Ella Walter
Canned ham can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker, and is a great way to free up space in your oven. It is also an easy way to cook ham, as most hams are pre-cooked, so you are really just heating it through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the ham, but for an 8-10 pound bone-in ham, it should take around 4-6 hours on a low setting. If you want a fall-apart tender ham, you can cook it for up to 10-12 hours. You can also experiment with different liquids and glazes to add flavour to your ham, such as root beer, ginger ale, brown sugar, or pineapple juice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 4-6 hours on low heat for an 8-10 pound precooked ham |
| 2-3 hours on low heat for a 4-6 pound ham | |
| 6-8 hours on low heat for a super huge ham | |
| 10-12 hours on low heat for a fall-apart tender ham | |
| 18-20 minutes per pound or to an internal temperature of 140°F in an oven | |
| Liquid | Ginger ale, root beer, pineapple juice, cider, coke, Fanta, Dr Pepper, or soda |
| Glaze | Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, mustard, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, or vinegar |
| Other ingredients | Cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon, molasses, cornstarch, or pineapple |
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What You'll Learn
Ham cooking time depends on weight
Ham cooking time depends on its weight. As a 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 on low heat. If you want a fall-apart tender ham, you can cook it for up to twelve hours on low heat.
The size of the ham you buy depends on how many people you are going to feed. You can choose a large ham for a big group or a smaller ham for a weeknight family meal. To determine the number of servings, estimate approximately half a pound of boneless ham per person or three-quarters of a pound of bone-in ham per person. An eight-pound ham is usually the largest size that will fit in a large, oval crockpot. However, the shape of the ham also matters, as you need to ensure the lid fits snugly.
When cooking ham in a slow cooker, it is important to remember that you are usually just reheating it, not cooking it from raw. Most hams are precooked, so you just need to heat them through. This means that the cooking time is flexible and crockpot ham is a forgiving recipe. However, it is important to keep the ham moist by adding liquid to the slow cooker, such as ginger ale, to prevent it from drying out.
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Crock pot liners make for easier cleanup
Slow cookers are a great way to cook a canned ham, especially if you're short on oven space. Since most hams are precooked, you're really just heating it up. For an 8-10 pound bone-in ham, you'll want to put it in the slow cooker about five hours before dinner, but if you want it to be fall-apart tender, you can cook it for up to 12 hours on low.
Now, onto the question of crock pot liners. These are single-use plastic and nylon bags that line the inside of your crock pot while cooking, supposedly making cleanup easier. Some people swear by them, saying they're a busy cook's secret weapon and a great way to avoid scrubbing. However, others point out potential health and environmental risks associated with cooking in plastic. There are also reports of crock pot liners melting.
If you're considering using crock pot liners, it's important to weigh the convenience of easy cleanup against the potential risks. Keep in mind that food can stick to the surface of your pot, and it may be time to buy a new one. You can also try alternative methods like covering your crock pot with foil if your ham is too big for the lid to fit snugly.
To make cleanup easier without liners, you can try soaking your crock pot after cooking or using a slow cooker with a removable ceramic insert for easier scrubbing. Another option is to use a silicone crock pot liner, which offers the convenience of a disposable liner without the potential health and environmental concerns of plastic.
Ultimately, the decision to use crock pot liners is a personal one. While they may save time on cleanup, it's important to consider your family's health and the planet by avoiding plastic when possible.
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Glaze with root beer or ginger ale
Glazing a canned ham in a crock pot with root beer or ginger ale is a great way to add a sweet, maple-like flavour to the meat. The robust notes of vanilla, sarsaparilla, molasses and cinnamon in root beer pair perfectly with ham. Ginger ale, on the other hand, gives a subtle bite to the dish. For a stronger ginger flavour, you can opt for a slightly spicy brand of ginger beer.
To glaze a canned ham in a crock pot with root beer or ginger ale, first place the ham into the slow cooker cut-side down. Then, pour your chosen glaze—either root beer or ginger ale—over the ham, cover the crock pot, and cook on low for four to six hours. For a smaller ham, weighing four to six pounds, you may only need to cook it for two to three hours on low.
