Cooking a ham in a slow cooker is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare this classic dish. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, slow cooker ham frees up your oven and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you cook a ham in a slow cooker?-this guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a perfect, juicy ham every time.
Why Cook Ham in a Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking a ham is fantastic because it:
– Keeps the meat moist and tender
– Allows flavors to deeply infuse
– Frees up your oven for sides and desserts
– Requires minimal hands-on time
Since most hams you buy are already fully cooked, the slow cooker’s job is mainly to gently reheat and infuse flavor without drying out the meat.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Slow Cooker
– Size matters: A 5 to 7-pound ham fits well in a standard 6-7 quart slow cooker.
– Spiral-cut hams are ideal because they’re easy to slice and the glaze seeps between the layers, adding flavor.
– Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful than boneless.
– Remember, you’re heating a precooked ham, so no raw meat worries here!
Step-by-Step: How to Cook a Ham in a Slow Cooker
1. Prep Your Ham and Slow Cooker
– Remove any packaging, plastic caps, or glaze packets from the ham.
– Spread about 1 to 1.5 cups of brown sugar in the bottom of the slow cooker.
– Place the ham flat side down on the brown sugar. You might need to trim the ham slightly to fit.
– Rub or spread the remaining brown sugar all over the ham, letting it coat the surface well.
2. Add Liquid for Juiciness
– Pour a liquid like pineapple juice, Dr Pepper, or ginger ale into the slow cooker to keep the ham moist and add flavor.
– About 1 cup of liquid is usually enough to create steam and prevent drying.
3. Cook Low and Slow
– Set your slow cooker to LOW.
– Cook for about 4 to 6 hours depending on the size of your ham (roughly 1 hour per pound for spiral-cut).
– Avoid cooking on HIGH to prevent drying out the ham.
4. Optional: Baste for Extra Flavor
– Basting every hour or so with the cooking juices or glaze helps keep the ham juicy and flavorful.
– You can flip the ham halfway through cooking if you like, but it’s not necessary.
5. Rest Before Slicing
– Once done, remove the ham and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so your ham stays moist.
Glazing Your Slow Cooker Ham
A glaze adds that perfect sweet and tangy finish. Here are popular glaze ideas:
– Brown sugar and mustard glaze: Mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of vinegar or pineapple juice to make a paste. Spread it over the ham before cooking.
– Honey mustard glaze: Combine butter, coconut sugar, mustard, and garlic in a saucepan, heat until smooth, then brush on the ham before cooking.
– Pineapple and brown sugar glaze: Pour pineapple juice in the slow cooker and mix brown sugar with mustard and honey for a tropical twist.
After cooking, you can simmer the leftover juices with a cornstarch slurry to make a delicious gravy or glaze sauce to serve alongside.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Ham
– Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches about 140°F for serving.
– Don’t overcook! Since the ham is precooked, you’re just reheating it. Overcooking can dry it out.
– Spiral-cut hams absorb glaze better and are easier to serve.
– Save the ham bone for soups or stews-it’s packed with flavor!
– If you want a caramelized crust, after slow cooking, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with extra glaze, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
Why Slow Cooker Ham Is a Game-Changer
Slow cooker ham is a lifesaver for busy cooks. It’s practically foolproof, requires minimal prep, and delivers juicy, flavorful results every time. Plus, it frees up your oven for all those delicious sides and desserts that make your meal unforgettable.
A slow cooker transforms a simple ham into a tender, juicy centerpiece with minimal effort. Just brown sugar, your favorite glaze, and low heat for several hours-then enjoy a meal that tastes like it took hours of work!