A slow cooker is a great way to cook a ham joint. The low, steady heat produces fork-tender meat infused with flavor. But to get the best results, there are some tips and tricks to know. In this complete guide, learn if and how to cook a ham joint in a slow cooker, prep steps, timing, glazes, and more for sensational holiday ham.
Is It Possible to Cook a Ham Joint in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely cook a boneless ham joint in a slow cooker! The moist, indirect heat of a crockpot surrounds the meat to break down connective tissues over time This results in very tender, juicy ham that’s easy to shred or slice.
For best results, choose a boneless, fully cooked ham joint versus raw pork Raw pork requires getting above 140°F quickly to prevent bacterial growth Slow cookers don’t heat quickly enough for this.
Opt for a pre-cooked, cured ham joint around 2 kg/4 lbs. A good butcher can provide one tied into a nice uniform shape. Or choose a vacuum-packed version from the grocery store
Just keep in mind that most slow cookers max out around 5-6 quarts capacity. Make sure your joint can fit comfortably with room for plenty of moist braising liquid.
Benefits of Slow Cooker Ham
Cooking ham in a slow cooker has several advantages:
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Convenience – Simply prep and load up the cooker in the morning. Ham cooks low and slow all day with no monitoring needed.
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Moistness – The braising liquid keeps ham very moist compared to oven roasting.
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Flavor – Ham braises in its own juices along with aromatics for fantastic depth.
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Fuss-free – No need to worry about drying out since it braises gently immersed in liquid.
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Ease – The slow cooker does the work. And easy clean-up too – no messy roasting pans to scrub!
Tips for Cooker a Ham Joint in a Slow Cooker
Follow these tips and tricks for the very best slow cooker ham every time:
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Prep it – Choose a boneless, fully cooked ham and trim off excess fat. Score the fat cap in a diamond pattern to help absorb flavors.
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Prop it up – Nestle aromatics like onions, garlic, and apple underneath to add moisture and prevent bottom scorching.
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Get the right fit – Make sure the ham joint can fit comfortably in your slow cooker with room for plenty of liquid.
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Add flavor – Use juices like pineapple, apple cider, cola, ginger ale, etc. Whole cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cinnamon sticks also add classic ham flavor.
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Keep it moist – The ham should be mostly submerged in liquid the entire time. Check halfway and add more if needed.
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Get glazy – For browned, lacquered edges, coat with a sweet glaze and broil after slow cooking.
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Rest it – Let the ham sit 15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Follow the tips above and you’ll get professional quality ham cooked to juicy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Ham
To cook a ham joint in a slow cooker, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients Needed
- 2 kg boneless cooked ham joint
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken or ham broth
- 1 cup juice like pineapple, apple, etc.
- Whole cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon stick (optional)
- Glaze ingredients (brown sugar, honey, jam, mustard, etc.)
Prep the Ham
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Trim off excess outer fat from the ham joint. Make shallow crosshatch cuts in the remaining fat cap.
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Stud with whole cloves, if desired, for flavor and presentation.
Load up the Slow Cooker
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Place chopped onions in bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Add broth, juice, and any other aromatics.
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Nestle the prepared ham directly in the liquid. Add enough to mostly submerge ham.
Cook on Low
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Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. A 2 kg ham will need around 8 hours.
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Check halfway through and add more liquid if needed. Ham should not poke through the surface.
Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix your choice of glaze ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, jams, mustard, etc.
Broil and Finish
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Coat ham all over with the glaze. Broil for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and lightly charred.
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Let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve hot or chilled.
It’s that easy to make the most flavorful, tender holiday ham in your trusty slow cooker appliance!
Choosing the Best Ham Joint for Slow Cooking
For the best results, look for:
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Boneless – Bone-in hams are tricky in a slow cooker. Stick with boneless for even cooking.
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Cooked – Raw pork requires fast cooking to temperatures above 140°F for food safety. Opt for a fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham joint.
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Cured – Cured ham has been treated to preserve it and add flavor. This results in better texture and taste.
