Slow Cooker Ham

This slow-cooked ham is an absolute showstopper with its beautiful caramelized glaze and tender, juicy meat. The maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze infuses the ham with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it a centerpiece at any family gathering or holiday feast.

With minimal prep and the help of a slow cooker, this ham will cook to perfection while you focus on other parts of your meal. The resulting dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in ham

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.

3. Pour the mixture over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.

4. Add the water to the slow cooker.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ham is tender and heated through.

6. Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

7. Serve with the juices from the slow cooker for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Slow Cooker Ham: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Every Occasion

Ham is one of those dishes that can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a grand holiday feast. While a traditional oven-baked ham might require careful monitoring and preparation, slow cooker ham simplifies the process while still delivering the same juicy, flavorful result. If you’re looking for a dish that combines ease of preparation with unbeatable flavor, a slow cooker ham might just be your new favorite recipe.

In this article, we’ll explore why slow cooker ham is a must-try dish, why it’s perfect for various occasions, the benefits of using a slow cooker, and tips for ensuring the best results every time. By the end, you’ll be ready to add this easy and delicious dish to your regular cooking repertoire.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a fantastic method for preparing many types of meats, and ham is no exception. Using a slow cooker, you can achieve incredibly tender, juicy meat without the hassle of constant attention. Unlike roasting or grilling, slow cooking allows the ham to gradually absorb the flavors of the glaze and seasonings. The low heat cooks the meat slowly, breaking down the fibers and fat, resulting in a moist and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What makes slow cooking such a popular method for meats like ham is its hands-off approach. Once the ham is prepared and placed in the slow cooker, it only requires minimal attention. This means you can go about your day, running errands or tending to other tasks, while the slow cooker does the hard work. The result is a meal that practically prepares itself, saving you time and effort.

Why Choose Ham for Slow Cooking?

While many cuts of meat benefit from slow cooking, ham is particularly well-suited to this method. Ham comes from the hind leg of a pig, and depending on the cut, it can have varying levels of tenderness. Slow cooking is ideal for tougher cuts as it tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors to penetrate the surface deeply.

Another reason ham is an excellent choice for slow cooking is its versatility. Ham can be served in a variety of ways, from simple slices with sides to being used as a main ingredient in sandwiches, soups, and casseroles. It can even be shredded for tacos or added to pasta dishes. The slow cooker not only brings out the rich flavors of the ham but also allows you to experiment with different seasonings and glazes to match your preferences. Whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or savory flavors, the possibilities for ham are endless.

Slow Cooker Ham for Every Occasion

One of the greatest benefits of slow cooker ham is its versatility for different occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, preparing a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, ham fits perfectly into the mix.

Holidays and Special Occasions

Ham has long been associated with holiday meals, especially Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. The reason for this is clear: ham is a crowd-pleaser. It’s delicious, easy to prepare in large quantities, and can be paired with a wide variety of sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables. When you cook ham in the slow cooker, it’s an excellent option for large gatherings, as it frees up your oven and stovetop for other dishes.

The rich, flavorful glaze that can be added to the ham elevates the dish further, making it the star of the show. Whether you prefer a sweet maple syrup glaze, a tangy mustard glaze, or a combination of both, the slow cooker lets you perfect the glaze and coat the ham thoroughly for maximum flavor.

Family Dinners

For regular weeknight meals, slow cooker ham is perfect when you need something easy, filling, and comforting. The beauty of slow cooking is that you can prepare the ham in the morning, let it cook throughout the day, and have a hot, flavorful dinner waiting for you when you come home. Since ham is a large cut of meat, it’s also great for feeding a family. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches or incorporated into other recipes, which helps stretch your meal budget.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

Meal prepping is made easy with slow cooker ham. Once cooked, ham can be sliced or shredded, and stored in the fridge for several days. It’s perfect for making sandwiches, wraps, or adding to salads. You can even use the leftovers to make soups, stews, or pasta dishes. The flavor of the ham deepens as it sits, which makes it even more delicious the next day.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Ham

While slow cooking is simple, there are a few tips to ensure your ham comes out perfect every time. Here are some helpful hints to get the best results from your slow cooker:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Ham

When buying ham for the slow cooker, make sure to choose a boneless or bone-in ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. If you’re cooking for a large group, opt for a larger cut, but be mindful of the size of your slow cooker. If the ham is too big, it won’t cook evenly. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, but boneless hams are easier to slice and serve.

2. Don’t Skip the Glaze

The glaze is what gives the ham its signature flavor. Whether you use a store-bought glaze or make your own, be sure to cover the ham with it before cooking. A mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and syrup is a popular combination, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors, such as pineapple or balsamic vinegar. The slow cooker allows the glaze to soak into the meat over time, creating a mouthwatering, caramelized coating.

3. Use Low Heat for Tender Results

The slow cooker works best when cooking on low heat. Cooking on low ensures that the ham becomes tender and retains its moisture. While cooking on high is faster, it can result in a less tender texture. For optimal results, set your slow cooker to low and allow the ham to cook for 6-8 hours, depending on the size of the ham.

4. Rest the Ham Before Slicing

Once your ham is done cooking, it’s essential to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender slice. If you slice the ham too soon, it might be dry, so patience is key for the best results.

Conclusion:

Slow cooker ham is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, preparing a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, slow cooker ham fits seamlessly into your schedule. The slow cooking process ensures that the ham is tender, flavorful, and packed with rich, savory goodness. With a variety of glazes and seasonings to choose from, you can customize the flavor profile to suit your tastes. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious, making it an excellent choice for meal planning.

By following a few simple tips, you can create the perfect slow cooker ham that will impress your family and friends. Whether served as the main dish or used in creative leftovers, slow cooker ham is a dish that you’ll return to time and time again.