Cody Casey
Cooking a fully cooked ham in a crock pot is a great way to free up oven space and is perfect for holiday meals. It is also an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. The crock pot's moist environment helps keep the ham juicy and tender, and its slow cooking process allows the flavours to develop and blend, resulting in a tasty dish. To get started, simply place the ham in the crock pot, add some liquid, and set it to cook on low heat for several hours, depending on the size of the ham.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crock Pot Size | 6-8 quarts |
| Ham Weight | 7-9 pounds |
| Ham Type | Spiral-sliced, bone-in, fully cooked |
| Glaze | Brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, mustard, vinegar, soda |
| Temperature | 140°F |
| Cooking Time | 3-6 hours |
| Additional Items | Meat thermometer, saucepan, aluminium foil, crock pot lid |
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What You'll Learn
Crock pot size and ham weight
When heating fully cooked ham in a crock pot, it is important to consider the size of the crock pot and the weight of the ham. If the ham is too large, it may not fit properly in the crock pot, and the lid may not close completely.
For a large (7- to 8-quart) oval crock pot, an 8-pound ham is recommended as the size that will most readily fit. However, the exact size also depends on the shape of the ham. If the ham is too large for the lid to close, there are a few options:
- Trim off a piece of the ham to make it fit.
- Use heavy-duty foil to cover the crock pot with a tight seal, and then place the lid on top of the foil. However, be cautious of hot steam escaping when removing the foil.
- Slice the ham and reheat it in the oven, and then transfer the slices to the crock pot to keep them warm.
It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of the ham. A smaller ham may reach the recommended internal temperature of 140°F within 2 to 3 hours on low heat, while a larger ham may take 4 to 6 hours or more.
Additionally, if the ham has already been sliced into separate pieces off the bone, the crock pot method may not be ideal. Slices and chunks of ham can be reheated in a skillet, microwave, or added directly to other recipes.
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Glaze ingredients and preparation
Glazing a fully cooked ham in a crock pot is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. The glaze can be made a day ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to cook the ham.
For a brown sugar glaze, mix together brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and 1/2 cup of soda in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until the sugar is melted and it begins to bubble. Reduce the heat and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the glaze thickens. You can also add pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar to the glaze.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, then slowly pour this mixture into the glaze while whisking.
Another option is to make a Cranberry Orange Sauce or Pineapple Sauce to use as a glaze. This can be made while the ham is resting after cooking.
Once your glaze is ready, stud the ham in several places with cloves, then brush the glaze over the ham. You can also pour some of the glaze into the crock pot to cook with the ham, creating a sauce to spoon over the sliced meat.
It's important to note that the cooking time for the ham may vary depending on the size and cut of the meat. A larger ham may take 4 to 6 hours to heat through, while a smaller ham may only need 2 to 3 hours. To ensure the ham is thoroughly heated, use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
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Studding and basting the ham
Basting the ham is an optional step that can be done halfway through the cooking time and again about an hour before the ham is done. To baste the ham, use a basting brush to coat the ham in the glaze. Alternatively, you can pour the juices from the crock pot over the ham.
If you are using a spiral-cut ham, basting the ham a few times throughout the cooking process can help prevent the ham from drying out.
When the ham is done, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a platter. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.
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Reheating individual ham servings
If you want to reheat ham slices, you can use a skillet to brown them slightly on either side. You can also simmer the slices in a cup of water for two minutes to reduce the saltiness. If you have a microwave, you can use that to reheat individual servings.
If you do want to use a crock pot to reheat your ham slices, place the ham in the cooker with a liquid. You can also glaze your ham by mixing a few ingredients together before pouring. However, be aware that reheating ham slices in a crock pot may take a while.
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Using a meat thermometer
Each crock pot is different, so it's a good idea to start checking the internal temperature of your ham after 2 hours, and then every 15-20 minutes after that. This will help you avoid overcooking the meat. You can check the temperature by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. If your ham is sliced, you may need to check the temperature in several places.
Once the ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a platter. It's important to let the meat rest for at least 10-20 minutes before carving and serving. This will give the juices time to redistribute, ensuring your ham is moist and tender.
If you're reheating a sliced ham, the slow cooker method may not be ideal as the slices may dry out. In this case, you can use a skillet or the microwave to reheat the meat.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the ham in the crock pot, cut side down, and pour honey and pineapple juice over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size and cut of the ham. A large ham should take 4 to 6 hours on low heat to reach the desired temperature.
