Easy Crock Pot Ham Recipe

Are you craving a delicious and juicy ham, but don’t have the time or energy to cook it in the oven? No problem – you can make a ham in a crock pot! This method is not only incredibly easy, but it also saves you the hassle of constantly checking on your ham and adjusting the temperature. Plus, using a slow cooker means that the ham will cook slowly and gently, resulting in meat that is moist and tender.

To make ham in a crock pot, you’ll need a few key ingredients and some simple instructions. First, choose a bone-in ham that will fit comfortably in your slow cooker. Then, prepare a glaze (if desired) using ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, mustard, and orange juice. You’ll also need some liquid to help the ham cook – this can be water, chicken broth, or apple cider. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, all you need to do is place the ham in the crock pot, add the glaze and liquid, and let it cook for several hours. Voila – you’ll have a delicious, effortless ham that will impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Before preparing a delicious ham in the crock pot, make sure that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here is a list of the ingredients required for making a ham in a crock pot:

• 5 to 7 lb. bone-in ham
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of maple syrup
• 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 pinch of ground cloves
• 1 pinch of ground cinnamon
• Freshly ground black pepper, as per taste

The Preparation

To start the preparation, follow the below instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Place a liner at the bottom of the crockpot to make clean up easy. Lightly spray the liner with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

Wash the ham with cold water and pat dry it with a paper towel. Use a sharp knife to score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make sure not to cut too deep and do not remove the skin.

Step 3: Mix the Marinade

Mix the brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir it well to make a paste.

Step 4: Coat the Ham with Marinade

Take a brush and use it to cover the ham with the marinade you just prepared evenly. Make sure to get in between the score marks.

Step 5: Place the Ham In the Crockpot

Place the coated ham into the crockpot with the fat side up. Cover it with a lid and set the crockpot on low heat for 6-7 hours.

Step 6: Baste the Ham

After the ham has been cooking for a few hours, open the lid and use a spoon to baste it with the marinade every hour. Do not overdo as this can dry out the ham. Basting it every hour will keep the ham moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F (63°C). If the temperature is still low, return the ham into the crockpot and let it cook for another hour.

Step 8: Let it Rest and Slice

When the ham is done, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Conclusion

Now, you know how to make a delicious ham in a crockpot with minimal effort and time. Follow the above instructions carefully, and you’ll be able to prepare a delicious ham that will impress even the most discerning palates.

10 Easy Steps to Making a Delicious Ham in a Crock Pot

Cooking a ham in a crock pot is an easy and stress-free way to make a yummy meal with minimal effort. Here are 10 easy steps to making a delicious ham in a crock pot:

Step 1: Choose the Right Ham

When choosing a ham for your crock pot, make sure you select one that will fit well inside your pot. A bone-in ham is great for slow cooking because it gets very tender and falls off the bone easily. You can opt for a smoked ham or an unsmoked one depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ham

Before placing the ham in your crock pot, make some small cuts in the flesh to allow the flavors to penetrate it. You can also score the ham to create a pattern and let the glaze sink deeper into the meat.

Step 3: Add Your Flavors

The crock pot makes beautiful, flavorful meals that can be created with various combinations of herbs, spices, and sauces. For your ham, you can use a variety of options, such as cloves, brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey. Be creative and make sure to try out different recipes.

Step 4: Add Liquid

The liquid you add to your crock pot helps to cook your ham evenly as it’ll provide some moisture for the meat to slowly cook it through. You can use chicken broth, water, or pineapple juice to cook the ham. Ensure you only add enough liquid to make the bottom of the pot moist.

Step 5: Place Your Ham in the Pot

After preparing the ham, place it in the crock pot. Ensure the lid fits tightly and snugly on top of the meat, so the ham cooks evenly and absorbs the full flavor.

Step 6: Baste Regularly

Basting your ham is essential to keep it moist and tasty. You can use a brush or a spoon to coat the ham frequently with the liquid you added in step 4. Ensure that you baste it every two hours to maintain the moisture and flavor.

Step 7: Monitor Your Ham

Depending on the size of your ham, it will take approximately four to six hours to cook in the crock pot. You must periodically check and monitor the ham, so it doesn’t overcook, dry out or burn.

Step 8: Make a Glaze

Making a glaze will give your ham a golden brown outer layer that adds sweetness and an impressive look to your dish. You can make a quick and easy glaze with honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and orange zest.

Step 9: Apply the Glaze

When your ham is almost done, apply the glaze to it. Ensure you coat every part of the ham with the glaze to make sure the flavor is even. Place it back in the crock pot and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high heat.

Step 10: Enjoy!

After cooking your ham for 8-10 hours, it’s now time to enjoy the heavenly taste that comes with it! Cut slices and serve them directly with mashed potatoes, green vegetables, or as the centerpiece of your dinner table.

Conclusion

Cooking a ham in a crock pot is easy and stress-free, especially if you follow these simple steps. You don’t have to be a master chef to make a delicious ham in a crock pot – all you need is a passion for cooking and a willingness to experiment with different flavors. With patience and the right recipe, you’ll get a tender, juicy, and deliciously flavored ham that will be the perfect centerpiece for your dinner spread. Happy cooking!

Choosing the Right Ham for Your Crock Pot

Cooking a ham in a crock pot is an easy and delicious way to prepare this classic dish. However, before you start cooking, it’s important to choose the right ham for your recipe. With so many options available at the grocery store, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are five factors to consider when choosing the perfect ham for your crock pot:

Bone-In or Boneless?

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when choosing a ham is whether you want a bone-in or boneless cut. Bone-in hams are typically larger and tend to have more flavor, while boneless hams are easier to slice and tend to be more tender and moist. If you’re looking for convenience and ease of cooking, a boneless ham might be the way to go. If you’re looking for flavor, go with a bone-in ham.

Ham Type

Hams come in a variety of types including smoked, cured, and fresh. Smoked hams are cured with a smoky flavor and tend to be more flavorful. Cured hams are soaked in a brine solution and tend to be saltier than other types. Fresh hams are uncooked and have no added flavor. Each type has its own unique taste, so consider your preferences when making your selection.

Ham Size

The size of your ham will depend on how many people you’re serving and how much meat you want to cook at once. Most crock pots can accommodate hams up to 8 pounds, though smaller hams will cook more quickly in a crock pot.

Preparation Method

Some hams come pre-cooked, while others are uncooked and need to be prepared before you begin cooking. If you’re using a pre-cooked ham, you’ll simply need to heat it up in your crock pot. If you’re using an uncooked ham, you’ll need to cook it for a longer period of time to ensure that it’s fully cooked through.

Flavorings and Seasonings

When cooking a ham in a crock pot, you can add a variety of seasonings and flavorings to enhance the flavor of the meat. Some popular options include brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and pineapple. Consider what flavors you like and experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your ham.

Cooking ham in a crock pot: it’s that easy!

Congratulations! You have learned how to make a delicious ham using your crock pot. I hope these simple steps have helped you create a juicy and flavorful dish for your next family gathering or dinner party. So, let’s wrap it up: thank you for reading and I hope to see you again soon. Until next time, keep experimenting with new recipes and have fun in the kitchen!