Slow cooking a ham in a crock pot is a fantastic way to infuse it with flavor and ensure it comes out tender and juicy. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a delicious home-cooked meal, this method will leave you with a mouthwatering ham that everyone will love.

Why slow cook a ham?

Slow cooking a ham allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent meat. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the ham remains moist and doesn’t dry out. Additionally, using a crock pot frees up your oven for other dishes and eliminates the need for constant monitoring.

What do you need?

To slow cook a ham in a crock pot, you’ll need a bone-in or boneless ham, your favorite glaze or seasoning rub, and a crock pot large enough to accommodate the size of your ham. The glaze or seasoning rub can be tailored to your preferences, whether you prefer a sweet and tangy glaze or a savory herb rub.

Steps to slow cook a ham in a crock pot:

  1. Remove the ham from its packaging and any netting or wrapping. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, you may choose to trim it to your liking.
  2. Prepare the glaze or seasoning rub by following a tried and tested recipe or creating your own. Consider flavors that pair well with ham such as brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, or cloves.
  3. Place the ham in the crock pot, with the fat side facing up if applicable. If your crock pot has an insert that can be removed, you may choose to use it for easier handling.
  4. Brush or rub the glaze or seasoning mixture all over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated and the flavors will penetrate the meat.
  5. Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ham. To be certain, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  6. Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. The juices can be strained and used as a delicious sauce or gravy.

This slow cooking technique results in a ham that is tender, flavorful, and moist. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and enjoy the compliments from your family or guests. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, slow cooking a ham in a crock pot is a winning option for any occasion.

Preparing the Crock Pot

Before you begin cooking your ham in a crock pot, it’s important to properly prepare the appliance. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:

Clean the Crock Pot

Start by thoroughly washing the crock pot and its lid with warm soapy water. Rinse well to remove any soap residue. This will help prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to the ham during cooking.

Check the Size

Make sure your ham will fit comfortably inside the crock pot. Measure the ham and compare it to the dimensions of the crock pot, taking into account the shape of both the ham and the pot. It’s important to have enough space for the ham to cook evenly.

Prepare the Pot Interior

Next, place a small rack or crumpled aluminum foil at the bottom of the crock pot. This will help elevate the ham slightly and prevent it from sticking to the surface.

Note: If your crock pot has a browning or searing feature, you can skip this step.

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Grease the Crock Pot

Lightly grease the interior of the crock pot to prevent the ham from sticking. Use a cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable oil, and spread it evenly on the bottom and sides of the pot.

Tip: If your ham has a lot of fat, you can skip this step as the fat will render and prevent sticking on its own.

Now that your crock pot is clean and prepared, you’re ready to start adding in the ingredients for your slow-cooked ham!

Cleaning and Preheating

Before cooking your ham in a crock pot, it is essential to clean it properly to ensure food safety. Start by washing your hands with warm soapy water. Next, remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic wrappings or ties. Place the ham in a clean sink and rinse it under cold running water. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any residue or particles on the surface of the ham. Once the ham is thoroughly cleaned, pat it dry with paper towels.

After cleaning the ham, it’s time to preheat your crock pot to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking the ham on low heat for a long duration to ensure tenderness. Start by plugging in the crock pot and setting it to the low heat setting. Allow the crock pot to preheat for about 15-20 minutes.

While the crock pot is preheating, you can prepare the glaze or seasoning mixture for your ham, if desired. A common glaze for slow-cooked ham includes a combination of brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice. Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl, ensuring they are well combined.

Once the crock pot is preheated and the ham is cleaned and ready, you can move on to the next step of the slow-cooking process.

Choosing the right size

When it comes to cooking ham in a crock pot, choosing the right size is important to ensure the best results. The size of your ham will determine the cooking time and the overall outcome of the dish. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the size:

Number of servings

Firstly, you need to determine the number of servings you want to prepare. Consider how many people you will be serving and whether you want leftovers for later. This will help you decide on the size of the ham to buy. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per person or 1/4 pound of boneless ham per person.

Crock pot capacity

Another factor to consider is the size of your crock pot. Make sure the ham you choose fits comfortably in your crock pot without touching the sides or the lid. If the ham is too large for your crock pot, it may not cook evenly and you may need to trim it down to fit, which could affect the overall flavor and texture.

It is also important to note that the size of the crock pot will determine the maximum amount of ham you can cook in one batch. If you have a smaller crock pot, you may need to cook a smaller sized ham or cook it in multiple batches.

By considering the number of servings you need and the size of your crock pot, you can choose the right size of ham for your slow cooking needs. This will help you achieve a delicious and perfectly cooked ham every time.

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Selecting the Perfect Ham

When it comes to slow cooking a ham in a crock pot, selecting the right type of ham is essential. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the perfect ham for your recipe.

