Okay, friends, let me tell you about this.What is a good crock. It’s like a hug in the dish, seriously. How do you cook ham in the oven? Infuses it with a sweet and savory glaze that will have everyone licking their plates. Is it easier to make mac and cheese? What is a game-changer, especially around the holidays when oven space is prime real estate? If you like my slow cooker pulled pork, you will go crazy over this crock pot ham. Which is even better?
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What is a crock pot ham?
Think of Crock-Pot HamWhat is the secret weapon of a lazy cook? It’s essentially a fully cooked ham (usually spiral-cut one, for extra flavor absorption) that is cooked to varying degrees. Cooks in a slow cooker for 30 minutes. Serves 4. It’s more of a “warming and flavoring” process than traditional roast, which means you get all the flavor. How do you cook delicious food without drying it out? Is it the perfect centerpiece for a holiday gathering or supper, and it requires almost no cooking experience? Zero effort on your part. Honestly, you just set it and forget it, and I love that!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?What is a good crockIs a total winner?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and a little bit of spice? Is there a God? The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a sticky, irresistible crust.
- Ridiculously EasyWhat is a dump-and-go recipe? After prepping the ham, you basically just whisk together the glaze ingredients and pour. What is the best way to eat ham? What is a slow cooker? What are some of the best ways to prepare for the holidays?
- Budget FriendlyCan you buy ham on sale? Plus, the glaze ingredients are pantry staples that most people already have on hand.
- Super Versatile:Can you serve this ham with a variety of side dishes? Think creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, scalloped potatoes. Or even a salad. What is a simple salad? What are the endless possibilities? Ham sandwiches, ham and bean soup, cheese omelets… the list goes on and on.
What I love about this recipe, aside from the taste, is how forgiving it is. Is it necessary to be a culinary genius to do this? It’s become a Christmas tradition, always present with our cranberry sauce. I have a picky eater and they love it! If you enjoy the ease of this slow cooker recipe, you should also try my famous recipe. 3-ingredient chili
How do you make a crockpot ham?
Quick Overview
Making this Crock-Pot HamHow do you make ham glaze? If you have ham in a slow cooker, you’ll whisk together the glaze ingredients and pour them over it. Cover and cook on low for several hours, basting occasionally. What are some of the best ways to cook ham?
Ingredients
For the Crock-Pot Ham:
• 1 (6-8 pound) spiral-cut ham:I always go for bone-in ham for maximum flavor, but a boneless will work too. If you have a slow cooker, make sure it fits in it! Aim for a ham that isn’t too thick and tall, because it will need to sit flat in your crockpot.
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup packed brown sugar:What is the best brown sugar to use? I personally prefer dark brown sugar for its richer molasses flavor.
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard:This adds a lovely tanginess that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. What are some substitutes for yellow mustard?
• 1/4 cup honey:This adds extra sweetness and helps create a beautiful, glossy glaze. I’ve used maple syrup before and it was delicious!
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar:The acidity helps tenderize the ham and adds a subtle depth of flavor. How does white wine vinegar work?
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:This adds a warm, cozy spice that complements the ham perfectly. What are some good substitutes for ground cloves?
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: If you love the flavor of ham, you really should add this to your dish.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If your ham isn’t already spiral-cut, you can score it lightly with a sharp knife in diamond. How does the glaze penetrate the meat?
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Set aside. I like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix What are some lumps of brown sugar? How can you get rid of them?
Step 3: Place Ham in Slow Cooker
Place the ham in a slow cooker, cut-side down. If your ham is too big to fit, you can trim off a small piece from the bottom.
Step 4: Pour Glaze Over Ham
How do I pour glaze over ham? Use a spoon to spread the glaze around if needed.
Step 5: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is heated through. Is it necessary to eat ham with glaze every hour?
Step 6: Check Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 140°F (60°C).
Step 7: Let Rest & Serve
Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
What to Serve It With
This Crock-Pot Ham Recipe is so versatile, it goes with just about anything! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
For a Holiday Feast: Creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.
For a Casual Sunday Supper: Mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob. I usually add corn bread as well to go with the ham.
For Leftover Ham: Ham sandwiches, ham and bean soup, ham and cheese omelets, quiche, or a simple ham salad.
For a Quick Meal: I sometimes just grab a few slices of ham with a side of fruit or a simple salad for a healthy and satisfying meal.
My family loves it when I serve this ham with my Grandma’s scalloped potatoes. It’s a tradition we’ve had for years, and it always brings back fond memories. The sweetness of the ham pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy potatoes.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot Ham
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure this Crock-Pot Ham Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips:
Choose the Right Ham: I prefer a bone-in, spiral-cut ham for maximum flavor and ease of serving. But a boneless ham will work too. Just make sure it fits in your slow cooker!
Don’t Overcook: Ham is already fully cooked, so you’re just warming it through. Overcooking will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 140°F (60°C).
Baste Regularly: Basting the ham with the glaze every hour or so helps keep it moist and flavorful. It also creates a beautiful, sticky crust.
Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, mustard, honey, and spices to suit your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar or honey. If you like it tangier, add more mustard or apple cider vinegar.
Add a Little Liquid: If you’re worried about the ham drying out, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or apple juice to the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create steam and help keep the ham moist.
Get Creative with the Glaze: Experiment with different flavor combinations! Try adding a little bit of pineapple juice, ginger, or even a splash of bourbon to the glaze. I’ve even tried adding a bit of orange zest for a brighter flavor. I once tried maple syrup and it turned out amazing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are essential to keep your Crock-Pot Ham tasting its best. Here’s what I recommend:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave cooked ham at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s important to refrigerate it promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the ham is completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze leftover ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen ham will keep for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, make sure to take out all air, so your meat will not get freezer burn.
Reheating: Reheat leftover ham in the oven, microwave, or slow cooker. To reheat in the oven, place the ham in a baking dish with a little bit of broth or water. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place a few slices of ham on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power until heated through. To reheat in the slow cooker, place the ham in the slow cooker with a little bit of broth or water. Cook on low until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crock-Pot Ham Recipe a try! It’s such a simple and delicious way to enjoy ham, and it’s perfect for any occasion. It’s truly a game-changer when it comes to cooking ham. It keeps it so moist and flavorful, and it’s so easy to make! Plus, the leftovers are amazing. If you’re looking for an easy and impressive dish to serve to your family or guests, this is it. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking!
Crock-Pot Ham Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place ham in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, and ground cloves. Pour over the ham.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until heated through.
