Ella Walter
Ham is a popular dish for holiday gatherings and family meals. It's a crowd-pleaser and a great option if you're looking for something easy to prepare with minimal prep work. One way to cook ham is in a crock pot, which is a slow cooker, and this method is especially useful if your oven is already full! You can cook any cut or size of ham in a crock pot, as long as it fits inside, and it works well with precooked ham. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and cut of your ham, but generally, it will take around four to six hours on a low setting. You can flavour your ham with a glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, and cloves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of the ham shank | More flavourful, moist and easier to cut |
| Cons of the ham shank | Its shape doesn't fit as easily into most standard-size slow cookers |
| Best type of ham | Pre-cooked, bone-in |
| Best weight | 7-8 pounds |
| Cook time | 4-6 hours |
| Temperature | 140°F |
| Glaze | Brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, ginger ale, soda, pineapple juice |
| Sides | Scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, maple-glazed carrots, bean salad |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of ham
Bone-in or Boneless
You can opt for a bone-in or boneless ham, depending on your preference. Bone-in hams offer a more intense flavour as the bone imparts additional taste during the cooking process. They are also typically less expensive. Boneless hams, on the other hand, are easier to carve and serve. If you choose a boneless ham, aim for about 1/2 pound per person.
Size
The size of the ham you choose will depend on the size of your crockpot and the number of people you need to serve. For a large group, consider a ham that weighs around 7 to 8 pounds. Smaller hams, weighing 4 to 6 pounds, are ideal for a more intimate gathering. Keep in mind that you may need to trim or cut larger hams to fit your crockpot, so choose a size that allows for some flexibility.
Cut of Ham
When it comes to the cut of ham, you have several options, including the butt, shank, shoulder, or spiral cut. Each cut has its own unique characteristics:
- Ham Butt: The butt portion tends to be leaner, making it less flavorful and moist compared to other cuts. It has a more rounded shape, which can make it easier to fit in a crockpot. However, the presence of two bones can make it more challenging to carve into slices.
- Ham Shank: The shank is known for its superior flavour, moisture content, and ease of cutting. It contains more fat and marbling, contributing to its juicy texture and taste. However, its shape may not fit as easily into standard-size slow cookers.
- Shoulder: This cut offers a good balance between flavour and ease of carving. It tends to be more affordable than other cuts and is an excellent choice for slow cooking.
- Spiral Cut: Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced, making them convenient for serving. However, they can dry out faster, so it's important to baste them regularly during cooking to maintain moisture.
Cooking Time
Consider the cooking time required for different cuts of ham. Larger hams, such as an 8- to 10-pound bone-in ham, will typically take about 4 to 6 hours on low in the crockpot. Smaller hams may only need 2 to 3 hours. If you desire a fall-apart tender ham, you can cook it for an extended period, up to 10 to 12 hours on low.
Personal Preference
Lastly, consider your personal preferences and those of your guests. Some people prefer the convenience of a pre-sliced ham, while others may prioritize flavour and moisture above all else. Choose a cut of ham that aligns with your taste buds and the overall experience you wish to create.
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Glazing the ham
One popular glaze is a brown sugar and honey mixture, which also includes Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and pineapple juice. This glaze has a sweet and tangy flavour and thickens as it cooks, creating a sticky-sweet sauce that can be spooned over the ham when serving. To make this glaze, simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. You can also add ground cloves for an extra depth of flavour.
Another option for a glaze is a mixture of soda, mustard, sugar, and vinegar. This creates a sticky and sweet glaze that is perfect for holiday hams. You can use your favourite soda for this glaze, such as Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola.
When applying the glaze to the ham, it is recommended to stud the ham with cloves first. Then, brush the glaze onto the ham generously, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible. It is important to note that the glaze will fall back into the slow cooker, so don't worry if it doesn't stay put.
During the cooking process, it is a good idea to baste the ham with the glaze every hour or so. You can also flip the ham halfway through cooking to ensure even coverage.
Finally, once the ham is cooked and you have removed it from the crock pot, you can ladle some of the juices from the crock pot over the ham before serving. This will add extra moisture and flavour to the dish.
Remember, the key to a successful glaze is to ensure that the ham remains moist and that the flavours have time to sink into the meat.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a ham shank in a crock pot will depend on the weight of the joint and whether it is boneless or bone-in. A bone-in ham shank will take longer to cook than a boneless one.
As a general rule, ham cooked in a crock pot should be cooked on a low heat setting. A larger ham, weighing eight to ten pounds, will take around four to six hours to cook on low. Smaller hams, weighing four to six pounds, will take less time, from two to three hours, or five to six hours, depending on the source.
If you are cooking a spiral-cut ham, you should reduce the cooking time by about half, as this type of ham dries out faster.
One source recommends cooking a bone-in ham on low for ten to twelve hours for a fall-apart tender result.
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
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Serving suggestions
Ham cooked in a crock pot is a great option for a holiday meal or a large family gathering. It's also a good way to free up space in your oven for other dishes. The best part? It's a forgiving recipe that can be adapted to any cut and size of ham, as long as it fits in your crock pot.
When it comes to serving, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes after removing it from the crock pot. This will allow the juices to settle and make the meat easier to slice or shred. If you're using a bone-in ham, it's recommended to shred the meat and remove any clumps of fat. You can also slice the ham, especially if you're using a boneless ham.
Secondly, don't forget to ladle or spoon some of the delicious juices from the crock pot over the ham before serving. These juices are full of flavour and will keep the meat moist. You can also thicken these juices by stirring in a cornstarch slurry and serving it as a gravy or sauce alongside the ham.
Thirdly, consider the sides and garnishes. Scalloped potatoes, old-fashioned green bean casserole, maple-glazed carrots, and bean salad are all great side dish options. To make your ham the star of the table, garnish the platter with an assortment of herbs and fruit.
Lastly, don't forget about leftovers! Crock pot ham often yields generous servings, and leftovers can be used in various dishes. Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for later use.
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Storing leftovers
Leftovers from your delicious crockpot ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag. This can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy your ham again, thaw it in the refrigerator and warm it up in the microwave or oven, adding a little of the reserved cooking liquid to keep it moist.
There are plenty of tasty ways to use up your leftover ham. For example, you could make sandwiches, a breakfast hash, or flatbread pizzas. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, try making a hearty ham and potato casserole, or a comforting soup, such as ham and potato, ham and bean, or pea soup. You could even add some diced leftover ham to your favourite soup recipe to give it a tasty makeover.
Don't forget to save the bone to add extra flavour to your soups!
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the size of the ham shank. A 7-8 pound ham is a good size to feed a large group. A larger ham (8 to 10 pounds) will take about 4 to 6 hours to cook on low heat. A smaller ham (4 to 6 pounds) may only need 2 to 3 hours on low heat. If you want a fall-apart tender ham, cook it for 10 to 12 hours on low heat.
You don't need to submerge the ham in liquid, but it's important to add some liquid to the crock pot to keep the ham juicy. You can use pineapple juice, beer, or a soft drink like Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper.
A glaze made with brown sugar, honey, mustard, and cloves will give you a sweet and tangy flavour. You can also try a glaze made with soda, mustard, sugar, and vinegar.
The butt portion of the ham usually fits better in a crock pot due to its even rounded shape. However, the shank portion is more flavourful and moist, and it's easier to cut. If you use a spiral-cut ham, cut the cooking time by about half, as it will dry out faster.
