Country ham, with its rich, robust flavor and chewy texture, is a staple in Southern cuisine. While traditionally baked or pan-fried, cooking country ham in a crockpot is an easy, hands-off way to prepare this tasty cured pork. The slow, gentle heating of the crockpottenderizes the meat and intensifies the flavor.
Read on for a complete guide to cooking delicious country ham in the crockpot. We’ll cover choosing the right ham, seasoning tips, glazes, serving ideas, and more so you can make amazing country ham at home with minimal fuss.
Why Cook Country Ham in a Crockpot?
Here are some of the benefits of using a crockpot to prepare country ham
- Requires little preparation – just season and pop it in
- Tenderizes tough cured ham over low, gradual heat
- Infuses ham with flavors as it slow-cooks
- Allows you to infuse glazes that caramelize as it cooks
- Frees up your oven for other dishes
- Provides flexibility for holiday or family gatherings
- Makes the house smell amazing!
Choosing the Right Ham for the Crockpot
For best results, choose a boneless, fully-cooked ready-to-eat country ham steak or roast that’s around 3 to 5 pounds Avoid unusually thick, bone-in cuts which may not cook evenly.
The ham should be cured and smoked, not fresh. Fresh pork requires very different cooking methods. Make sure the packaging indicates it is fully cooked.
Step-By-Step Guide to Crockpot Country Ham
Follow these simple steps for perfect crockpot ham every time:
1. Prepare the Ham
Trim off any rind or skin, and blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts across the surface. This allows the seasoning and glaze to penetrate better.
2. Season the Ham
Rub lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Season the ham all over with salt, pepper and any other seasonings you desire. Brown sugar, garlic powder, rosemary and mustard powder all pair well with country ham.
3. Make a Glaze (Optional)
For caramelized, lacquered ham, mix up a simple glaze. Brown sugar, honey, jams, and fruit preserves all make delicious bases. Whisk in spices, vinegar or mustard to taste.
4. Pour on the Glaze
Place ham in the crockpot and brush all over with your favorite glaze. Reserve some glaze to brush on toward the end.
5. Cook on Low
Cover and cook for 4-6 hours on LOW, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Resist opening the lid to prevent heat loss.
6. Rest, Glaze and Serve
Let the ham rest 15 minutes before slicing. Reheat reserved glaze and brush over ham just before serving.
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Crockpot Ham
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Use a crockpot liner for easy clean-up
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Add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the crockpot to prevent drying
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Cook for the minimum time to prevent overdrying
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Let ham rest 15-20 mins before carving for juicy slices
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Keep glaze ingredients on hand for easy last-minute glazing
Simple Crockpot Ham Glaze Ideas
Brown Sugar Glaze – Brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon
Apple Cider Glaze – Apple cider, brown sugar, mustard, cloves
Cherry Cola Glaze – Cherry preserves, cola, brown sugar, vinegar
Cranberry Glaze – Cranberry sauce, orange juice, ginger
Bourbon Molasses Glaze – Molasses, bourbon, mustard, Worcestershire
Delicious Ways to Use Crockpot Country Ham
Beyond just slicing and serving crockpot ham with sides, here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:
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Dice and add to baked beans or soup beans
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Toss chunks into macaroni and cheese
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Make ham salad sandwiches with mayo, relish and celery
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Cut up for omelets, breakfast tacos or hash
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Add to your favorite potato, pasta or green salads
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Stuff into biscuits, sandwiches and wraps
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Fry up with redeye gravy for a Southern classic
With minimal hands-on time, the crockpot does the work of slow cooking and infusing country ham with incredible flavor. Follow this guide and soon you’ll be making amazing country ham for any meal or occasion.
An Easy Way To Cook Ham In A Slow Cooker
FAQ
Does ham need to be submerged in a slow cooker?
Do you have to soak a country ham before cooking?
How do you heat up a ham without drying it out in a crock pot?
How do you cook a Ham in a slow cooker?
Spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the ham into the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the ham. Place the lid on and cook on low for 3-4 hours until an internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Can you cook Ham in a crock pot?
If the entire ham doesn’t fit in the crock pot, consider slicing the ham into smaller portions that fit easily in the slow cooker with the lid on before beginning the cooking process. Prepare the Crock Pot. Place a large slow cooker liner or use a slow cooker bag to make cleanup a breeze.
Should you cover a Ham in a slow cooker?
Keeping moisture around the ham is super important so that it doesn’t dry out. If you’re cooking the ham in the oven, you can cover it with foil until the very end, but in the slow cooker you don’t have to worry about it drying out. The slow cooker lid will help keep all the moisture in.
How long does a ham crock pot take to cook?
After brushing ham with the glaze, cover and cook it for four to five hours on high, or five to six hours on low. When ready, a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of ham should register 145°F. Will Ham Dry Out in the Crockpot?