Are you looking for a mouth-watering, stress-free dish to serve at your next family gathering or holiday meal? Look no further than a crock pot honey ham. This sweet and savory recipe is perfect for any occasion, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to cook a delicious honey ham in a crock pot, and provide you with some helpful tips and tricks to make it a success.
Why Choose a Crock Pot Honey Ham?
There are many reasons why a crock pot honey ham is an excellent choice for your next meal. Here are just a few:
- Convenience: A crock pot honey ham is a hands-off recipe that requires minimal effort and attention. Simply place the ham in the crock pot, add your desired ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender and juicy: The low heat and moisture of the crock pot ensure that the ham is cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
- Flavorful: The honey and spices used in this recipe infuse the ham with a rich, sweet, and savory flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
- 1 crock pot (at least 6 quarts in size)
- 1 large aluminum foil sheet
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the ham, you’ll need to prepare it by scoring the fat and applying a spice rub. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the ham on a large cutting board, fat side up.
- Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored lines.
Cooking the Ham in the Crock Pot
Now that the ham is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the crock pot. Here’s how:
- Place the ham in the crock pot, fat side up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, and pineapple juice (if using).
- Pour the honey mixture over the ham, making sure that it’s fully coated.
- Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Glazing the Ham
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll want to glaze the ham with a sweet and sticky glaze. Here’s how:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored lines.
- Cover the crock pot with a lid and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Crock Pot Honey Ham
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve a perfect crock pot honey ham:
- Use a bone-in ham: A bone-in ham is essential for this recipe, as it provides a lot of flavor and helps to keep the ham moist.
- Don’t overcook the ham: The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Overcooking can result in a dry and tough final product.
- Let the ham rest: Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Serving Suggestions
A crock pot honey ham is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the sweet and savory flavor of the ham.
- Serve with mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the ham.
- Serve with a salad: A simple green salad or a more composed salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the ham.
Conclusion
A crock pot honey ham is a deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and savory flavor, tender and juicy texture, and hands-off cooking method, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you’ll be able to achieve a perfect crock pot honey ham that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is the best type of ham to use for Crock Pot Honey Ham?
The best type of ham to use for Crock Pot Honey Ham is a bone-in ham, preferably a smoked or cured ham. This type of ham is already cooked, so it’s perfect for slow cooking in a Crock Pot. You can also use a boneless ham, but a bone-in ham will give you more flavor and a better texture.
When choosing a ham, look for one that is labeled “smoked” or “cured.” This type of ham has been preserved with salt or sugar and has a rich, savory flavor. You can also use a ham that has been glazed or coated with a sweet or spicy sauce, but be aware that this may affect the overall flavor of the dish.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Honey Ham?
The cooking time for Crock Pot Honey Ham will depend on the size of your ham and the temperature of your Crock Pot. Generally, a 2-3 pound ham will take 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours to cook on high. A larger ham may take longer to cook, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure that it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.
It’s also important to note that you can cook the ham on low for a longer period of time, such as 8-10 hours, if you prefer a more tender and fall-apart texture. This is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can use a different type of sweetener instead of honey, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor of the dish. Brown sugar, maple syrup, and agave nectar are all good alternatives to honey. However, if you’re looking for a similar flavor to honey, you may want to try using a combination of brown sugar and maple syrup.
When using a different sweetener, start with a small amount and taste the glaze as you go. You can always add more sweetener, but it’s harder to remove excess sweetener from the glaze. Also, be aware that some sweeteners, such as maple syrup, have a stronger flavor than honey, so you may want to use less of it.
How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
To prevent the ham from drying out, make sure to baste it regularly with the honey glaze. You can also add some liquid to the Crock Pot, such as pineapple juice or chicken broth, to keep the ham moist. Additionally, you can cover the Crock Pot with a lid or foil to trap the moisture and heat.
It’s also important to not overcook the ham. A ham that is cooked too long can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, and remove it from the heat when it reaches 140°F.
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, such as pineapple rings, cherry slices, or cloves. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the dish. You can also add some aromatics, such as onions or carrots, to the Crock Pot for added flavor.
When adding other ingredients, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Some ingredients, such as pineapple rings, may cook more quickly than the ham, so be sure to check on them regularly to prevent overcooking.
How do I store leftover Crock Pot Honey Ham?
To store leftover Crock Pot Honey Ham, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating the ham, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure food safety.
You can also use leftover Crock Pot Honey Ham in other dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or soups. Simply slice the ham thinly and add it to your favorite recipe.
Can I make Crock Pot Honey Ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Crock Pot Honey Ham ahead of time. In fact, this recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. Simply cook the ham in the Crock Pot, then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.
When reheating the ham, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure food safety. You can also reheat the ham in the Crock Pot by adding some liquid, such as pineapple juice or chicken broth, and cooking it on low for 30 minutes to 1 hour.