Fully Cooked or Partially Cooked?

One of the first decisions to make is whether you want a fully cooked or partially cooked ham. A fully cooked ham is ready to eat and typically just needs to be heated through in the crock pot. A partially cooked ham, on the other hand, will require additional cooking time to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.

Bone-In or Boneless?

Another important consideration is whether you prefer a bone-in or boneless ham. A bone-in ham tends to have more flavor and can provide a nice presentation when sliced. However, a boneless ham may be easier to work with and carve.

Whichever type of ham you choose, be sure to consider the size of your crock pot and select a ham that will fit comfortably. Too large of a ham may not cook evenly, while a ham that is too small may dry out.

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to head to the store and choose the perfect ham for your slow cooking adventure!

Finding a quality ham

When it comes to slow cooking a ham in a crock pot, the quality of the ham you choose is crucial to achieving a delicious and tender result. Here are a few tips to help you find a quality ham:

Choose the right type of ham

There are various types of ham available in the market, such as smoked, cured, and fresh ham. Each type has a different flavor profile and level of saltiness. Consider your personal preference and the recipe you’ll be using to determine which type of ham is best suited for your slow cooker.

Look for a well-marbled ham

Marbling refers to the distribution of fat throughout the meat. A well-marbled ham will have fat evenly dispersed, which helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor. Look for ham with visible streaks of white fat running through the meat.

When shopping for ham, avoid choosing a ham with excess fat on the outside, as it can result in an overly greasy and fatty finished product.

Check for a pink color and firm texture

A high-quality ham will have a rosy pink color, indicating that it has been properly cured. The meat should feel firm and not mushy when touched. Avoid hams that appear pale or have a soft texture, as this can indicate poor quality or improper handling.

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check for any dates or labels indicating the freshness and quality of the ham. Look for hams with clear labeling and avoid buying ones that are close to their expiration date.

By paying attention to these qualities, you can ensure you’ve selected a high-quality ham that will result in a delicious slow-cooked meal.

Determining the ham size

Before you start cooking your ham in a crock pot, it’s important to determine the size of your ham. Knowing the size will help you plan the cooking time and ensure that the ham cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Step 1: Check the packaging or label of your ham. Most hams will have the weight clearly indicated on the packaging. Make a note of the weight.

Step 2: If your ham doesn’t have a label or the weight is not provided, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh the ham. Place the ham on the scale and record the weight.

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Step 3: If you don’t have a kitchen scale, you can estimate the weight of your ham by using the following guidelines:

  • Whole bone-in ham: Approximately 15-18 pounds
  • Half bone-in ham: Approximately 7-9 pounds
  • Boneless ham: Approximately 4-6 pounds

Note: These weight estimations are for guidance purposes only and may vary depending on the specific type and cut of the ham.

Once you have determined the size of your ham, you can proceed with the cooking process and enjoy a delicious slow-cooked ham in your crock pot!

Q&A

How do I slow cook a ham in a crock pot?

To slow cook a ham in a crock pot, first, place the ham in the slow cooker and add 1 cup of water or broth. You can also add seasonings and spices such as cloves, brown sugar, or honey for extra flavor. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the ham is heated through and tender.

What size of ham can I slow cook in a crock pot?

You can slow cook a ham of any size in a crock pot as long as it fits comfortably inside the cooker and there is enough room for the lid to close properly. If you have a large ham, you may need to trim it down to fit properly.

Can I use a bone-in ham for slow cooking in a crock pot?

Yes, you can use a bone-in ham for slow cooking in a crock pot. The bone adds extra flavor to the meat and helps keep it moist during the cooking process. Just make sure that the ham fits comfortably in the crock pot and that there is enough room for the lid to close properly.

Can I slow cook a frozen ham in a crock pot?

Yes, you can slow cook a frozen ham in a crock pot. However, you will need to cook it for a longer period of time to ensure that it is cooked through. It is recommended to thaw the ham before cooking for more even and efficient cooking. If you do cook a frozen ham, make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use a glaze on the ham while slow cooking it in a crock pot?

Yes, you can use a glaze on the ham while slow cooking it in a crock pot. However, it is recommended to apply the glaze towards the end of the cooking time, approximately 1 hour before the ham is done. This will prevent the glaze from burning or becoming too sticky during the long cooking process. Brush the glaze over the surface of the ham and continue to cook until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.

What is the benefit of slow cooking a ham in a crock pot?

Slow cooking a ham in a crock pot allows the meat to become extremely tender and juicy. The low and slow cooking process helps to break down the connective tissues in the ham, resulting in a flavorful and succulent dish.

How long does it take to slow cook a ham in a crock pot?

The cooking time for a ham in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the ham and the heat setting of the crock pot. On average, a fully cooked ham takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat to reach the desired temperature of 145°F (63°C).