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December 10, 2024
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a bone in ham? Look no further! Using a crockpot is a fantastic way to cook a tender and flavorful ham that your whole family will love.
Step 1: First, gather your ingredients. You will need a bone-in ham, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ground cloves, and Dijon mustard.
Step 2: Next, prepare the ham by scoring the surface with a sharp knife. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and make it even tastier.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, ground cloves, and Dijon mustard. This sweet and tangy glaze will add a burst of flavor to your ham.
Step 4: Place the ham in the crockpot and pour the glaze over the top. Make sure to coat the ham evenly with the glaze.
Step 5: Cook the ham on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender and flavorful the ham will become.
Step 6: Once the ham is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and succulent ham.
Tip: To add a caramelized crust to your ham, place it in a baking dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the crockpot.
There you have it! A simple and delicious way to cook a bone in ham in a crockpot. Serve it as the main course for a special occasion or a Sunday family dinner. Either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
What is a bone-in ham?
A bone-in ham is a type of ham that still has the bone intact. It is also known as a shank or a picnic ham, depending on the specific cut and the part of the pig it comes from. The bone adds flavor and moisture to the ham during the cooking process, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Bone-in hams are often cured and smoked, giving them a rich and savory flavor. They can be purchased both cooked and uncooked. When cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot, it is important to choose the right size to fit in the slow cooker.
Benefits of cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot
Cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot has several benefits. First, the slow and low cooking method allows the ham to become incredibly tender and moist. It also frees up oven space for other dishes, making it a convenient option for holiday meals. Additionally, the crockpot helps to infuse the ham with flavor as it cooks slowly in its own juices.
Choosing the right bone-in ham for the crockpot
When selecting a bone-in ham for the crockpot, it is important to choose one that will fit comfortably in your slow cooker. Measure the height and width of the crockpot to ensure the ham will not be too large or small. It is also important to consider the weight of the ham and allow for enough cooking time. Most bone-in hams will have cooking instructions on the packaging, including suggested cook times based on weight.
| Ham Weight | Cooking Time |
| 5-7 pounds | 6-7 hours on low heat |
| 7-10 pounds | 7-8 hours on low heat |
| 10+ pounds | 8-9 hours on low heat |
It is important to always check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) before serving.
Advantages of cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot
Cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot has several advantages over other cooking methods. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider using a crockpot for your bone-in ham:
Tender and moist: Cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot ensures that the meat stays tender and moist. The slow cooking process allows the ham to cook evenly and retain its natural juices, resulting in a delicious and succulent dish.
Convenience: Using a crockpot to cook a bone-in ham is incredibly convenient. Once you set up the crockpot and add all the ingredients, you can simply walk away and let it cook on its own. This means that you can go about your day and come back to a fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham.
Time-saving: Cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot saves you time in the kitchen. Unlike other cooking methods that require constant monitoring and adjusting of heat levels, a crockpot allows you to set it and forget it. This frees up your time to focus on other tasks or spend time with your family and friends.
Flavor development: Slow cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot allows the flavors to develop and intensify. As the ham cooks slowly over a long period, the flavors from the seasonings and ingredients meld together, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
Reduces the risk of overcooking: The low and slow cooking method of a crockpot reduces the risk of overcooking the bone-in ham. This ensures that the ham doesn’t dry out or become tough, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.
Economical: Cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot can be a more economical option compared to using an oven or stovetop. Crockpots are energy-efficient and use less electricity to operate, helping you save on your utility bills.
Perfect for entertaining: Cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot is an excellent option when entertaining guests. You can prepare the ham in advance and let it cook while you focus on other aspects of hosting. The aroma of the ham cooking in the crockpot will also fill your home, creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
Overall, cooking a bone-in ham in a crockpot offers many advantages, including tender and moist meat, convenience, time-saving, flavor development, reduced risk of overcooking, economical operation, and suitability for entertaining. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious bone-in ham made easy with a crockpot!
Preparing the bone-in ham
Before cooking the bone-in ham in a crockpot, it is important to properly prepare it. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Remove the packaging: Take the bone-in ham out of its packaging and discard any plastic wrap or labels.
2. Rinse the ham: Rinse the bone-in ham under cold running water to remove any excess brine or juices.
3. Pat dry: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the bone-in ham dry.
4. Score the fat: To enhance the flavor and allow the glaze to penetrate the meat, use a sharp knife to make shallow crisscross cuts on the fat layer of the ham.
5. Glaze the ham (optional): If desired, prepare a glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, or pineapple juice. Brush the glaze all over the scored fat layer of the bone-in ham.
6. Wrap in foil: Wrap the bone-in ham tightly in aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the slow cooking process.
7. Refrigerate overnight (optional): For even more flavor, you can refrigerate the wrapped bone-in ham overnight to let the glaze marinate.
By following these steps, you will ensure that the bone-in ham is properly prepared and ready to be cooked in a crockpot. Enjoy!
Gather the ingredients
Before you begin cooking your bone-in ham in the crockpot, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 bone-in ham (approximately 4-6 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
If you don’t have some of these ingredients, make sure to get them from your local grocery store before you start cooking. Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to move on to the next step.
Preparing the ham
Before placing the bone-in ham in the crockpot, it is important to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome:
1. Thaw the ham
If the ham is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Allow the ham to defrost in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, depending on its size. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Trim excess fat
Trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham using a sharp knife. Leaving a thin layer of fat will add flavor and moisture to the meat, but removing any excessive fat will prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
3. Score the surface
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and gives it an attractive appearance when cooked. Be careful not to cut too deep, just enough to mark the surface.
4. Apply seasonings
Season the ham with your preferred combination of herbs and spices. This could include black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a glaze made with brown sugar and mustard. Rub the seasonings evenly over the entire surface of the ham to ensure maximum flavor.
Tip: For extra flavor, consider marinating the ham overnight in a mixture of your favorite spices and liquids, such as apple juice, pineapple juice, or even cola. This will infuse the meat with additional flavor and help tenderize it.
5. Prepare the crockpot
Make sure your crockpot is clean and in good working condition. If the ham is too large to fit comfortably, you may need to trim it down to fit. Place the ham in the crockpot, with the scored side facing up to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Now that the ham is prepared, you are ready to start cooking it in the crockpot. Follow the instructions for “Cooking the ham” to complete the process.
Q&A
Can I cook a bone-in ham in a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook a bone-in ham in a crockpot. It’s a convenient and easy way to slow-cook a ham and keep it moist and tender.
How long should I cook a bone-in ham in a crockpot?
The cooking time for a bone-in ham in a crockpot will depend on the size of the ham. As a general rule, you can cook a bone-in ham on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I glaze the bone-in ham in the crockpot?
Yes, you can glaze the bone-in ham in the crockpot. After the ham has cooked for a few hours, you can brush the glaze mixture (made from brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice) over the ham and continue to cook it until the glaze is caramelized.
How long does it take to cook a bone-in ham in a crockpot?
The cooking time for a bone-in ham in a crockpot can vary depending on the size of the ham and the heat setting of your crockpot. Generally, it takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.