Emilie Meyer
Cooking ham in a crock pot is a great way to free up oven space. It's also an easy way to make a delicious, tender, and juicy ham that's packed with flavour. The key to a good crock pot ham is a tasty glaze, and there are many options to choose from, including brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, raw sugar, mustard, vinegar, and even soda. You can also add liquids like pineapple juice, Coca-Cola, or ginger ale to keep the ham moist and add extra flavour. The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham, but it usually takes around 3-6 hours on low heat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot type | Slow cooker |
| Ham type | Spiral cut, bone-in |
| Ham weight | 7-8 pounds |
| Ingredients | Brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, pineapple, apple cider, herbs, Dijon, balsamic vinegar, honey, cloves, ginger ale, root beer, Coca-Cola, beer, salt |
| Cook time | 3-4 hours on low heat |
| Temperature | 140 degrees F |
| Serving suggestions | Potatoes, vegetables, cornbread, stuffing, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, maple-glazed carrots, bean salad |
| Leftovers | Freeze or reheat |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot ham glaze recipes
Ham is a great dish to serve for a holiday crowd, and cooking it in a crock pot is an easy way to ensure it stays moist and tender. Most hams you buy will be pre-cooked, so you only need to worry about heating it through and adding a delicious glaze.
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
This recipe is a great way to make a simple but tasty ham. It uses a three-ingredient glaze, which you can make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You will need:
- A 7-8 pound smoked spiral-cut ham
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Pineapple juice (or apple cider)
- Fresh herbs to garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Coat your crock pot with cooking spray.
- Place the ham cut-side down in the crock pot.
- Rub the brown sugar all over the ham, then pour over the maple syrup and pineapple juice.
- Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham reads 140°F.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter and pour the juices from the crock pot into a pan.
- If you want a thicker glaze, whisk together 1 tablespoon of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the pan.
- Simmer the glaze until it reaches your desired consistency, then pour over the ham.
Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham
If you're looking for a not-too-sweet glaze, this recipe is a great option. It uses a combination of brown sugar, honey, mustard, and cloves for a warm and tangy flavour.
You will need:
- A fully-cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham (around 10 pounds)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 10 whole cloves
Instructions:
- Place the brown sugar, honey, water, mustard, and cloves in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer until the glaze is homogeneous and fragrant, then remove the cloves with a spoon.
- Place the ham in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, pulling apart the slices to separate them.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, trying to cover as much as possible.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour (or as often as you can).
- Flip the ham halfway through cooking if desired.
- The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Serve with the thickened glaze.
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple
This recipe uses pineapple juice as the base for the glaze, with the addition of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
You will need:
- A large ham (or a smaller ham for a petite weeknight meal)
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the crock pot and cover with pineapple juice.
- Make the glaze by mixing together the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and honey (if using).
- Pour the glaze over the ham.
- Cook for 5-6 hours on low heat.
- Remove the ham to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Skim the fat from the juices in the crock pot, then strain them into a saucepan.
- Bring the juices to a simmer, then slowly whisk in a mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken.
- Slice the ham and serve warm, offering the glaze on the side or spooned over the top.
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How to choose the right ham
Ham is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but how do you choose the right one for your crock pot? Here are some tips to help you select the perfect ham for your slow cooker meal.
First, consider the size of your crock pot. A standard crock pot can accommodate a ham between five and eight pounds. If you have a larger crock pot, you can go for a bigger ham, but trimming may be necessary to make it fit. As a rule of thumb, aim for about 3/4 pound of ham per person for a bone-in ham, and increase to 1 pound per person if you want leftovers.
Next, think about the cut of ham. Spiral-cut hams are popular for crock pots because they absorb flavours well and are easy to serve. However, non-spiral cut hams tend to stay juicier and heat more evenly, making them a good choice if you prefer moist, evenly cooked ham. Bone-in hams are also an option and are typically calculated at about 3/4 pound per person. Boneless hams are also an option, but bone-in hams tend to be more flavourful.
When it comes to flavour, there are several types of ham to choose from. Smoked hams have a distinct flavour that can enhance your dish. Cured hams are also an option and can add a tangy taste to your meal. If you're looking for a healthier option, try an uncured ham. You can also choose between different cuts, such as shank, butt, or shoulder, depending on your preference and what's available.
