Cody Casey
Ham is a popular dish for holidays and gatherings, and a slow cooker is a convenient way to prepare it. You can cook a ham shank in a crock pot, but its shape may not fit as easily as other types of ham. Bone-in hams are recommended for crock pots because they cook more evenly and have more moisture and flavour. A ham shank is the best option for flavour, moisture, and ease of cutting. The cooking time depends on the size of the ham and the desired texture. For a fall-apart tender ham, it can be cooked for up to 12 hours on low heat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of cooking ham shank in a crock pot | Moisture, flavor, ease of cutting |
| Cons of cooking ham shank in a crock pot | Awkward shape that doesn't fit easily into most standard-size crock pots |
| Crock pot ham recipe ingredients | Brown sugar, pineapple juice, maple syrup, honey, mustard, vinegar, ginger ale, beer, cornstarch, water, cloves |
| Crock pot ham recipe steps | Stud the ham with cloves, brush with a glaze, add to the crock pot with some liquid, cook slowly, glaze again, skim the fat, strain the juices, simmer the juices, serve with sauce |
| Crock pot ham cooking time | 2-6 hours, depending on the size of the ham |
| Crock pot ham internal temperature | 140°F |
| Crock pot ham storage | Refrigerate covered leftovers for up to 5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for different ham cuts
Ham is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in a crock pot or slow cooker. The cooking time for ham depends on several factors, including the type of ham, the cut, and the weight. Here is a guide to help you determine the cooking times for different ham cuts:
Ham Cuts and Types
Shank
The shank portion of the ham comes from the upper part of the leg, just below the butt. It contains more fat and marbling, making it juicier and more flavourful than the butt portion. The major drawback of the shank is that its shape doesn't fit as easily into most standard-size slow cookers. A shank ham typically takes around 4 to 6 hours to cook in a crock pot or slow cooker.
Butt
The butt portion of the ham is the half that usually fits better in a slow cooker due to its more even, rounded shape. However, it tends to be less juicy and flavourful than the shank and is more challenging to carve since it has two bones.
Center-cut
Center-cut ham comes from the center of the leg and is usually sold in slices. If you're serving this cut, plan on about 1/2 pound of meat per person if it's bone-in, or 1/3 pound if it's boneless.
Cooking Times
Bone-in Ham
For bone-in ham, the cooking time can vary depending on the weight and whether it is smoked or unsmoked. As a general rule, it takes around 18-25 minutes per pound for smoked, cooked bone-in ham, and 25-40 minutes per pound for fresh, uncooked bone-in ham.
Boneless Ham
Boneless ham typically takes longer to cook than bone-in ham. For a smoked, cooked boneless ham, you can expect a cooking time of around 15-20 minutes per pound. For a fresh, uncooked boneless ham, the cooking time is approximately 24-35 minutes per pound.
Spiral-cut Ham
Spiral-cut ham is a convenient option for those who don't want to worry about carving. To warm a spiral-cut ham, cook it at a temperature of no lower than 325°F until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 140°F. This will take approximately 10 minutes per pound.
Other Considerations
When cooking ham in a crock pot or slow cooker, it is important to remember that most hams are pre-cooked, so you are mainly reheating and infusing flavour rather than cooking from scratch. A good rule of thumb is to cook an 8-10 pound bone-in ham for about 4 to 6 hours on low heat. Smaller hams, ranging from 4 to 6 pounds, may only need 2 to 3 hours.
Additionally, it is crucial to maintain moisture around the ham to prevent it from drying out. This can be achieved by adding liquid to the crock pot and basting the ham during the cooking process.
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Glaze ingredients and preparation
Glazing a ham shank in a crock pot is a great way to make a delicious, tender, and juicy meal. The glaze ingredients and preparation are crucial to achieving the perfect flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a mouth-watering glaze for your ham shank:
Glaze Ingredients:
For a simple yet tasty glaze, you will need brown sugar, pineapple juice, maple syrup, and honey. These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. You can also add a splash of soda, such as Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola, for an extra sticky and unique flavour.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can enhance the glaze with additional ingredients like Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder. These add a savoury and slightly spicy kick to the glaze.
Glaze Preparation:
Start by coating the ham shank generously with brown sugar. Make sure to rub it all over the ham, getting into any crevices. Then, pour maple syrup and pineapple juice over the top. You can also brush the ham with honey to create a sticky and flavourful base for the glaze.
Next, combine the remaining glaze ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and your choice of additional ingredients. Whisk them together until well incorporated. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
Before adding the glaze to the crock pot, it's essential to ensure your ham shank is prepared correctly. Choose a fully cooked, bone-in ham that isn't spiral cut, as these tend to stay juicier and heat more evenly. Place the ham in the crock pot, and then brush or pour the glaze over it.
