Tillie Doyle
Cooking country ham slices in a crock pot is a simple, rewarding, and delicious way to prepare this meat. The slow-cooking process breaks down the meat, making it tender and juicy, and allowing the flavours to develop fully. This technique is perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals, as it requires minimal effort and delivers mouth-watering results. By choosing the right type of ham, setting the appropriate temperature, and adding flavour enhancements, you can create a dish that's sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ham | Country ham, preferably thick and well-cured |
| Weight | 3-5 pounds, or 0.5 pounds per person |
| Marinade | Brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, herbs and spices |
| Additional ingredients | Pineapple slices, sweet potatoes, mustard, maple syrup, soda, Dr Pepper |
| Cooking time | 3-4 hours on high heat, 6-8 hours on low heat |
| Temperature | 140 degrees F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ham
When it comes to the cut, opt for a whole, uncut ham instead of a pre-sliced or spiral-cut ham. While spiral-cut hams are convenient for serving, they tend to dry out faster. A whole ham will result in a moister and more flavourful dish. Look for thick and well-cured slices from a trusted source to ensure the ham retains its moisture and flavour during the slow cooking process.
If you're set on a spiral-cut ham, choose one that's around 7 to 8 pounds in size. This will fit nicely in a large oval crockpot, though you may need to trim the end slightly. Spiral-cut hams can be coated in a delicious glaze and slow-cooked to perfection, but be sure to baste the slices regularly during cooking to prevent them from drying out.
Finally, it's important to remember that most hams purchased from grocery stores are pre-cooked, either cured or smoked. So, when using a crockpot, you're primarily reheating and infusing flavour into the ham. With the right ham and a few simple enhancements, your crockpot country ham will be tender, juicy, and packed with flavour.
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Marinating and seasoning
Firstly, select thick and well-cured country ham slices from a trusted source. This ensures the meat retains its moisture and flavour during the slow cooking process. You can opt for a smoked spiral-cut ham, which offers convenience and adaptability, but keep in mind that spiral-cut hams tend to dry out faster. If you want to avoid this, go for a whole, uncut ham.
Before placing the ham in the crock pot, consider marinating it. Marinating your country ham slices adds an extra layer of flavour. You can experiment with different marinades, but a simple and effective option is to use pineapple juice, which not only adds sweetness but also helps tenderise the meat. Another option is to use a combination of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey. The brown sugar will caramelise beautifully during cooking, adding a wonderful depth of flavour.
When it comes to seasoning, feel free to sprinkle your chosen spices over the ham according to your taste preferences. Black pepper adds a nice kick, while rosemary lends a distinctive aroma and flavour. If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, sliced pineapples or pineapple chunks are an excellent choice, as their natural sugars will blend beautifully with the ham. You can also incorporate sliced sweet potatoes into the crockpot, forming a rack for the ham to sit on and infusing their flavour into the dish.
Remember, the slow cooking process allows flavours to meld and develop fully, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and sweeteners. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the ham has ample time to absorb all the wonderful flavours you've added.
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Temperature and timing
The temperature and timing of cooking country ham slices in a crock pot are crucial factors in achieving tender and juicy meat. Here are the guidelines to ensure optimal results:
Firstly, it is important to note that most hams purchased from grocery stores are pre-cooked, either cured or smoked. Therefore, the goal of cooking in a crock pot is to reheat the ham thoroughly while infusing it with flavours.
When using a crock pot, the general rule is to cook the ham on low heat for an extended period. This allows the ham to heat slowly and evenly, enhancing the flavour and preventing it from drying out. The recommended cooking time on low heat is approximately 6 to 8 hours. However, it is essential to adjust the timing based on the size of your ham and the specific model of your crock pot, as cooking times can vary among different brands and sizes.
If you are in a hurry, you can set the crock pot to high heat and cook the ham for a shorter duration. On high heat, the cooking time is typically reduced to about 3 to 4 hours. However, it is important not to overcook the ham, as it may start to dry out.
To ensure that your ham is cooked perfectly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ham should reach at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit when measured at the thickest part.
Additionally, basting the ham during the cooking process can help keep it moist and flavourful. You may choose to baste the ham halfway through the cooking time and again about an hour before it is done. This step is optional but can further enhance the juiciness and flavour of the ham.
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Glazing and garnishing
The glazing and garnishing of your country ham slices are crucial steps in achieving a delicious and visually appealing dish. Here's a guide to help you through these steps:
Glazing
Glazing your country ham slices will add a layer of flavour and create a mouthwatering appearance. You can make a simple glaze by combining honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of fruity apple cider vinegar. For a slightly different flavour profile, you can substitute pineapple juice for the apple cider vinegar. Simmer these ingredients in a saucepan until they thicken and darken in colour. Allow the glaze to cool slightly, and then taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more lemon juice for tang or honey for extra sweetness.
Once your glaze is ready, brush it onto the ham slices during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Make sure to glaze in between the slices for extra flavour. Continue baking the glazed ham, uncovered, until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F to 140°F.
Garnishing
Garnishing your country ham slices will enhance their visual appeal and can even add extra flavour. Here are some ideas for garnishes:
- Sliced pineapples: Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Fresh herbs: Rosemary or other herbs can provide a pop of colour and a hint of savoury flavour.
- Caramelized vegetables: Try glazed carrots or braised collard greens for a colourful and tasty accompaniment.
- Fruits: Cherries, apricots, or oranges can add a bright and fruity touch to your plate.
Remember to be creative and choose garnishes that complement the flavours of your glazed country ham slices. By taking the time to glaze and garnish your dish, you'll surely impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
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Serving and storing
When your ham is done, remove it to a platter and cover it with foil to keep it warm. If you're using a glaze, you can brush the juices from the crockpot over the ham and serve with more juices on the side. You can also strain the juices from the crockpot into a saucepan, bring them to a simmer, and thicken them with a cornstarch slurry to make a sauce.
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for later use. To freeze leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for about two months.
When reheating leftover ham, cover it with foil and warm it in a 275-degree oven until heated through. You can also use leftover ham in a variety of recipes, such as sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
It's important to note that the cooking time for country ham slices in a crockpot may vary depending on the size and model of your crockpot, as well as the thickness of the ham slices. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure your ham is cooked to your desired doneness.
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Frequently asked questions
First, choose a thick, well-cured country ham. You can marinate the slices before cooking to add an extra layer of flavour. Place the ham in the crock pot and brush with glaze. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
The ideal temperature for the ham is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check.
You can make a glaze with brown sugar, honey, mustard, pineapple juice, balsamic vinegar, and a soda of your choice. Alternatively, use apple cider vinegar or maple syrup.
A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of boneless ham per person, or 3/4 pound of bone-in ham per person.
