Introduction
Cooking ham in a crock pot is a simple and convenient way to prepare a tender, flavorful meal.
The slow-cooking process allows the ham to absorb the seasonings and juices, resulting in a moist and delicious dish.
Whether you’re preparing a festive dinner or just want to make a savory meal with minimal effort, this method is perfect for busy days or special occasions.
Using a crock pot ensures that the ham stays juicy and becomes infused with the flavors of the ingredients, making it a hit with family and guests.
The beauty of slow cooking is that you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the ham cooks to perfection. It’s an easy, hands-off approach to making a memorable meal.
Ingredients
To prepare ham in a crock pot, you will need the following ingredients:
One whole ham (bone-in or boneless)
_1 cup of brown sugar
_1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
_1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
_1/4 cup of honey
_1/2 cup of pineapple juice or orange juice
Whole cloves (optional)
Fresh herbs (optional)
These ingredients will work together to create a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the natural flavor of the ham.
Instructions
Begin by placing the ham in the crock pot. If you prefer, you can score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.
This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively, creating a richer flavor. Next, insert whole cloves into the ham if desired.
placing them at intervals along the surface for extra aroma and flavor.
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and pineapple or orange juice.
Stir until the mixture forms a smooth glaze. Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
If you’re using a larger ham, you can reserve some of the glaze to baste during cooking.
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the heat to low. Let the ham cook for several hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the ham.
but on average, it takes about 4 to 6 hours for a smaller ham (3-5 pounds) and up to 8 hours for larger ones. If you’re using a boneless ham, the cooking time will generally be on the shorter end.
Halfway through the cooking time, you may want to baste the ham with the juices in the crock pot to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
This step helps to caramelize the glaze and adds more depth to the taste. Continue to cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board.
Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist.
Serve the ham slices with some of the delicious glaze from the crock pot. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender ham.
making for a dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor.
How to Make
To start, select a ham that fits well into your crock pot. A boneless ham is easier to handle and slice, while a bone-in ham offers a bit more flavor from the bone.
Once you’ve chosen your ham, prepare the glaze by mixing together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and pineapple or orange juice in a bowl.
This blend will create a balance of sweet and savory flavors that will complement the ham.
Before placing the ham in the crock pot, you may choose to score the surface of the meat. Scoring creates small slits in the ham’s outer layer.
allowing the glaze to seep into the meat more easily. This step is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
After scoring, place the ham into the crock pot and cover it with the glaze mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Set the crock pot on low and let the ham cook for the recommended time based on its size.
Avoid the temptation to lift the lid too often, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.
Throughout the cooking process, the ham will release its natural juices, which will mix with the glaze to form a savory sauce.
As the ham nears the end of its cooking time, check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
When it reaches 145°F, the ham is fully cooked and ready to be removed from the crock pot. Take care when transferring the ham to a cutting board, as it will be very hot.
Once rested, slice the ham to your desired thickness. Serve it with the rich, flavorful glaze that has developed in the crock pot, making sure to drizzle a bit over the sliced ham to enhance its taste.
For additional flavor, you can add optional ingredients like fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the crock pot before cooking.
These herbs will infuse the ham with an aromatic touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the glaze.
Tips
One tip for a more flavorful ham is to let it marinate in the glaze overnight before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat even more deeply.
If you don’t have the time to marinate, simply pouring the glaze over the ham and allowing it to cook slowly will still yield great results.
Using a bone-in ham can add extra flavor to your dish, as the bone helps to infuse the meat with rich, savory juices.
However, if you prefer a boneless ham for ease of slicing, it will still turn out tender and delicious.
If you’re short on time, you can cook the ham on the high setting for a shorter period, but be sure to monitor it closely to avoid overcooking.
The slow-cooking method ensures the meat stays moist and tender, so try to stick to the low setting if possible.
Feel free to experiment with different types of glazes. Adding a splash of bourbon or orange liqueur to the glaze can give the dish an extra depth of flavor.
while substituting maple syrup for honey will create a unique sweetness.
For added richness, you can baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes or so to encourage a thick, sticky coating. This step ensures a caramelized crust and a more flavorful exterior.
If you like your ham a bit crispy on the outside, you can briefly broil it in the oven after cooking it in the crock pot.
Brush with some of the glaze and broil for a few minutes until the surface gets a bit of a crisp, golden texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Ham can also be frozen for up to two months, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Conclusion
Cooking ham in a crock pot is an excellent way to achieve a flavorful, tender dish with minimal effort.
The slow-cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the glaze, creating a meal that is sure to impress.
Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy ham that will leave everyone asking for more.