SLOW COOKER HAM: A DELICIOUS RECIPE FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS
If you’re looking for a dish that combines ease of preparation with mouthwatering flavors, look no further! Our Slow Cooker Ham is tender, juicy, and infused with a sweet and tangy glaze that will brighten up any meal. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich flavor but also in the simplicity of using a slow cooker, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen. This isn’t just another ham recipe; it’s going to be your family’s favorite go-to for special occasions and easy weeknight dinners alike!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham
This Slow Cooker Ham has everything you could want in a main course. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
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Quick and Easy
The hands-on time for this recipe is minimal. Just prep the glaze, pour it over the ham, and let your slow cooker do the work! -
Perfect for Beginners
This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal even for those who are just starting in the kitchen. No complicated techniques are required! -
Ideal for the Whole Family
Tender and juicy, this ham pleases both kids and adults alike, making it a surefire hit at family gatherings. -
Economical
Using a fully cooked ham is not only time-saving but also economical, especially when feeding a crowd. -
Leftover Magic
The leftovers can be utilized in countless creative ways, from sandwiches to quiches!
The Necessary Ingredients
For the best results, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
Brown Sugar: This sweetener adds depth and richness to the glaze. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor.
Honey: Apart from providing sweetness, honey helps in achieving a glossy finish. If you want to avoid honey, maple syrup works well as a substitute, giving a slightly different but delicious taste.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient adds a tangy balance to the sweetness. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute it with yellow mustard.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation!
How to Prepare the Slow Cooker Ham Step by Step
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Place the ham in the slow cooker.
Start by placing the fully cooked ham in your slow cooker. Make sure it’s nestled nicely, so it cooks evenly throughout. The slow cooker will help trap the moisture, resulting in a deliciously tender dish.
Pro Tip: If the ham comes with a glaze packet, you can save it for later use or discard it, as our homemade glaze will be Rich and flavorful. -
In a bowl, mix the glaze ingredients.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Mix until well blended. The combination of these ingredients will create an enticing glaze that will permeate the ham as it cooks.
Pro Tip: Taste the glaze before pouring it on the ham; feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity to suit your taste. -
Pour the glaze over the ham.
Carefully pour the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This is where the flavor really begins to develop – the more glaze that adheres to the ham, the tastier it will be!
Pro Tip: Use a brush to help spread the glaze if needed. -
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it on low. You want to let it cook slowly to enhance the flavors. The ideal cooking time is between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the ham.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, but slow cooking yields the best results. -
Baste the ham occasionally.
Every couple of hours, open the slow cooker to baste the ham with the glaze. This keeps it juicy and intensifies the flavor more. Make sure to do this gently so that you don’t lose too much heat.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a baster, a ladle works perfectly to scoop and pour the glaze! -
Remove from slow cooker, slice, and serve.
Once the ham is thoroughly heated and tender, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Slice it and serve it with a side of the remaining glaze.
Pro Tip: Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps retain its juices for a more succulent result.
Serving Suggestions
Your Slow Cooker Ham is not just a standalone dish; it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages!
Perfect Pairings
- Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, or a light garden salad complement the flavors wonderfully.
- Beverages: Pair the ham with a crisp white wine, sparkling cider, or even iced tea for a refreshing option.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: This dish is easy enough for a quick weeknight meal but impressive enough for family dinners.
- Special Occasion Meal: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any time you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Serving Tips
- Serve the ham on a large platter to show off the beautiful glaze and golden edges.
- Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for added color and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Slow Cooker Ham remains fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Type of Container: Use glass or plastic food storage containers, ensuring they are sealed tightly.
Frozen
- If Possible: Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap the sliced ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Defrosting: When ready to eat, transfer the ham to the refrigerator for 24 hours to thaw before reheating.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 160°F (71°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the ham to prevent it from drying out.
Guaranteed Success Tips
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat helps to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavors.
- Don’t Skip Basting: This crucial step keeps the ham moist and flavorful throughout the cooking time.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the ham to rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy.
- Once Cut, Store Properly: Store in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with the base recipe; here are some fun variations you might enjoy:
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of Espelette pepper to the glaze for a little kick.
- For a Fruity Twist: Incorporate 1 cup of crushed pineapple into the glaze to add a fruity sweetness.
- For a Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one orange for a refreshing citrus note to the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a raw ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, but if using a raw ham, you will need to adjust the cooking time. A raw ham needs to cook for 10-12 hours on low to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Q: Why is my ham dry?
A: Overcooking can lead to dryness. Ensure you follow the cooking times, and remember that ham is usually precooked and only needs to be reheated.
Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
A: You can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard as alternatives. Each will bring slightly different flavors to the glaze!
Q: How can I tell when my ham is done?
A: The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this.
Q: Can I cook the ham on high?
A: Yes, you can set your slow cooker to high, but the cooking time will reduce to about 3-4 hours. Just know that slow cooking yields the best results in terms of flavor and tenderness.
Q: What can I do with leftover ham?
A: Leftover ham can be used in soups, sandwiches, casseroles, or breakfast scrambles.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Just ensure you have a slow cooker that can accommodate a larger ham, and adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Now you’re all set to create an incredible Slow Cooker Ham that will impress your family and friends! Enjoy this hassle-free, flavorful dish that is sure to become a beloved addition to your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole fully cooked ham Make sure it's a fully cooked ham for proper preparation.
- 1 cup brown sugar Adds depth and richness to the glaze.
- 1/2 cup honey Helps achieve a glossy finish; can be substituted with maple syrup.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard Adds tanginess; substitute with yellow mustard if desired.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar Provides acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves Adds aromatic flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the fully cooked ham in your slow cooker, ensuring it is nested properly for even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until well blended.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, basting the ham every couple of hours.
- Once fully heated and tender, remove the ham from the slow cooker and slice it.
Serving
- Serve the ham on a large platter with a side of the remaining glaze.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.