Cooking a bone-in ham in a crock pot is a simple and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal for your family and friends. This method is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or even a weeknight dinner. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking a bone-in ham in a crock pot, including the benefits, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.
The Benefits of Cooking a Bone-In Ham in a Crock Pot
Cooking a bone-in ham in a crock pot offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: A crock pot allows you to cook your ham hands-free, freeing up your time for other activities.
- Easy to prepare: Simply place the ham in the crock pot, add your desired ingredients, and let the crock pot do the work.
- Tender and juicy: The low heat and moisture of the crock pot help to keep the ham tender and juicy.
- Cost-effective: Bone-in hams are often less expensive than boneless hams, making this a budget-friendly option.
Choosing the Right Ham
When selecting a bone-in ham for your crock pot recipe, consider the following factors:
- Size: Choose a ham that fits comfortably in your crock pot. A 5-7 pound ham is a good size for most crock pots.
- Type: You can use either a smoked or unsmoked ham for this recipe. Smoked hams have a richer flavor, while unsmoked hams are milder.
- Bone: A bone-in ham is essential for this recipe, as the bone helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
Popular Types of Bone-In Hams
Some popular types of bone-in hams include:
- Spiral-cut hams: These hams are cut in a spiral shape, making them easy to slice and serve.
- Butt-end hams: These hams are cut from the rear leg of the pig and are often less expensive than spiral-cut hams.
- Shank-end hams: These hams are cut from the front leg of the pig and are often more tender than butt-end hams.
Ingredients and Equipment
To cook a bone-in ham in a crock pot, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 bone-in ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crock pot (at least 6 quarts in size)
Optional Ingredients
You can also add the following ingredients to your crock pot ham recipe for extra flavor:
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 1 cup chopped cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or rosemary)
Step-by-Step Instructions
To cook a bone-in ham in a crock pot, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Remove the ham from the packaging and trim any excess fat.
- Place the ham in the crock pot, bone-side down.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined.
- Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
- Place the sliced onion and minced garlic on top of the ham.
- Pour the pineapple juice and chicken broth into the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme and ground cloves over the ham.
Step 4: Cook the Ham
- Cook the ham on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Baste the ham with the juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
Step 5: Check the Temperature
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham.
- The ham is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Step 6: Let it Rest
- Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the ham and serve.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you get the most out of your crock pot bone-in ham recipe:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the ham rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with different glaze ingredients, such as maple syrup or orange marmalade, to create a unique flavor.
- Add some heat to your ham by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the glaze.
Crock Pot Ham Recipe Variations
Here are some variations on the basic crock pot ham recipe:
- Honey-Glazed Ham: Replace the brown sugar with an additional 1/4 cup of honey for a sweeter glaze.
- Spicy Ham: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the glaze for an extra kick of heat.
- Tropical Ham: Add 1 cup of chopped pineapple and 1 cup of chopped cherries to the crock pot for a fruity twist.
Conclusion
Cooking a bone-in ham in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to prepare a meal for your family and friends. With its tender and juicy texture, and flavorful glaze, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or a weeknight dinner, this crock pot bone-in ham recipe is a great option. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!
What is the best type of ham to use for this Crock Pot recipe?
The best type of ham to use for this Crock Pot recipe is a bone-in ham. This type of ham is typically less expensive than boneless hams and has more flavor. You can use either a smoked or unsmoked bone-in ham, depending on your personal preference. If you want a more traditional ham flavor, a smoked ham is a good choice. If you want a milder flavor, an unsmoked ham is a better option.
When selecting a bone-in ham, look for one that is labeled as “cured” or “glazed.” These hams have already been cooked and are ready to be heated through in the Crock Pot. You can also use a fresh bone-in ham, but it will need to be cooked for a longer period of time to ensure food safety.
How long does it take to cook a bone-in ham in a Crock Pot?
The cooking time for a bone-in ham in a Crock Pot will depend on the size of the ham and the temperature of your Crock Pot. As a general rule, a 5-7 pound bone-in ham will take 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours to cook on high. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.
If you’re using a larger or smaller ham, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to cook the ham for 20-25 minutes per pound. So, a 10-pound ham would take 10-12 hours to cook on low or 5-6 hours to cook on high.
Can I add other ingredients to the Crock Pot with the ham?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the Crock Pot with the ham to enhance the flavor. Some popular options include pineapple rings, brown sugar, mustard, and spices. You can also add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the pot for added flavor.
When adding other ingredients, be sure to arrange them in a way that allows the ham to cook evenly. You can place the ham in the center of the pot and arrange the other ingredients around it. This will help ensure that the ham cooks consistently and that the other ingredients don’t interfere with the cooking process.
How do I glaze a bone-in ham in a Crock Pot?
Glazing a bone-in ham in a Crock Pot is easy and only requires a few ingredients. You can use a store-bought glaze or make your own using a combination of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. To glaze the ham, simply brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
If you want a crispy glaze, you can broil the ham in the oven for a few minutes after it’s finished cooking in the Crock Pot. This will caramelize the glaze and give it a nice texture. Just be sure to keep an eye on the ham while it’s broiling to prevent it from burning.
Can I cook a bone-in ham in a Crock Pot on high?
Yes, you can cook a bone-in ham in a Crock Pot on high. Cooking the ham on high will reduce the cooking time, but it may not be as tender as cooking it on low. If you’re short on time, cooking the ham on high is a good option.
However, keep in mind that cooking the ham on high may cause it to dry out. To prevent this, you can add some liquid to the pot, such as pineapple juice or chicken broth, to keep the ham moist. You can also cover the pot with a lid to help retain moisture.
How do I store leftover bone-in ham?
Leftover bone-in ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the ham in the refrigerator, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. To freeze the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to serve the leftover ham, you can simply slice it and serve it cold or reheat it in the oven or microwave. You can also use leftover ham in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Can I use a Crock Pot bone-in ham recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, a Crock Pot bone-in ham recipe is perfect for a special occasion. The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for holidays like Easter or Christmas. The ham is also a crowd-pleaser, and the Crock Pot makes it easy to cook for a large group of people.
To make the recipe more special, you can add some festive ingredients, such as pineapple rings or cherry sauce. You can also serve the ham with some traditional sides, such as mashed potatoes or green beans. Whatever you choose, a Crock Pot bone-in ham is sure to be a hit at your next special occasion.