Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a delightful weekend treat, Crock Pot Ham is a fantastic way to effortlessly achieve tender and flavorful results the whole family will enjoy.
Why This Is The Best Way To Cook Ham
- Easy.
- Versatile.
- Delicious.
- High Protein.
Cooking ham in the crock pot is a game-changer, as it delivers a perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful dish with minimal effort. This easy and foolproof crock pot ham recipe, with its delectable glaze, will make your gatherings truly memorable.
Can You Heat Up A Precooked Ham In A Crock Pot?
Yes, you can heat up a precooked ham in a crock pot. In fact, that’s exactly what this recipe is for! It allows a quicker cooking time without worrying about your protein being done by a certain time.
The crock pot is a great tool for reheating ham as it allows the ham to heat up slowly and evenly, retaining its moisture and flavor.
How Do You Keep Ham Warm In A Crock Pot Without Drying It Out?
To keep ham warm in a crock pot without drying it out, follow some or all of these simple steps:
- Baste the Ham: If possible, occasionally baste the ham with the liquid in the crock pot. This will help keep the ham moist and flavorful.
- Avoid Overheating: Set the crock pot to the “warm” setting or the lowest heat setting available. Avoid using the “high” setting, as it can lead to overcooking and drying out the ham.
- Slice and Serve Gradually: If you’re serving the ham over an extended period, slice and serve it gradually. This way, the rest of the ham can retain the moisture inside of the unsliced portion while keeping it warm until it’s ready to be enjoyed.
What If My Ham Is Too Big For The Crock Pot?
If the entire ham doesn’t fit in the crock pot, consider slicing the ham into smaller portions that fit easily in the slow cooker with the lid on before beginning the cooking process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bone-In, Fully Cooked Ham
- Brown Sugar
- Maple Syrup
- Dijon Mustard
- Pineapple Juice
- Orange Juice
- Ground Cloves
- Ground Cinnamon
How To Make Crock Pot Ham
- Prepare the Crock Pot. Place a large slow cooker liner or use a slow cooker bag to make cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, coat the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Score the Ham. With a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the delicious glaze to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor.
- Mix the Glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, orange juice, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the ingredients until the glaze is smooth and well blended.
- Glaze the Ham. Place the scored ham in the crock pot, and generously brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham. Ensure the glaze reaches into the scored cuts for optimal flavor.
- Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Let the ham cook for 4 to 6 hours, basting it occasionally with the glaze from the bottom of the crock pot.
- Garnish and Serve. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the ham from the crock pot and place it on a serving platter.
- Reduce the Glaze. Transfer the remaining glaze from the crock pot into a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce until it thickens slightly.
- Glaze the Ham Again. Brush the reduced glaze over the ham one more time, giving it an irresistible shine and a final burst of flavor.
- Slice and Enjoy. Slice the ham and serve it alongside your favorite sides.
Tips And Tricks
Making crock pot ham is a simple and rewarding process, and here are some tips and tricks to ensure your ham turns out perfectly:
- Choose the Right Ham. Use a bone-in fully cooked ham for the best results. This type of ham is already fully cooked and only requires heating, making it ideal for the slow cooker.
- Score the Ham. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor.
- Add a Flavorful Glaze. Prepare a delicious glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and spices. Brush the glaze over the ham before slow cooking to add depth of flavor.
- Use a Crock Pot Liner. Consider using a slow cooker liner or a slow cooker bag to make cleanup easier.
Variations
- Cranberry Glazed Ham– Mix cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to create a tangy and slightly sweet glaze that pairs wonderfully with ham.
- Cherry Chipotle Glazed Ham– Mix cherry preserves with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a sweet and smoky glaze that adds a delightful kick to the ham.
- Herb-Crusted Ham– Rub the ham with a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with garlic and olive oil, for a savory and aromatic variation.
What To Serve With It
Crockpot ham is a delightful and flavorful main dish that pairs well with a variety of delicious sides. Here are some mouthwatering options to serve alongside your crock pot ham:
- Scalloped Potatoes– Creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes make a comforting and classic pairing with ham.
- Green Beans Almondine– Tender green beans sautéed with butter and toasted almonds add a touch of elegance to your meal.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots– Sweet and tender honey-glazed carrots complement the savory flavors of the ham.
- Corn Casserole– A creamy and cheesy corn casserole adds a comforting and flavorful side to the meal.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes– Creamy mashed sweet potatoes provide a delicious contrast to the savory ham.
- Broccoli Salad– A refreshing broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and a tangy dressing offers a delightful balance of flavors.
How Long Does It Last?
To maximize the shelf life of crock pot ham, make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
If the ham is in a large piece, you can slice it before storing it to make reheating easier.
Can You Freeze It?
To freeze crock pot ham, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Frozen cooked ham can typically be stored for up to 2 to 3 months.
When reheating frozen ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve its quality. Reheat the thawed ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F for the best experience.
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Crock Pot Ham | How To Cook A Ham In A Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 Bone In Ham 6-8 pounds
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crock Pot. Place a large slow cooker liner or use a slow cooker bag to make cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, coat the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Score the Ham. With a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the delicious glaze to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor.
-
Mix the Glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, orange juice, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the ingredients until the glaze is smooth and well blended.
-
Glaze the Ham. Place the scored ham in the crock pot, and generously brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham. Ensure the glaze reaches into the scored cuts for optimal flavor.
-
Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Let the ham cook for 4 to 6 hours, basting it occasionally with the glaze from the bottom of the crock pot.
-
Garnish and Serve. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the ham from the crock pot and place it on a serving platter.
-
Reduce the Glaze. Transfer the remaining glaze from the crock pot into a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce until it thickens slightly.
-
Glaze the Ham Again. Brush the reduced glaze over the ham one more time, giving it an irresistible shine and a final burst of flavor.
-
Slice and Enjoy. Slice the ham and serve it alongside your favorite sides.
