As a busy home cook who loves hosting comfort food feasts, I’m always seeking tasty shortcuts to get a delicious meal on the table with minimal fuss. That’s why cooking fully cooked ham in the slow cooker has become one of my favorite time-saving tricks. With just a few simple steps, I can transform a convenient store-bought ham into the glistening centerpiece of a holiday spread or Sunday supper.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to prepare outrageously delicious crock pot ham, from choosing the right size ham to crafting a sweet and tangy homemade glaze. Pull out your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
Picking the Perfect Fully Cooked Ham for the Crock Pot
When selecting a fully cooked ham for the slow cooker, keep these factors in mind
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Bone-in is best – Go for a bone-in ham rather than boneless The bone adds flavor to the meat and helps it retain moisture,
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Get the right size – Choose a ham that fits in your crock pot with a little room to spare, Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person,
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Pick a trusted brand – Opt for a quality fully cooked ham from a reputable brand for the best results. Grocery store brand hams are a budget-friendly option.
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Spiral cut? Your call – Spiral cut hams look pretty but tend to dry out more. Non-spiral cut hams often have better moisture retention.
Prep Steps for Perfect Crock Pot Ham
Before nestling that ham into the slow cooker, take a few minutes to get it ready:
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Unwrap completely and discard any netting or packaging.
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Use a sharp knife to trim off any dried edges or undesirable fat.
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Score the ham by making shallow X-shaped cuts across the surface. This helps the glaze seep in.
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Stud the surface decoratively with whole cloves, if desired, pushing in gently.
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Liberally brush prepared glaze all over the ham to coat it completely.
Crafting a Sweet and Tangy Glaze
While plain crock pot ham is tasty, a sticky glaze really takes it over the top. I love this combination of sweet and tangy ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- 1/4 cup fruit juice like pineapple, orange, or apple
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves or ginger
Simply whisk the ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until blended and slightly thickened. Cool before using to coat the ham.
Cooking Fully Cooked Ham to Tender Perfection
Now for the fun part – letting the slow cooker work its magic! Follow these simple steps:
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Grease the crock pot liner or use a liner for easy cleanup.
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Add 1 cup soda, juice, broth or water to the bottom. This adds moisture as the ham cooks.
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Place ham in crock pot and brush with a generous amount of glaze.
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Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours until heated through (140°F internal temp).
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Every hour or so, baste ham with more glaze for flavor and moisture.
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In the last 30-60 minutes, layer on any remaining glaze.
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Allow ham to rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Serving Your Succulent Crock Pot Ham
Time to marvel at your masterpiece! Here are a few serving tips:
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Garnish with pineapple slices, maraschino cherries or fresh herb sprigs.
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Carve ham across the grain for tender, easy-to-cut slices.
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Pass extra glaze for drizzling over each slice.
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Pair with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted veggies, biscuits and deviled eggs.
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Add a dollop of mustard, horseradish or chutney for a tangy contrast.
Handy Tips for Crock Pot Ham Success
Over the years, I’ve picked up some useful tips for cooking moist, tender fully cooked ham in the slow cooker:
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Choose a bone-in ham and leave it untrimmed for the most flavor and moisture.
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Resist lifting the lid too often to allow the ham to heat evenly.
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Apply a sticky, glossy glaze for beautiful presentation with tons of flavor.
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Add pineapple juice, ginger ale or cola to the crock pot for extra juiciness.
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Cook on LOW to gently bring the ham to a safe reheating temperature.
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Let the ham rest before slicing so the juices redistribute.
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Carve across the grain for tender, easy-to-eat slices.
FAQs About Making Fully Cooked Ham in a Crock Pot
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about slow cooker ham:
How long does it take to cook fully cooked ham in a crock pot?
4-6 hours on LOW is typical for a 5-7 pound fully cooked ham. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 140°F.
Should I add liquid to the crock pot?
For extra moisture and flavor, add 1 cup of soda, juice, broth or even water. This isn’t strictly necessary though.
What temperature should I set the crock pot to?
LOW heat is recommended to gently reheat the ham without drying it out.
Can I overcook the ham in a slow cooker?
It is possible to overcook it if cooked for too long. Stick to the recommended time of 4-6 hours max.
Is it necessary to trim fat from the ham?
Trimming is optional since the fat bastes the ham and adds flavor. But you can trim it for a leaner result.
Can I cook other foods along with the ham?
Yes, you can surround it with veggies, potatoes or other sides to pick up the delicious ham flavor.
Satisfy Your Ham Hunger
What’s your favorite slow cooker ham recipe? Share your tips and experiences with fellow ham lovers!