Finally, set your crock pot to low heat and let the ham cook slowly. The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham, but for a standard-sized ham, 4 to 6 hours should be sufficient. During the cooking process, the glaze will slowly caramelize, creating a beautiful, mouth-watering ham shank that your family and friends will love!
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Crock pot preparation
Ham shank can be cooked in a crock pot. The shank portion of the ham is said to have more flavour, moisture, and is easier to cut. It is also often leaner but a little more chewy.
The major drawback to the shank is that its shape doesn't fit as easily into most standard-size crock pots. For best results, use an instant-read thermometer and warm the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
A bone-in ham will cook more evenly in the crock pot and has more moisture and flavour. A boneless ham can be easier to serve since you don't have to work around a bone. A bone-in ham is recommended for the best result.
If your ham is too large for your crock pot, you can trim off a chunk of the ham to make it fit. You can also cover the crock pot with heavy-duty foil that is tightly sealed.
The time it takes to cook a ham depends on how large the ham is and how hot your crock pot runs. A small ham may reach the desired temperature within 2 to 3 hours on a low setting. A larger ham should be done in 4 to 6 hours on low. If you are cooking a bone-in ham, it is recommended to shred the meat and remove any clumps of fat.
It is important to keep moisture around the ham so that it doesn't dry out. You don't need to submerge the ham in liquid, but you should add some liquid to the crock pot so that the ham stays juicy.
You can make a glaze for your ham using pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, honey, vinegar, maple syrup, or soda. You can make the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook the ham. Stud the ham with cloves, brush with the glaze, and add to your crock pot with some liquid.
Slow cooker ham is an easy, flavorful meal that takes only minutes of prep work. It is a great option for holiday gatherings.
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How to serve ham
Ham is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and the occasion. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to serve ham:
Choosing the Right Ham
When selecting a ham, you have the option of choosing either a butt or shank portion. The butt portion has a more rounded shape, making it easier to fit into a slow cooker. However, the shank portion is known for its superior flavour, moisture, and ease of carving. The shank contains more fat and marbling, contributing to its juiciness and taste.
Preparing the Ham
Before serving, you can enhance the flavour and appearance of the ham. Studding the ham with cloves and brushing it with a glaze are popular techniques. You can make the glaze in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. A variety of glaze recipes are available, including combinations of soda, mustard, sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
Cooking the Ham
Ham can be cooked in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, which is especially convenient when oven space is limited. It is important to note that most hams are pre-cooked, so you are primarily warming it through. For an eight- to ten-pound bone-in ham, cooking it on low for about five hours is recommended. If you prefer a fall-apart tender ham, you can cook it for a longer period, up to 10 to 12 hours. Remember to add some liquid to the slow cooker to keep the ham juicy and prevent it from drying out.
Serving Options
Ham can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference and the weather. For a hot option, you can serve it with roast vegetables or sliced on the barbecue with sliced pineapple and melted cheese on top. If you prefer a cold dish, thick slices of ham with mustard and pickles on the side are a classic choice. You can also serve it with condiments, salads, or vegetables. Leftover ham can be used for sandwiches, soups, or other creative recipes.
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Storing and reheating ham
Ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, storing and reheating ham can be tricky, as it tends to dry out quickly. Here are some tips to help you store and reheat ham while retaining its moisture and flavour:
Storing Ham:
- If you have leftover ham, wrap it securely in aluminium foil or plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped ham in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
- Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 7 days.
Reheating Ham:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Arrange the ham slices in a single layer on a greased baking pan.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of broth, water, or leftover glaze to the pan.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, turning the slices once.
- Alternatively, use an air fryer or toaster oven with a convection function. Wrap 6-8 ounces of ham in foil and heat at 325°F for 6-8 minutes.
- For crispy ham, increase the temperature to 350-360°F and air fry for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through.
- If using a slow cooker, set it to low and reheat the ham slowly over 4-6 hours. Keep the ham moist by adding ginger ale, soda, or chicken broth to the crock pot.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook a ham shank in a crock pot.
The time it takes to cook a ham shank in a crock pot depends on the size of the ham and the temperature of the crock pot. A small ham may take 2-3 hours to cook on low heat, while a larger ham may take 4-6 hours.
The best cut of ham for a crock pot is a matter of personal preference. Bone-in hams are said to cook more evenly and have more moisture and flavour, but boneless hams are easier to serve. Spiral hams are also a good option for crock pots as they allow the glaze to reach each layer, although they can dry out faster.
There are many recipes for ham in a crock pot, but most involve a glaze made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Some recipes also include ginger ale, maple syrup, honey, or beer. The ham is then cooked on low heat for 3-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Cooking a ham shank in a crock pot is a great option for holiday meals as it frees up oven space and results in a tender and juicy ham. It is also a no-fuss recipe that is perfect for gatherings as it can be prepared ahead of time and served easily.
