Slow Cooker Ham: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for a Crowd-Pleasing Meal
Slow cookers are kitchen superheroes, transforming tough cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. And when it comes to ham, a slow cooker recipe is the ultimate in effortless elegance. This recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful ham with minimal effort, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a simple weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably easy and delicious slow cooker ham recipe!
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Ham?
Many people wonder why they should use a slow cooker for ham, especially when baking is a traditional method. The truth is, slow cooking offers some significant advantages:
- Maximum Moisture: Slow cooking keeps the ham incredibly moist, preventing it from drying out, which is a common problem with baked hams.
- Enhanced Flavor: The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the ham deeply, resulting in a more intense and delicious taste.
- Effortless Cooking: Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, add your liquid and seasonings, and let the appliance do the work. No need to constantly monitor or baste.
- Convenience: Perfect for busy schedules, the slow cooker allows you to prepare the ham in advance and enjoy it later, freeing up your time for other activities.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- A fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham (approx. 4-6 lbs): Choose your favorite kind – spiral-sliced, bone-in, or boneless. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size and type.
- 1 cup of your favorite liquid: Chicken broth, apple juice, cola, or even pineapple juice all add amazing flavor!
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: For added sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite spices: Consider cloves, allspice, or a pre-made ham seasoning blend.
- Optional additions: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, a few sliced oranges, or even a few whole cloves enhance the aroma and flavor even further.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Ham: Remove any packaging from the ham. If using a bone-in ham, you might want to score the fat cap for even cooking and better flavor penetration.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together your chosen liquid, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices.
- Place in the Slow Cooker: Place the ham in your slow cooker. Pour the liquid mixture over the ham, ensuring it's mostly submerged.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). The cooking time depends on the size and type of ham you are using, so be sure to use a meat thermometer.
- Glaze (Optional): During the last hour of cooking, you can brush the ham with a glaze made from additional brown sugar, honey, or apricot preserves for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your slow cooker ham with your favorite sides. Some classic pairings include:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
- Green beans: Simple steamed or sautéed green beans.
- Macaroni and cheese: A creamy and comforting side dish.
- Sweet potato casserole: A sweet and savory complement to the ham.
Tips for Success:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is essential to ensure the ham is cooked through safely.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked ham can be dry. Follow the cooking time guidelines and use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different spices and liquids to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Leftovers are great: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or quiches.
Enjoy your incredibly juicy and flavorful slow cooker ham! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us on social media! Happy cooking!
