How to Cook Perfect Kentucky Legend Ham in a Crock Pot

Kentucky Legend ham is a classic spiral sliced ham that is beloved for its delicious smoky flavor and tender texture. Cooking it in a crock pot brings out its best qualities, infusing it with flavor as it slowly cooks to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make this iconic ham that will be the star of any meal.

Benefits of Cooking Kentucky Legend Ham in a Crock Pot

There are many advantages to using a crock pot to cook Kentucky Legend ham:

• Convenience – Once you set up the crock pot, it does all the work with minimal effort required. You don’t have to monitor it like you would in the oven.

• Moist and tender – The slow cooking retains moisture and results in very tender meat.

• Infuses flavor – Cooking for hours allows the seasonings and aromatics to thoroughly penetrate the ham.

• Makes its own gravy – No need for extra gravy with this method! The ham releases flavorful juices that thicken into gravy,

• Hard to mess up – Crock pots cook at consistent low temperatures over long periods making it nearly impossible to overcook.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 lb) Kentucky Legend boneless smoked ham
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup ginger ale
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken juices)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof Kentucky Legend ham.

Prep

1. Remove ham from packaging and trim off any rind or skin.
2. Score the ham by making light crisscross cuts on the top and sides. This helps the glaze adhere.
3. Make the glaze – Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, and cloves in a small bowl. Set aside.

Cook

1. Pour 1 cup ginger ale in the bottom of crock pot. Place ham cut side down in liquid.
2. Brush ham all over with some of the glaze mixture. Reserve remaining glaze.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until ham is heated through.

Finish

1. Remove ham to a platter and tent with foil.
2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.
3. Pour juices from crock pot into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Add cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute until thickened to make gravy.
5. Slice ham and serve topped with extra glaze and gravy.

Tips and Variations

• For a smoky flavor, add 1 tablespoon liquid smoke to the glaze.

• Use orange juice or pineapple juice instead of ginger ale.

• Add whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, or bay leaves to the crock pot for extra flavor

• Use maple syrup or agave nectar to make a brown sugar-free glaze.

• Top ham with a brown sugar and crushed pineapple mixture the last 30 minutes.

• Bake glazed ham under the broiler 2-3 minutes to caramelize.

• Leftovers can be used in scrambled eggs, sandwiches, soups, and more!

Common Questions

Get ready to make the most flavorful and tender Kentucky Legend ham with this easy crock pot method!

How long does it take to cook Kentucky Legend ham in a crock pot?

• Cook for approximately 4-5 hours on low until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Can you cook a whole ham in a crock pot?

• Yes, a whole bone-in ham fits perfectly! Follow the same method. Add more liquid if needed.

Do you need to add liquid to the crock pot?

• For best results, add 1 cup ginger ale, fruit juice or water to help keep the ham moist.

Is it okay to cook the ham directly in the crock pot liner?

• Absolutely! No need for extra pans. Place the ham cut side down right in the ceramic insert.

What glaze ingredients work best?

• Sweet and sticky glazes made with maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, mustard, and warm spices like cloves pair deliciously with salty, smoky ham.

Serve your party guests or family this spectacular crock pot Kentucky Legend ham that delivers maximum convenience and flavor. The juicy slices covered in sweet glaze and savory gravy will make it an instant hit!