glaze: There are many different glaze recipes you can try with your slow cooker ham. Some popular options include a honey-bourbon glaze, a maple-mustard glaze, or a brown sugar-soy sauce glaze.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making a slow cooker ham:
- Overcooking: Slow cookers can be forgiving, but overcooking the ham can make it dry and tough.
- Not Basting: Failing to baste the ham regularly can result in a dry, flavorless ham.
- Not Letting it Rest: Not letting the ham rest before slicing and serving can result in a ham that’s difficult to slice and serve.
Conclusion
Making a slow cooker ham is a great way to prepare a delicious, stress-free meal for any occasion. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a mouth-watering ham that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
What is the best type of ham to use for a slow cooker ham recipe?
The best type of ham to use for a slow cooker ham recipe is a bone-in ham, preferably a smoked or cured ham. This type of ham is already cooked, so it’s perfect for slow cooking. You can also use a boneless ham, but it might not be as flavorful. When choosing a ham, look for one that is labeled “smoked” or “cured” and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
A bone-in ham will also give you a more tender and juicy result, as the bone acts as an insulator and helps to distribute the heat evenly. Additionally, the bone will add flavor to the ham as it cooks, making it even more delicious. If you can’t find a bone-in ham, you can also use a ham steak or a ham roast, but keep in mind that the cooking time might be shorter.
How long does it take to cook a slow cooker ham?
The cooking time for a slow cooker ham will depend on the size and type of ham you use, as well as the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, a slow cooker ham can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to cook on low heat. If you’re using a smaller ham, you can cook it on high heat for 2-3 hours. It’s always best to check the ham’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.
To check the internal temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any fat or bone. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the ham’s tenderness by inserting a fork or knife. If it slides in easily, the ham is cooked. Keep in mind that the ham will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the slow cooker, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking than overcooking.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham?
Yes, you can definitely add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham to enhance its flavor and create a complete meal. Some popular ingredients to add include pineapple rings, brown sugar, mustard, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. You can also add some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to create a hearty and comforting meal.
When adding other ingredients, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you’re adding raw vegetables, you might need to cook the ham for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as pineapple juice or chicken broth, to keep the ham moist and add extra flavor.
How do I glaze a slow cooker ham?
Glazing a slow cooker ham is a great way to add a sweet and sticky exterior to the ham. To glaze a slow cooker ham, mix together a glaze made from ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices. Brush the glaze all over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also broil the ham for an additional 5-10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
To make a glaze, combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth. You can adjust the amount of glaze to your liking, depending on how sweet and sticky you like your ham. Some popular glaze ingredients include brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. You can also add some fruit juice, like pineapple or orange, to the glaze for extra flavor.
Can I cook a slow cooker ham from frozen?
Yes, you can cook a slow cooker ham from frozen, but it’s not recommended. Cooking a frozen ham can lead to uneven cooking and a less tender result. If you need to cook a frozen ham, make sure to thaw it first in the refrigerator or cold water. Then, cook the ham as you normally would in the slow cooker.
If you do need to cook a frozen ham, make sure to add some extra cooking time to ensure the ham is cooked through. A frozen ham can take an additional 2-3 hours to cook, depending on its size and the temperature of your slow cooker. It’s always best to thaw the ham first to ensure the best results.
How do I store leftover slow cooker ham?
Leftover slow cooker ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store leftover ham, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store leftover ham in an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
When freezing leftover ham, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen ham can be thawed in the refrigerator or cold water, then reheated in the slow cooker or oven. You can also use leftover ham in soups, stews, and casseroles, or slice it thinly and serve it in sandwiches.
Can I make a slow cooker ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a slow cooker ham ahead of time, but it’s best to cook it on the day you plan to serve it. Slow cooker ham is best served fresh, as it can dry out if refrigerated or frozen for too long. If you need to make the ham ahead of time, cook it as you normally would, then let it cool completely. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
To reheat the ham, place it in the slow cooker and cook it on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until heated through. You can also reheat the ham in the oven, wrapped in foil, at 325°F for 15-20 minutes per pound. Make sure to check the ham’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.