Preparing a delicious and comforting meal doesn't have to be a time-consuming affair, especially when you have a crock pot at your disposal. The slow cooker, or crock pot, is a kitchen appliance that excels at transforming simple ingredients into flavorful, tender dishes with minimal effort. Ham, known for its versatility, is particularly well-suited for slow cooking, ensuring that every bite is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavors. Here, we explore five easy crock pot ham recipes that are perfect for your next meal, be it a casual family dinner or a special gathering.
1. Classic Crock Pot Ham with Glaze
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook ham, this classic crock pot ham recipe will not disappoint:
- Select a 5-7 lb fully cooked ham
- Prepare a glaze using:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄4 cup Dijon mustard
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Place ham in the crock pot, pour the glaze over it, ensuring it covers all sides.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Optional: Baste with the juices periodically for extra flavor.
Notes:
🍖 Note: Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
2. Honey Garlic Crock Pot Ham
For a delightful blend of sweet and savory, try this honey garlic ham recipe:
- Choose a 4-6 lb ham, bone-in or boneless.
- Mix:
- 1⁄2 cup honey
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Score the ham and insert garlic pieces into the cuts.
- Place the ham into the crock pot, rub with the honey mixture.
- Cook on low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham
A tropical twist can elevate your ham with this pineapple and brown sugar recipe:
- Use a 6 lb ham.
- Create the glaze:
- 1 can pineapple rings (reserve juice)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Secure pineapple rings to the ham with toothpicks.
- Pour the glaze over and add a touch of the pineapple juice.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Spiced Crock Pot Ham with Apples
A warm, comforting meal with this spiced ham recipe:
- Select a 5 lb ham.
- Spice blend:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1⁄2 teaspoon allspice
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Layer the ham with sliced apples in the crock pot.
- Combine spices and sprinkle over the ham and apples.
- Cook on low for 5-7 hours.
5. Cola Glazed Crock Pot Ham
A unique and delicious way to cook ham with cola glaze:
- Use a 4-6 lb ham.
- Cola glaze ingredients:
- 1 can of cola
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Pour half the cola into the crock pot.
- Place the ham in, and pour the rest of the cola mixture over it.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Each of these recipes brings out the best in ham, utilizing the slow cooking process to infuse flavors deeply into the meat. Whether you prefer a classic glaze or an adventurous mix, there's a crock pot ham recipe here for everyone. Slow cooking ensures that the ham remains moist and tender, while the variety of glazes and additions can cater to a wide range of tastes, from sweet and fruity to savory and spiced.
Remember to always let your ham rest before slicing, which allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is succulent. These recipes not only save you time but also promise to bring joy and satisfaction to your dinner table. Enjoy these easy crock pot ham recipes and make your next meal an occasion to remember!
Can I use a frozen ham in these crock pot recipes?
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Yes, you can use a frozen ham, but it will increase the cooking time. Always follow food safety guidelines and ensure the ham reaches the safe internal temperature.
How do I know when my ham is done?
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Use a meat thermometer. Ham is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for reheating or 160°F for freshly cooked hams.
What can I serve with crock pot ham?
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You can serve ham with scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, or salad. Sweet dishes like pineapple or applesauce also complement ham flavors well.
Can I keep leftovers?
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Absolutely, ham leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently to preserve tenderness.
What if my glaze burns?
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If your glaze starts to burn, reduce the heat or open the crock pot lid slightly to let some steam escape, reducing the temperature around the glaze.