After the ham is heated through, remove the lid from the crock pot and pour the glaze over the ham. You can use a basting brush to ensure that every part of the ham is coated in the sticky glaze. Then, cover the crock pot again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
Once the ham is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot and transfer it to a carving board. Tent it with foil and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, cut the ham into even slices and arrange them on a platter.
If you have any leftover glaze, you can brush it over bacon or sweet potatoes before roasting, stir it into baked beans, or add it to a BBQ sauce-based recipe.
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Stud with cloves and brush with glaze
Studding a canned ham with cloves and brushing it with glaze is an important step in preparing a delicious crockpot ham. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Choosing the Right Ham:
Select a ham that fits snugly inside your crockpot. For a large oval crockpot, an 8-pound ham is a suitable size. If your ham is too large, you can trim it to fit or use heavy-duty foil to create a tight seal. Smaller hams are also an option, but adjust the glaze measurements to avoid overpowering the meat's sweetness.
Studding with Cloves:
Studding the ham with cloves adds a wonderful aroma and flavour. Use a clove studder or a sharp knife to insert the cloves into the ham. Distribute the cloves evenly across the surface of the ham for the best results.
Brushing with Glaze:
Preparing a delicious glaze will take your ham to the next level. You can make the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it. A simple glaze can be made with brown sugar, honey, and orange juice. Alternatively, get creative and experiment with ingredients like pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, or even soda. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it is well coated.
Cooking the Ham:
Place the studded and glazed ham in your crockpot, adding a small amount of liquid to the bottom to prevent drying. Set the crockpot to low, and allow the ham to cook slowly. An 8-10 pound bone-in ham will typically take around 4 to 6 hours on the low setting. For a more tender ham, consider cooking it for 10 to 12 hours.
Final Touches:
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for about 15 minutes. You can thicken the juices from the crockpot to create a delicious sauce to serve alongside the ham. Slice the ham and brush with additional glaze if desired. Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!
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Don't submerge the ham in liquid
When cooking a canned ham in a crock pot, it is important to remember not to submerge the ham in liquid. Here are some reasons why, along with some tips for ensuring your ham turns out delicious:
First and foremost, ham is a precooked meat. This means that you are simply heating it through and allowing it to absorb flavours when using a crock pot. Submerging the ham in liquid would result in an overly moist ham that may fall apart or become mushy. The goal is to retain the ham's texture while infusing it with flavour, so adding just enough liquid to create a moist environment is key.
The amount of liquid required depends on the size of your ham and crock pot. Generally, you want to add enough liquid to cover the bottom of the crock pot, creating a moist environment without submerging the ham. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 cup of liquid for a small ham and up to 2 cups for a larger one. The liquid can be water, broth, juice, or a combination thereof, depending on your desired flavour.
Another reason to avoid submerging the ham is to prevent the crock pot from overflowing. As the ham cooks, it will release its own juices, adding to the liquid in the pot. If you start with too much liquid, it may bubble over the sides, creating a mess and potentially causing burns.
Finally, by not submerging the ham, you create the opportunity to glaze it. About 30 minutes before your ham is due to be done, you can remove the lid, baste the ham with a glaze, and continue cooking, uncovered. This will give your ham a beautiful shine and add a delicious layer of flavour.
In summary, when cooking a canned ham in a crock pot, avoid submerging it in liquid to maintain texture, prevent messes, and allow for glazing. Simply add enough liquid to create a moist environment, and let the crock pot do its magic!
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Frequently asked questions
The time it takes to cook a canned ham in a crock pot depends on the size of the ham. A large, 8-10 pound bone-in ham will take around 4-6 hours on low heat. A smaller, 4-6 pound ham will take 2-3 hours on low heat.
It is recommended to cook a canned ham in a crock pot on low heat. Cooking on high heat may cause the ham to dry out and become less flavorful.
Yes, cooking a canned ham with vegetables or other ingredients is a great way to add flavor. You can place the ham on a bed of vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes. You can also add herbs, spices, or pineapple rings.
Glazing a canned ham before cooking is optional. If you prefer glazed ham, you can apply the glaze during the last hour of cooking. Brush the glaze over the ham and let it caramelize in the crock pot.
