Leftover ham is a delicious treat but eating it cold straight from the fridge leaves much to be desired. Heating up those leftover ham slices locks in moisture and brings out the ham’s full flavor profile. But dry, overcooked ham is no good either. That’s where the crock pot comes in!
Reheating sliced ham in a slow cooker yields hot, tender, juicy meat every time. In this complete guide, you’ll learn
- Why the crock pot does it best
- Tips for reheating whole spirals and slices
- How long to cook ham slices
- Serving suggestions for flavored ham
- Safe storage for quick ham meals all week
Follow these crock pot tips and you’ll be a master at reheating ham slices and enjoying them throughout the week!
Why the Crock Pot Reheats Ham Perfectly
Ham dried out in the oven? Microwaved slices rubbery and weird? The crock pot is a game changer for reheating ham. Here’s why it delivers the best results:
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Gentle, even heating – The crock pot brings ham to temperature gradually, stopping it from drying out. The ham cooks in its own juices for tender texture.
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Convenience – Just toss in slices, set it, and forget it The crock pot does the work while you go about your day
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Adds flavor – Enjoy ham flavored with pineapple juice, cola, ginger ale and other fun liquids.
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Perfection every time – Takes the guesswork out of timing. Ham reheats perfectly on low without your full attention.
The moist, indirect heat of the crock pot is ham’s friend! Now let’s look at how to make the most of reheating whole spirals versus slices.
Tips for Reheating Whole Spiral Hams
Reheating an untouched spiral ham leftovers lets you enjoy it as if it was freshly cooked:
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Leave ham wrapped in foil and place in crock insert.
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Add 1 cup broth, ginger ale, juice, or water.
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Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours, until heated through.
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Unwrap foil the last hour for glaze to caramelize.
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Cook 10-15 minutes per pound, with bone-in times longer.
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Use a meat thermometer and cook to 140°F for food safety.
The ham’s protective foil pouch steams it gently to a perfect reheated state. Feel free to add liquids like ginger ale or pineapple juice for flavored ham.
How to Reheat Sliced Ham in the Crock Pot
For leftover cooked ham slices, follow these simple steps:
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Stack slices in crock, overlapping as needed.
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Add 1⁄2 cup broth, juice, or water.
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Cover and cook on low up to 4 hours.
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Cook just until heated through, checking often to prevent overcooking.
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Use two forks to shred meat if desired.
The key is to not overcook the already-cooked meat. Check it often and stop cooking once the ham is fully hot. Now let’s look at timing.
How Long to Cook Ham Slices in the Crock Pot
Ham slice cooking time can vary based on:
- Thickness of slices
- Amount of ham
- Desired texture
Here are some general guidelines for crock pot times:
- Deli-thin ham slices – 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours
- 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick slices – 2 to 3 hours
- 3 pounds of ham slices – 3 to 4 hours
- Thicker ham slices and chunks – 4+ hours
Start checking thinner slices after 1 hour, and thicker ham after 3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm slices reach 140°F. Then switch to warm setting to hold.
Serving Fun Flavored Ham from the Crock Pot
Jazz up plain ham slices with these easy flavor ideas:
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Cola or Dr. Pepper – For sweet, smoky flavor
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Orange or pineapple juice – Fruity flavors that pair great with ham
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Apple juice or cider – For a hint of tart apple taste
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BBQ sauce – To infuse ham with bold, saucy flavor
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Brown sugar and maple syrup – For candied, glazed ham
Mix up the liquids to give straightforward ham an exciting flavor twist! Just replace water with any of the above.
Storing Leftover Ham for Quick Meals All Week
Be sure to promptly refrigerate any leftover ham after reheating:
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Let ham cool slightly before storing.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours; discard if left out longer.
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Store sliced ham up to 4 days.
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Freeze sliced ham in airtight bags up to 2-3 months.
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Reheat frozen ham directly in the crock pot as it thaws.
Proper storage lets you enjoy quick ham meals all week!
Turn Leftover Ham into Delicious Meals
Beyond snacking on ham slices, transform them into yummy meals like:
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Ham and cheese omelets or breakfast sandwiches
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Ham salad with mayo, celery, onion on bread or crackers
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Add ham to mac and cheese or potato casseroles
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Toss ham into fried rice, ramen noodles, or pasta dishes
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Mix into scrambled eggs, hash, or omelets
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Fold into quesadillas, pizza, sandwiches and wraps
With the crock pot’s help, you’ll get hot, tender ham for recipes all week long. No more dried out or rubbery ham slices!
Get Perfectly Reheated Ham Every Time
Reheating ham in the crock pot consistently delivers hot, moist, flavorful results. Follow this guide for heating whole spiraled hams or slices to juicy perfection.
Be sure to use proper food safety practices and promptly enjoy or refrigerate leftovers. With the crock pot’s set-it-and-forget-it ease, you can look forward to quick ham meals all week long.
Can you heat a pre cooked ham in a slow cooker?
FAQ
How long does it take to warm up sliced ham in crock pot?
How do you reheat sliced ham?
Can you reheat in a slow cooker?
Does ham need to be submerged in a slow cooker?
How to reheat sliced ham in a crock pot?
One of the best ways to reheat sliced ham in a crock pot is to use the low heat setting. This method will allow the ham to slowly and evenly warm up, without the risk of overcooking or drying out the meat. To start, add a liquid such as pineapple juice, broth, or stock to the crock pot. This will help to keep the ham moist and tender.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
How do you reheat a bone-in Ham in a crock pot?
Next, add your sliced ham to the crock pot, making sure that each slice is coated with the liquid. Set your crock pot to the low setting and let the ham warm up for about 3-4 hours. If you’re reheating bone-in ham, you may need to add an additional 1-2 hours depending on the size.
How do you reheat a sliced ham?
Instead, it’s best to use a low and slow method to reheat your sliced ham. If you’re short on time and need to reheat your sliced ham quickly, consider using a skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Add a few slices at a time and add a small amount of liquid such as chicken broth or butter to keep the meat moist.