Introduction
Ham is a delicious and iconic centerpiece for any special occasion, be it Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. However, traditional oven-baked ham can be time-consuming and tricky to get right. Enter crock pot ham, a simple and foolproof way to slow-cook your ham to juicy and flavorful perfection without any hassle. In this article, we will show you how to cook the perfect ham in your crock pot with 7 simple steps, flavorful recipes, and expert tips. Let’s get started!
7 Simple Steps to Slow-Cooked Ham Perfection in Your Crock Pot
Step 1: Choosing the right ham
Before you start cooking your ham, you need to choose the right one for your taste and budget. There are two main types of ham: city ham and country ham. City ham is the most common type, sold boneless or bone-in, and pre-cooked or uncooked. Country ham is a salt-cured and aged ham with a stronger flavor and firmer texture. It needs to be soaked and rinsed before cooking. Choose a ham size that fits your crock pot and allows for some extra space around it for the flavors to infuse.
Step 2: Preparing the ham for the crock-pot
Depending on the type of ham you choose, there are different preparations you need to make before cooking. For city ham, trim off any excess fat or skin, and score the top with a sharp knife to let the flavors penetrate better. For country ham, soak it in water for at least 12 hours or overnight and scrub it with a brush to remove the salt and mold. Then rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry.
Step 3: Setting up the crock-pot for slow-cooking
Grease the crock pot with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Add some liquid in the bottom, such as water, broth, wine, or juice, to create steam and prevent the ham from drying out. You can also add some aromatics, such as onions, garlic, herbs, or spices, to enhance the flavor. Place the ham in the crock pot with the flat side down and the fatty side up.
Step 4: Adding the ingredients for extra flavors
To make your crock pot ham more flavorful, you can add some complementary ingredients to the liquid or around the ham. For example, you can brush or pour some glaze over the ham, such as honey, maple syrup, mustard, or fruit preserves. You can also layer some fruits, such as pineapple rings, apple slices, or orange segments, around the ham for a fruity and tangy taste. You can even insert some cloves into the ham for a spicy and aromatic touch.
Step 5: Setting the cooking time and temperature
Cook the ham on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size and type of ham and the desired doneness level. To check the doneness, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the ham. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for safety. Let the ham rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 6: Checking the doneness level of the ham
To check if your ham is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat, not touching the bone. For pre-cooked city ham, aim for a temperature of 140°F (60°C). For uncooked city ham and country ham, aim for a temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remember that the ham will continue to cook a bit after you turn off the crock pot and the temperature will rise by a few degrees during resting.
Step 7: Serving and enjoying
When your ham is ready, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Carve it into thin slices, parallel to the bone, using a sharp knife or an electric knife. Serve it hot or warm with the sauce or glaze of your choice, and enjoy the delicious and moist meat with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or rolls. You can also reserve some for leftovers, salads, or sandwiches.
The Ultimate Guide to Prep and Cook a Delicious Ham in Your Crock Pot
Exploring different types of ham
As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of ham: city ham and country ham. City ham is more widely available and easier to cook, while country ham is more flavorful and requires more prep time. Other types of ham include prosciutto, which is a dry-cured and thinly sliced ham from Italy, and ham hock, which is the lower leg of the pig and used for soup or stew.
Understanding the cooking process
Slow-cooking ham in a crock pot is a form of braising, which means cooking meat in liquid and low heat until it becomes tender and flavorful. The crock pot acts as a gentle and constant heat source, which allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly without drying out or burning. Adding some liquid and seasonings to the crock pot creates a moist and aromatic environment for the ham to soak in.
Preparing the ham for slow-cooking
Besides trimming and soaking the ham, you can also marinate it for extra flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade can include olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. You can also inject some marinade into the ham with a syringe or baster to infuse it with more flavor. Another way to prepare the ham is to wrap it in foil or banana leaves to create a steam pocket and lock in the moisture.
