by radya
Spread the Happiness with Your Friends!
Ham is a delicious type of meat that can be prepared in various ways. One popular method is using a crock pot. Cooking ham in a slow cooker is simple, and the result is juicy and tender meat, making it perfect for sandwiches, salads, and more. This guide will help you create a delightful ham in a crockpot that will make you crave more.
The ultimate recipe for slow cooker ham is this fantastic
Crockpot Ham!
It’s prepared in pineapple juice and topped with a glaze made of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar, making it an easy meal for the holidays that nearly cooks itself!
What is Crockpot Ham?
Crockpot ham refers to ham that is slowly cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker. This method allows for easy cooking without constant monitoring. Crockpot ham cooks for several hours on low heat, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Selecting the Right Ham for Crockpot Preparation
To create the best crockpot ham, it’s essential to select the proper ham. There are mainly two types: bonein ham and boneless ham.
The ideal ham for a slow cooker is one that still has the bone. This type retains more moisture and flavor, enhancing the taste of the meat. Additionally, bonein hams are often more affordable than boneless varieties.
When purchasing a bonein ham, look for one that is fully cooked and has good fat content. The fat helps keep the meat juicy and moist during the cooking process.
To Prepare Crockpot Ham, You’ll Need:
Another benefit of this slowcooked ham is that it requires just a handful of simple ingredients.
Ham:
Let’s start by discussing the main ingredient!
You should begin with a ham that has already been cooked. This recipe simply heats it to a safe temperature and applies the glaze.
Usually, the most common ham found in grocery stores is cured but not smoked. However, you can choose from cured, uncured, plain, or smoked varieties based on your preference.
The ham shown in these images is uncured, which is why it appears less pink than cured ham.
If your ham comes with a flavor packet or a plastic cap on the bone’s end, make sure to discard those before cooking.
Continue reading for additional frequently asked questions regarding the ham used in this recipe.
Besides the ham, there are just a few more items needed to slow cook and glaze this Crockpot Ham.
Pineapple juice:
I seldom buy pineapple juice, only a few times annually, specifically for this recipe. Ha. Nonetheless, pineapple juice imparts an unbeatable taste to this slowcooked ham.
However, if you’re not a fan of pineapple juice or lack it, apple juice can serve as a great alternative, maintaining the deliciousness of the ham.
I believe you could also substitute with another type of juice if it’s a flavor you enjoy and don’t mind it as part of a glaze.
A mix of pineapple and orange juice would be delightful, for instance.
Brown sugar:
This ingredient is essential for the paste that will ultimately turn into the glaze. You can choose either dark or light brown sugar, but the hue of the glaze will vary based on your selection.
Dijon mustard:
While Dijon mustard is suggested, you’re welcome to opt for a different mustard variety if you prefer. Some users have indicated that spicy brown mustard, honey mustard, or even standard yellow mustard have worked well for them.
Balsamic vinegar:
I consider balsamic vinegar crucial for the recipe’s taste, so I wouldn’t alter it. Should I want to prepare this dish without balsamic, I’d substitute with red wine vinegar as it’s the next best option.
Honey:
Maple syrup could serve as a suitable replacement as well.
Cornstarch and cold water:
By mixing these two components with a fork, you create a slurry that thickens the glaze.
All these items combine to create a wonderfully tasty glaze. Once it thickens, it can be served over or alongside the ham.
Check This Recipe also:
GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES AND POTATOES RECIPE
How To Use a Crockpot to Cook a Ham
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to prepare ham in a crockpot for your festive meal!
Slow cook the ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic covers, glaze packets, or seasoning packs.
Pour the pineapple juice into the base of a large slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey until a paste is formed.
Spread the brown sugar mixture over the ham. Place the ham with its flat side down in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker, setting it to low. The ham should cook for 4 to 6 hours, until it becomes tender and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
If desired, you can flip the ham and baste it halfway through the cooking process and again about an hour before it finishes. However, this step is optional.
When the ham is finished, transfer it to a serving dish and cover it with foil to retain heat.
Next, you should…
Make the glaze
Remove any excess fat and strain the juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove at medium heat and allow the juices to simmer.
Using a fork, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until it is completely blended. Gradually add this mixture into the simmering ham juices in the pot while whisking continuously. Allow the sauce to bubble and become thicker for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. (If you prefer a thicker sauce, create additional cornstarch slurry and incorporate it. )
After approximately 15 minutes, slice the ham from your slow cooker and serve it warm. You can either drizzle the glaze over the top or place it alongside.
FAQs:
Is it possible to use frozen ham in the crockpot?
Yes, you can prepare frozen ham in a crockpot. However, you will need to adjust the cooking duration accordingly. It’s ideal to let the ham defrost in the refrigerator overnight before placing it in the crockpot.
Can I include vegetables with the ham in the crockpot?
Absolutely, you can add onions, carrots, and potatoes along with the ham in the crockpot. This not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also creates a complete meal.
Is it okay to cook the ham on high heat in the crockpot?
Cooking the ham on high heat in a crockpot is not advisable, as it can lead to tough and dry meat. To ensure the ham remains tender and juicy, it’s best to cook it on low heat for several hours.
