Easy and Delicious Crock Pot Ham Recipe

Who doesn’t love a juicy and deliciously cooked ham? It’s a perfect dinner for any special occasion or even a Sunday meal with the family. But, have you ever thought of making a ham in a crockpot? Yes, the slow cooker can be your best friend when it comes to preparing this tasty dish. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also gives you the most tender and succulent ham you’ve ever tasted.

Making ham in a crockpot is a straightforward process that requires only a few ingredients. You can choose between a bone-in or boneless ham as both come out delicious. You will also need some brown sugar, mustard, honey, and a few other spices to create a sweet and savory glaze. So, put on your apron and let’s start making a delicious ham in our crockpot!

Choosing the Right Cut of Ham

When it comes to making ham in a crock pot, selecting the right cut of meat is crucial. Ham can be purchased either bone-in or boneless, and there are several types of ham to choose from: spiral-cut, smoked, city, or country hams. Here’s a rundown of what each type of ham offers:

Bone-In Ham

A bone-in ham is perfect for slow cooking in a crock pot. The bone adds flavor to the meat and keeps the ham moist throughout the cooking process.

Boneless Ham

Boneless ham is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more manageable piece of meat. It is easy to slice and serve, and it cooks evenly.

Spiral-Cut Ham

A spiral-cut ham has been pre-sliced, making it easy to serve. It is a popular choice for holiday meals and special occasions.

Smoked Ham

Smoked ham has been cured and smoked to add flavor. It is a delicious choice for your crock pot ham recipe.

City Ham

City ham is the most common type of ham found in grocery stores. It has been cured and is fully cooked, making it perfect for slow cooking in a crock pot.

Country Ham

Country ham is a salt-cured and smoked ham that has a unique flavor. It is often used in Southern-style dishes.

Preparing Your Ham

Once you have selected your ham, it’s time to prepare it for the crock pot. Follow these steps for a juicy and delicious ham:

1. Trim the Fat

Using a sharp knife, trim any excess fat from the ham. Leave a thin layer of fat on the top to add flavor and moisture.

2. Score the Ham

Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of fat in a criss-cross pattern. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat while cooking.

3. Add Flavors

Mix together a glaze of your choice to add flavor to the ham while cooking. Some popular options include honey mustard, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.

4. Place in the Crock Pot

Place the ham in the crock pot, with the scored fat facing up. Pour the glaze over the top of the ham.

5. Cook on Low

Cook the ham on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

6. Baste the Ham

Baste the ham with the cooking juices every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.

7. Let it Rest

Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to distribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and delicious ham.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the ham and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.

10 Steps to Making a Delicious Ham in the Crockpot

When it comes to making a ham, the crockpot is a surefire way to ensure it’s cooked to perfection. Not only is it easy to use, but it’s also a great way to cook large cuts of meat without having to constantly keep an eye on it. Here are 10 simple steps to make a delicious ham in the crockpot.

Step 1: Choose the Right Ham

The first step in making a delicious ham in the crockpot is choosing the right type of ham. You can use a bone-in or boneless ham; it’s entirely up to your personal preference. You can also choose to use a smoked or unsmoked ham. Bigger ham sizes work best in the crockpot, so it’s recommended to go for a 5-7 lb. ham.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ham

Before cooking your ham, it’s important to prepare it by trimming off any excess fat and making a few slits in the ham to allow the flavors to penetrate. Cover the ham with brown sugar or honey glaze for added flavor. You can even add some cloves, cinnamon, or other spices to the glaze for added flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquid

To prevent the ham from drying out as it cooks in the crockpot, it’s recommended you add some liquid to it. You can add different types of liquid, including water, apple juice, pineapple juice, or chicken broth. This will also enhance the flavor of the ham.

Step 4: Slow Cook Your Ham

Once you’ve prepared the ham and added your liquid, it’s time to slow cook it. Set your crockpot to low and let the ham cook for at least 6-8 hours. It’s recommended to cook a ham on low setting because it allows the flavors to better develop.

Step 5: Baste Your Ham

Occasionally check on your ham and baste it with the juices that have collected at the bottom of the crockpot. Basting not only helps to keep the ham moist, but it also enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

To make a complete meal, add vegetables to the crockpot. You can add carrots, potatoes, onions, and other vegetables you like in the last hour or two of cooking.

Step 7: Check the Temperature of the Ham

To ensure the ham is fully cooked, it’s important to check the temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ham should be 140-145°F.

Step 8: Rest and Slice the Ham

Once the ham has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the crockpot, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about ten minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute so that the ham is moist. When it’s cooled enough, cut slices of ham.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once you have sliced the ham, serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy! You can even use the leftover ham for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.

Step 10: Store Leftovers

If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them immediately. Leftover ham can be stored for up to 3-4 days. You can even freeze the leftover ham for future meals.

Choosing the Right Ham for Your Crock Pot

When it comes to making ham in the crock pot, choosing the right type of ham is important. The meat should be tender and juicy, and flavorful enough to stand up to the long, slow cooking process. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect ham for your crock pot recipe:

Ham Cut

The first thing to consider is the cut of ham. While any type of ham can be used in the crock pot, the best cuts are those that can handle the long cooking time without drying out. For this reason, a bone-in ham is a better choice than a boneless one. The bone helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor as it cooks.

Ham Size

The size of the ham is also important, as it will determine how long it takes to cook and how many people it will serve. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 1/2 pound of ham per person. For a family of four, a 2-pound ham should be enough, while a larger gathering may require a 6-8 pound ham.

Ham Flavor

The flavor of the ham is another important consideration. Some hams are pre-seasoned or smoked, while others are plain. If you are using a pre-seasoned or smoked ham, be sure to adjust the other seasonings in your recipe accordingly.

Ham Quality

Finally, the quality of the ham is important. Look for a ham that is fresh, with a good color and texture. Avoid hams that are discolored, slimy, or have a foul odor.

Other Ingredients

In addition to the ham, there are other ingredients that can be added to the crock pot to enhance the flavor of the dish. These may include:

By choosing the right type of ham and other ingredients, you can create a delicious and easy-to-make meal the whole family will love.

Crock Pot Ham: A Mouthwatering Feast

Now that you know how to make a juicy ham in the crock pot, you’re all set for your next family gathering or potluck. Try this recipe and let the sweet and savory aroma of a bubbling ham fill your home. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to come back for more easy and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!