Cooking a ham in a crock pot is a simple and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal for your family and friends. With just a few ingredients and some basic preparation, you can have a mouth-watering, fall-apart tender ham that’s perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a ham in a crock pot, including the best recipes, cooking times, and tips for achieving the perfect glaze.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Crock Pot
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right type of ham for your crock pot. There are several types of hams available, including bone-in, boneless, and spiral-cut. For a crock pot, a boneless ham is usually the best option, as it’s easier to cook evenly and is less likely to become dry.
When selecting a ham, look for one that’s labeled “cured” or “smoked.” These hams have been pre-cooked and are ready to eat, making them perfect for a crock pot. You can also choose a fresh ham, but it will require additional cooking time and may not be as tender.
Ham Sizes and Crock Pot Capacities
When choosing a ham, it’s also essential to consider the size of your crock pot. A general rule of thumb is to choose a ham that’s at least 1-2 pounds smaller than your crock pot’s capacity. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and doesn’t become too crowded.
Here’s a rough guide to help you choose the right ham size for your crock pot:
| Crock Pot Size | Recommended Ham Size |
| — | — |
| 2-3 quarts | 1-2 pounds |
| 4-5 quarts | 2-3 pounds |
| 6-7 quarts | 3-4 pounds |
Basic Crock Pot Ham Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple and delicious crock pot ham recipe that’s perfect for any occasion:
Ingredients:
- 1 (2-4 pound) boneless ham
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the crock pot, fat side up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to coat it completely.
- Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Baste the ham with the juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and promote even cooking.
Variations and Add-ins
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can also add some variations and add-ins to give it an extra boost of flavor. Here are a few ideas:
- Pineapple rings: Place pineapple rings on top of the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cherry sauce: Mix 1/4 cup of cherry jam with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and brush it over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Orange zest: Sprinkle some grated orange zest over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
Cooking times and temperatures are crucial when it comes to cooking a ham in a crock pot. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Low setting: 4-6 hours
- High setting: 2-3 hours
- Internal temperature: 140°F – 160°F
It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham reaches a safe internal temperature. You can insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any fat or bone.
Glazing and Basting
Glazing and basting are two essential steps in cooking a delicious crock pot ham. Here’s how to do it:
- Glazing: Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can use the basic glaze recipe above or try a different variation.
- Basting: Baste the ham with the juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and promote even cooking. You can use a spoon or a basting brush to baste the ham.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect crock pot ham:
- Use a crock pot liner: A crock pot liner can make cleanup a breeze and prevent the ham from sticking to the pot.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooking can make the ham dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Let it rest: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and the ham to retain its moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking a ham in a crock pot:
- Overcrowding: Make sure to choose a ham that’s at least 1-2 pounds smaller than your crock pot’s capacity.
- Undercooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Not basting: Basting the ham with the juices every 30 minutes can help keep it moist and promote even cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham in a crock pot is a simple and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal for your family and friends. By following the basic recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can achieve a mouth-watering, fall-apart tender ham that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to choose the right type of ham, use a crock pot liner, and don’t overcook or undercook the ham. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a crock pot ham expert in no time!
What is the best type of ham to use for a Crock Pot ham recipe?
The best type of ham to use for a Crock Pot ham recipe 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.” These hams have been preserved with salt or sugar and have a rich, savory flavor. You can also use a spiral-cut ham, which is already sliced and easy to serve. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of ham you choose.
How long does it take to cook a Crock Pot ham?
The cooking time for a Crock Pot ham will depend on the size and type of ham you use. Generally, a 2-3 pound bone-in 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 it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.
It’s also important to note that you can cook a Crock Pot ham on low for 8-10 hours if you prefer. This will result in a tender and fall-apart ham that’s perfect for a special occasion. Just be sure to check the ham periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Can I add other ingredients to my Crock Pot ham?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to your Crock Pot ham to give it more flavor. Some popular ingredients to add include brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. You can also add some pineapple rings or cherries to give the ham a sweet and tangy flavor.
When adding ingredients, be sure to mix them together in a bowl before pouring them over the ham. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed and the ham cooks evenly. You can also add some aromatics like onions and carrots to the Crock Pot for added flavor.
How do I glaze a Crock Pot ham?
Glazing a Crock Pot ham is easy and only takes a few minutes. To glaze a ham, mix together some brown sugar, honey, and mustard in a bowl. You can also add some spices like cloves and cinnamon to give the glaze more flavor. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
To get a sticky and caramelized glaze, broil the ham in the oven for a few minutes after glazing. This will give the ham a nice brown color and a sweet and sticky glaze. Just be sure to keep an eye on the ham to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Can I cook a Crock Pot ham from frozen?
Yes, you can cook a Crock Pot ham from frozen, but it will take longer to cook. A frozen ham will take about 2-3 hours longer to cook than a thawed ham. To cook a frozen ham, simply place it in the Crock Pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
When cooking a frozen ham, be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F. You can also thaw the ham in the refrigerator or cold water before cooking it in the Crock Pot.
How do I store leftover Crock Pot ham?
Leftover Crock Pot ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store leftover ham, let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store leftover ham in a covered container in the refrigerator.
When freezing leftover ham, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also divide the leftover ham into smaller portions and freeze them individually for later use.
Can I make a Crock Pot ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a Crock Pot ham ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve. To make a Crock Pot ham ahead of time, cook the ham in the Crock Pot as directed, then let it cool completely. Wrap the ham in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the ham in the Crock Pot or oven until it’s warm and tender. You can also glaze the ham during the last 30 minutes of reheating for a sweet and sticky glaze.