Emilie Meyer
Cottage ham, also known as cottage butt, smoked pork butt, or smoked pork shoulder butt, is a delicious dish that can be prepared in a crockpot. It is a simple meal that only requires a few basic ingredients and is perfect for busy days when you don't have much time to spend in the kitchen. By using a crockpot, you can let the ham cook slowly while you go about your day, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. This guide will teach you how to cook a tender and flavourful cottage ham in a crockpot, along with suggestions for side dishes and serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Cottage Ham in a Crock Pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Smoked boneless pork shoulder butt, carrots, medium-sized head of green cabbage, dried bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, redskin potatoes, salt, pepper, horseradish, vinegar, onion, green beans, mustard |
| Crock Pot Prep | Place cottage ham into the crock pot and cover with enough water to go about an inch past the top of the roast |
| Cooking Time | 8 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat |
| Serving | Remove vegetables and cottage ham to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and let sit for 10 minutes. Slice the cottage ham. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, as desired |
| Notes | Cottage ham is not really a ham at all, but cut from the shoulder of the pig. It is also known as a cottage roll, smoked pork butt or smoked pork shoulder butt |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of meat
When selecting your cottage ham, opt for a smoked boneless pork shoulder butt. This cut ensures that your ham will be juicy and tender when cooked in the crockpot. The smoking process adds a depth of flavor to the meat, making it ideal for slow cooking. Look for a cut that is around 2 pounds, as this will provide a generous serving for a family or group.
You may also come across a variation called a "pork cushion," which is a similar piece of pork. This cut is less common but can be used for this recipe, although the cooking time may vary slightly. If you choose to use a pork cushion, ensure that it is smoked to achieve the best flavor.
In addition to the cottage ham, you will also need a selection of vegetables to accompany the meat in the crockpot. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage are traditional choices that complement the flavor of the ham. You can also add green beans for extra color and texture. When selecting your vegetables, look for fresh, firm varieties that will hold their shape during the cooking process.
By choosing the right cut of meat and selecting complementary vegetables, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and comforting crockpot cottage ham meal.
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Preparing vegetables and seasonings
Preparing the vegetables and seasonings for your cottage ham is simple and only requires a handful of ingredients. First, gather your vegetables and seasonings: potatoes, carrots, onion, cabbage, bay leaves, peppercorns, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add green beans if desired.
Wash and peel the potatoes and carrots. Cut them into uniform sizes, not too thick, so they cook evenly. Chop the onion and separate the cabbage leaves. You can also leave the cabbage whole if you prefer.
For the seasonings, you can use a variety of options. The most common choice is to use bay leaves and whole black peppercorns, which provide a subtle aroma and flavour to the dish. You can also add vinegar to the mix, which will help tenderize the meat and add a subtle tanginess to the vegetables. If you want a more robust flavour, you can add in some minced garlic or garlic powder, which will complement the other ingredients nicely.
Arrange the vegetables around the ham in your crockpot, ensuring they are well-distributed. You can layer them or place them alongside the ham, depending on your preference and the size of your crockpot. Add in the bay leaves and peppercorns, ensuring they are spread throughout. If using garlic, distribute it evenly among the vegetables. Finally, sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables to taste.
The vegetables and seasonings will cook alongside the ham, absorbing the flavours of the meat and releasing their own delicious tastes and aromas.
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Cooking time and temperature settings
The cooking time for a cottage ham in a crock pot can vary depending on the temperature setting you choose. If you're short on time, you can cook it on high heat for a shorter duration. Most sources recommend cooking it on high for 3 to 6 hours. However, one source suggests that cooking it on high for 4 to 6 hours is an option if you're looking for a faster cooking time.
If you plan to cook it on low heat, you can expect the cooking time to be longer. It is generally recommended to cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours. One source even suggests that cooking it on low for 8 to 10 hours will yield a tender and delicious cottage ham. This longer cooking time on low heat ensures that the meat is fall-apart tender and full of flavour.
The cooking time can also depend on the size of the cottage ham and your desired level of doneness. A larger ham may require a slightly longer cooking time, and if you prefer your ham to be extra tender, you may opt for a longer cooking duration. Additionally, the type of crock pot and its heat retention properties can also influence the cooking time.
It's important to note that the cooking time provided is a guideline, and factors such as the starting temperature of the ham, the accuracy of your crock pot's temperature settings, and the overall heat retention of your crock pot can all impact the exact cooking duration. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature before consuming it.
To achieve the desired level of doneness and tenderness, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium. Allow the ham to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the crock pot to let the juices redistribute and ensure a juicy and tasty ham.
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Making a glaze or gravy
While a cottage ham cooked in a crock pot is delicious on its own, you can take it up a notch by making a glaze or gravy.
One option is to make a mustard and brown sugar glaze. To do this, simply brush the glaze onto the cottage ham before finishing it in the oven. This will give the ham a sweet and tangy flavour. Alternatively, you can make a gravy by using the leftover stock from cooking the ham. Simply spice up the stock to your liking and serve it as a gravy alongside the ham.
If you're looking for a more savoury option, you can create a glaze or gravy using mustard and broth. Mix the two together and pour them over the ham before cooking it in the crock pot. You can also add some spice to your glaze or gravy by incorporating pepper or garlic powder. This will give your ham a little extra kick.
Another option is to make a horseradish glaze. Horseradish is a common condiment served with cottage ham, and it can also be used to create a delicious glaze. Simply mix horseradish with a small amount of water or oil to create a paste, and brush it onto the ham before cooking. This will give your ham a sharp and pungent flavour.
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Serving suggestions and side dishes
Crock-pot cottage ham is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with various side dishes. Here are some ideas for serving suggestions and accompaniments to make your meal delicious and memorable:
Classic Side Dishes
A crock-pot cottage ham goes well with traditional side dishes such as roasted or mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread. You can also serve it with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, cabbage, and redskin potatoes. For extra flavour, cook your ham with bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and vinegar.
Glazes and Condiments
A glaze can take your ham to the next level. A brown sugar glaze featuring Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey is a popular choice, creating a sweet and tangy flavour. You can also finish your ham with a mustard and brown sugar glaze, or simply use honey or maple syrup. For condiments, serve your ham with horseradish and/or grainy mustard on the side.
One-Pot Meals
For a simple and hearty one-pot meal, cook your cottage ham with cabbage, red potatoes, and carrots. This classic combination is a favourite in Ohio and is known for its ease of preparation and flavourful results. You can also add green beans to this mix for a farm-fresh take.
Holiday Feasts
Crock-pot ham is a holiday favourite, and you can easily turn it into a festive feast. Pair your ham with traditional holiday sides such as stuffing and mashed potatoes. For a sweet and savoury dish, try a pineapple juice-based glaze for your ham, which will pair perfectly with the other flavours on offer.
Leftovers
Don't forget that ham leftovers can be just as delicious as the initial meal! Use your leftover ham to create sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes. You can also freeze leftover ham for later use in soups, casseroles, or fried rice.
With these serving suggestions and side dish ideas, you can create a wonderful meal centred around your crock-pot cottage ham. Enjoy the versatility of this dish and feel free to experiment with different flavours and combinations to suit your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a smoked boneless pork shoulder butt, carrots, a medium-sized head of green cabbage, dried bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, redskin potatoes, salt, pepper, and horseradish (if desired).
It takes between 4 and 10 hours, depending on the heat setting.
If you are using an oven, bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 hours. For a crock pot, use the "high" or "low" settings.
You can serve cottage ham with mustard, horseradish, or a grainy brown mustard.