Lastly, consider the glaze and flavour profile you want to achieve. Brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice are a classic combination for a sweet glaze. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like honey or raw sugar. For a tangy twist, add mustard, vinegar, or even soda to your glaze. If you prefer a simpler flavour, a premade glaze packet can be used, which typically contains brown sugar and spices.
By considering the size, cut, flavour, and glaze options, you can choose the right ham for your crock pot meal. Remember to calculate the amount of ham per person and adjust the size accordingly. With these tips, you're sure to create a delicious and tender ham in your crock pot!
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Crockpot cooking times
The cooking time for your ham in the crock pot will depend on the weight of the ham and the desired texture. For a fall-apart tender ham, you can cook it for up to 12 hours on low heat.
As a general rule of thumb, an eight to ten-pound precooked ham will take about four to six hours on low heat in a slow cooker. A smaller ham, weighing four to six pounds, may only need two to three hours when cooked on low. Spiral-cut hams cook faster, so if you are using one, cut the cooking time by about half.
To ensure your ham is heated thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 140°F when inserted into the thickest part of the ham.
If you are in a hurry, you can cook the ham on high heat, but this may dry out the ham and make it tough.
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How to serve crockpot ham
Crockpot ham is a simple, low-maintenance dish that's perfect for holiday meals or everyday family dinners. The slow cooker does most of the work, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful ham. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to serve crockpot ham:
Choosing the Ham:
Select a fully cooked, bone-in ham, weighing between 5 to 8 pounds for a standard 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Spiral-cut hams are popular, but non-spiral hams tend to stay juicier and heat more evenly.
Preparing the Ham:
Place the ham flat-side down in the crockpot. Smother it with a rub or glaze of your choice. Popular options include brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, raw sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and pineapple juice. You can also add slices or chunks of pineapple for extra flavor and presentation.
Cooking the Ham:
Set the crockpot on low heat. An 8- to 10-pound ham will take approximately 4 to 6 hours to cook thoroughly. Smaller hams, ranging from 2 to 6 pounds, may only need 2 to 3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is heated evenly; it should read at least 140°F in the thickest part.
Resting and Serving:
Once cooked, remove the ham from the crockpot and place it on a platter, tenting it with foil to keep it warm. Skim off any excess fat and strain the juices from the crockpot into a saucepan. Bring the juices to a simmer and thicken them with a cornstarch slurry if desired. After the ham has rested for about 15 minutes, slice it and serve warm, offering the glaze on the side or spooned on top.
Storage and Reheating:
Crockpot ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container. To reheat, place the ham in a 275°F oven until warmed through. Leftover ham can also be frozen by wrapping it in foil or plastic and placing it in an airtight container.
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Storing and reheating ham
Storing Ham:
- Once the ham is cooked, let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- Place the ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the ham in the refrigerator. Cooked ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Ham:
- Preheat your crock pot to the "warm" setting.
- Place the leftover ham slices in the crock pot, adding a little bit of liquid such as chicken broth, water, or apple cider to keep the ham moist.
- Cover the crock pot with a lid and reheat the ham for 3-6 hours, depending on the size of the ham.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
- Alternatively, you can reheat ham in an oven, skillet, microwave, or air fryer. Reheating in the oven: Place the ham slices in a single layer on a greased baking pan. Add a couple of tablespoons of broth or water and cover with foil. Bake at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Reheating in the microwave: Place the ham slices in a single layer on a plate. Add a tablespoon of broth or water and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. Reheating in a skillet: Add a few slices of ham to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until heated through. Reheating in an air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 325°F. Place the ham slices in the air fryer basket and heat for 6-8 minutes or until heated through. For crispy ham, increase the temperature to 350-360°F and cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes approximately 3-4 hours to cook a ham in a crock pot on low heat. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham. For example, an eight to ten-pound ham will take about four to six hours, while a smaller four to six-pound ham may only need two to three hours.
The size of the ham that will fit in your crock pot depends on the crock pot's capacity. For a standard six to seven-quart slow cooker, aim for a ham between five and seven pounds. For a larger eight-quart crock pot, you can fit a ham up to eight pounds.
There are many glazes that you can use for your ham, but a simple glaze can be made with brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice. You can also add ingredients such as Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, or apple cider for additional flavour.
To ensure your ham is heated thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The thermometer should read at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the ham.
