Cooking a delicious Cure 81 ham in the crockpot is an easy way to prepare a spectacular centerpiece dish for holidays or gatherings. With just a few simple steps, you can have a tender flavorful ham the whole family will love. In this comprehensive guide I’ll share pro tips and techniques for crockpot Cure 81 ham success.
Picking the Right Size Ham
Cure 81 hams come in a variety of sizes so choose one that fits your needs. For a smaller gathering of 6-8 select a 3-4 lb ham. For 10-12 guests, go with a 5-7 lb version. Feeding a crowd? A 10 lb ham serves 16-20. Consider bone-in for richer flavor or boneless for easier carving.
Prepping the Ham for the Crockpot
Start by removing the ham from packaging and rinse if desired. Trim off excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch. Score the fat by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate better. Pierce all over with a fork to allow flavor absorption.
Mixing Up a Flavorful Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine ingredients like brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice and spices to make a sweet and savory glaze. Simmer until thickened. You can also use a store-bought glaze for ease.
Crockpot Setup and Cooking
Place ham cut-side down in the crockpot and pour glaze over top Cook on low for 8-10 hours for a 5 lb ham, or until internal temp reaches 140°F. Re-glaze every few hours for maximum flavor
Resting and Carving with Care
Always let ham rest 15 minutes before carving so juices redistribute. Use a sharp knife to slice across the grain for tenderness. Arrange on a platter and spoon over pan juices.
For foolproof Cure 81 crockpot ham, follow my step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Select the Perfect Size Ham
Choose a bone-in or boneless ham to suit your number of guests. Allow 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound per person.
Step 2: Prep the Ham for Cooking
Trim fat, score, and pierce ham all over. Mix up your favorite glaze and brush it on.
Step 3: Cook on Low Heat
Place ham cut-side down in crockpot. Cook for 8-10 hours on low until 140°F.
Step 4: Re-glaze Every Few Hours
Brush on additional glaze every 2-3 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 5: Let Ham Rest Before Carving
Allow ham to rest 15 minutes post-cooking so juices redistribute evenly.
Step 6: Carve Against the Grain
Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices across the grain for tenderness.
Step 7: Serve with Pan Juices
Arrange slices on a platter and spoon over delicious pan juices.
With my tips and techniques, you’ll be ready to make a spectacular Cure 81 crockpot ham. Now let’s get into more details on cooking this classic to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cure 81 Ham
If you’re new to cooking Cure 81 ham in the crockpot, you probably have some questions. Here’s what you need to know:
How long should I cook a 7 lb ham?
Figure around 9-11 hours on low for a 7 lb ham until it reaches 140°F.
Can I prepare the whole ham in advance?
You sure can! Cook completely, let cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently before glazing.
Should I baste the ham while it cooks?
Basting isn’t necessary as the brining keeps it moist. It may make the ham overly salty.
What’s the minimum resting time?
Always let the ham rest at least 15-20 minutes post-cooking before slicing or juices will escape.
What glazes work well with Cure 81 ham?
Sweet glazes with pineapple, brown sugar, honey, cloves, and mustard are all delicious.
Can I use a pre-made glaze for ease?
Absolutely! Quality store-bought glazes can save time while still adding great flavor.
Tips for Crockpot Cure 81 Ham Success
-
Choose a fresh, high-quality ham with good color and no off odors.
-
Leaving the bone in while cooking adds extra flavor.
-
Scoring the fat allows more glaze absorption for better flavor.
-
Cook on low to keep the ham nice and moist.
-
Re-glaze every few hours during cooking for maximum flavor infusion.
-
Always let ham rest before carving so juices redistribute evenly.
-
Slice across the grain for tender, easy-to-chew pieces.
-
Garnish with fresh herbs, fruit slices, or edible flowers.
Using my tips, you’ll get perfect results every time with your crockpot Cure 81 ham. Your guests will be so impressed!
Creative Glazing Ideas for Your Ham
The glaze provides the final flavor flourish that makes your Cure 81 ham irresistible. Get inspired with these creative glaze suggestions:
-
Orange marmalade with jalapeño and cumin for sweet heat
-
Quince or peach preserves spiked with bourbon
-
Cherry jam swirled with brown sugar and hot sauce
-
Fig preserves with balsamic vinegar and rosemary
-
Mango chutney spiced up with curry powder
-
Guava jelly with grated fresh ginger and lime zest
-
Muscadine jelly with brown sugar, mustard, and molasses
-
Apple butter kicked up with cinnamon and nutmeg
-
Peach preserves with five spice powder and rice vinegar
-
Pineapple jam with star anise and Szechuan peppercorns
The options are endless for making a signature glaze that complements your Cure 81 ham. Get creative with fruits, spices, vinegars, and sweeteners to find your perfect flavor match. A homemade glaze really takes this dish over the top!
I hope my tips and step-by-step advice help you master cooking spectacular Cure 81 ham in the crockpot. With the right size ham, prep, cooking time, glazing, and resting, you’ll achieve juicy, tender results. Your guests will be amazed by your skills with this holiday showstopper. Now go enjoy some downhome Southern hospitality with a perfect crockpot Cure 81 ham!