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Facial cut – Ham from the facial region of the pig’s haunch has more marbleization for flavor and tenderness when slow cooked.
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Form – Tied, formed ham holds its shape better. Make sure it fits your cooker size.
With the right cut of ham and a few simple tips, you’ll get juicy, delicious results out of your slow cooker!
Slow Cooker Ham Glaze Ideas
One of the best parts of ham is the sweet, sticky glaze! Brush on your favorite combo and broil just before serving:
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Brown sugar – classic and caramelized
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Honey – sweet with floral notes
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Jams – cherry, peach, apricot, pineapple add fruity flavor
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Mustards – grainy, Dijon, spicy add tang
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Maple syrup – for Canadian flair
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Chili sauce – fruity with a little heat
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Orange marmalade – bright citrus and sweetness
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Pineapple juice – fresh tropical flavors
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Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger
Get creative with your ham glaze to serve up a real festive centerpiece!
How Long to Cook Ham Joint in Slow Cooker
Cooking time can vary slightly by size, but as a general guideline:
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1 to 2 kg ham – HIGH 6-7 hours, LOW 7-8 hours
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2 to 3 kg ham – HIGH 7-8 hours, LOW 8-10 hours
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Plan for 8-10 hours on LOW for safest results and the most tender texture.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
The low, indirect heat and moist environment ensures your ham cooks perfectly with zero drying out or risk of burning.
Serving Slow Cooker Ham
Once cooked, your savory glazed ham is ready to serve! Slice thick pieces and serve alongside classic sides:
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Biscuits or rolls
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Mashed or scalloped potatoes
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Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts
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Fruit salads and cranberry sauce
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Ham and pea pasta salads
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Summer corn and salad greens
For easy lunches and dinners later in the week, use leftover ham in:
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Omelets, quiches, and frittatas
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Fried rice or pasta bakes
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Soups like split pea, bean, potato, or noodle
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Ham salad sandwiches
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Pizza, paninis, and melts
With a little creativity, one ham provides the makings of easy meals all week long. Embrace the leftovers!
Can You Cook a Ham Hock in a Slow Cooker?
Ham hocks are the lower portion of the leg. They contain bones, skin, fat, and some meat. Yes, they can be cooked in a slow cooker too!
Benefits of slow cooker ham hocks:
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Infuse soups, beans, and veggies with smoky flavor
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Yield small bits of tender, fall-off-the-bone meat
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Provide body and texture to dishes like split pea soup
To cook, simply add ham hocks to your dish with ample liquid. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours until very tender. Remove bones and skin before eating.
Slow Cooker Ham FAQs
Get all your top questions answered on cooking ham in the slow cooker:
Is it better to cook ham on high or low? For most moist, tender results, cook on LOW. The slower cook time allows connective tissues to fully break down.
Do you add water to ham in a slow cooker? Yes, ham should be about 2/3 submerged in liquid at all times. Add juices, broths or water.
Should you sear ham before the slow cooker? It’s not necessary since the ham is fully cooked. But you can broil it after cooking to caramelize the glaze.
Can you overcook ham in a slow cooker? It’s difficult to overcook since the temperature stays around 190-210°F. But extremely long cook times may eventually dry it out.
How long does ham last in the fridge? Leftover fully cooked ham keeps 3-5 days refrigerated. Freeze slices and chunks for longer storage.
Can you reheat slow cooker ham? Gently reheat leftovers in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a low oven until heated through. Add broth or glaze to moisten.
Juicy, Flavorful Holiday Ham Is a Slow Cooker Away
Cooking ham in a slow cooker makes your holiday centerpiece totally stress-free. The meat turns out super moist and packed with flavor.
Prep your joint, load up your trusty crockpot, and look forward to fork-tender ham just in time for dinner! Then get creative with leftovers for easy meals all week long.
With a little planning, you can set it and forget it. Let your slow cooker do the work so you can relax and enjoy the holiday. Soon your home will be filled with the incredible aromas of sweet, savory ham.