Adding complementary flavors for extra taste
There are endless ways to enhance the flavor of your crock pot ham, depending on your personal preference and creativity. Besides the classic glaze and fruit combos, you can experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki, soy-ginger, or spicy tomato. You can also mix and match your favorite spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, or coriander, to create a unique aroma. You can even stuff the ham with some veggies, such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms, for a one-pot meal.
Finalizing the ham for the grand display
To make your crock pot ham look as tempting as it tastes, you can decorate it with some edible garnishes, such as fresh herbs, citrus zests, or grated cheese. You can also slice it thinly and arrange it on a platter with some crackers, cheese cubes, or fruit slices for a festive appetizer or snack. Another way to present the ham is to serve it on a bed of roasted veggies, such as potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, or pasta or rice.
Common mistakes to avoid during prep and cooking
Some common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture of your crock pot ham include using a ham that is too big or too small for your crock pot, cooking it at too high or low temperature, not adding enough liquid or seasoning, not checking the doneness with a thermometer, and carving it against the grain or too thickly or thinly. To avoid these mistakes, follow the recipe instructions and use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection.
5 Flavorful Crock Pot Ham Recipes You Need to Try Today
Classic honey glazed ham
Ingredients: 1 spiral-sliced ham, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tsp ground cloves. Instructions: Mix the brown sugar, honey, mustard, orange juice, and cloves in a bowl. Place the ham in the crock pot and brush the glaze all over it. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the ham is heated through and caramelized. Serve hot with the remaining glaze.
Balsamic glazed ham with cranberries
Ingredients: 1 bone-in ham, 1 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp dried rosemary. Instructions: Mix the vinegar, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, and rosemary in a bowl. Place the ham in the crock pot and pour the glaze over it. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the ham is fork-tender and glittery. Serve hot with the cranberry sauce.
Smoked ham with a tangy barbecue sauce
Ingredients: 1 smoked ham, 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika. Instructions: Mix the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, sauce, and paprika in a bowl. Place the ham in the crock pot and pour the sauce over it. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the ham is falling apart and mouthwatering. Serve hot with the barbecue sauce.
Sweet-spiced ham with brown sugar and cloves
Ingredients: 1 boneless ham, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp cloves. Instructions: Mix the orange juice, sugar, honey, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves in a bowl. Place the ham in the crock pot and pour the spice mix over it. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the ham is tender and fragrant. Serve hot with the spiced sauce.
Pineapple ham with a tropical twist
Ingredients: 1 bone-in ham, 1 can pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Instructions: Drain the pineapple chunks and reserve the juice. Mix the juice, sugar, sauce, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Place the ham in the crock pot and pour the pineapple juice mix over it. Add the pineapple chunks around the ham. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the ham is juicy and fruity. Serve hot with the pineapple chunks.
Hamming it up: Tips and Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Ham Experience
Ensuring the ham safety during cooking
To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, follow these safety tips when cooking ham in your crock pot: wash your hands and utensils before and after handling the ham, thaw frozen ham in the fridge and not on the counter, cook the ham to the right temperature using a meat thermometer, avoid leaving the ham at room temperature for more than 2 hours, and refrigerate the leftovers within 2 hours.
Cooking the ham with other ingredients
If you want to cook some sides or veggies with your crock pot ham, make sure that they cook at a similar rate and temperature. You can add some potatoes, carrots, or sweet potatoes around the ham for an easy side dish. You can also cook some green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts separately and serve them as a refreshing complement. If you are cooking a glaze or sauce, make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent burning.
Adjusting the seasoning and flavoring of the ham
If your ham turns out too salty or sweet, you can balance it out with some acidity or bitterness. Adding some lemon juice, vinegar, or wine can cut through the richness of the ham and lighten up the taste. Adding some mustard, horseradish, or chili flakes can add some heat and pungency. You can also tone down the sweetness by cutting off the glazed part of the ham or using less sugar in the recipe.
Carving and storing leftovers
To carve the ham, remove any bone and fat, and slice it thinly against the grain for a tender and easy-to-chew meat. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can use the leftover ham for sandwiches, salads, soups, omelets, or casseroles. You can also use the ham bone for making ham broth or stock.
