Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a canned ham?
Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a tender and flavorful ham that will be the star of your next meal.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook a canned ham in a crock pot, including tips and tricks to ensure the perfect result every time.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook A Canned Ham In Crock Pot?
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Remove the canned ham from its packaging and discard any flavoring packet. If using a bone-in ham, check the end of the bone for a plastic cap and discard it.
Step 2: Add Flavor
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, and any other seasonings you prefer. Rub the mixture all over the ham to add flavor.
Step 3: Place in Slow Cooker
Place the ham in your crock pot, flat side down. Pour in any liquid you desire, such as pineapple juice or ginger ale, to help keep the ham moist while cooking.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the crock pot with a lid and set it to low heat. Cook the ham for 4-6 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Step 5: Baste and Flip (Optional)
If desired, flip and baste the ham halfway through cooking time and again about an hour before the ham is done. This will help ensure even cooking and add extra flavor to the ham.
Step 6: Make a Glaze (Optional)
Once the ham is done, remove it from the crock pot and tent it with foil to keep it warm while you make a glaze. Skim any fat and strain the juices from the crock pot into a saucepan. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the juices to a simmer. In a small bowl, use a fork to stir cornstarch into water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the pot while whisking the ham juices. Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. If you desire a thicker sauce, you may make and stir in a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Step 7: Serve
Slice your canned ham at the table and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
What You’ll Need
To cook a canned ham in a crock pot, you will need the following:
– A canned ham (bone-in or boneless)
– Brown sugar
– Mustard
– Seasonings (optional)
– Liquid (pineapple juice, ginger ale, or water)
– Slow cooker
– Small bowl
– Foil
– Saucepan
– Cornstarch
– Water
Having an instant-read thermometer on hand is recommended to ensure the ham reaches the proper internal temperature. You may also want to have a basting brush and tongs for flipping the ham during cooking time.
Preparing The Ham
Before cooking your canned ham in a crock pot, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by removing the ham from its packaging and discarding any flavoring packet. If using a bone-in ham, check the end of the bone for a plastic cap and discard it.
Next, add flavor to the ham by mixing together brown sugar, mustard, and any other seasonings you prefer. Rub the mixture all over the ham to add flavor.
Place the ham in your crock pot, flat side down. Pour in any liquid you desire, such as pineapple juice or ginger ale, to help keep the ham moist while cooking. It’s important to use only enough liquid to cover the bottom of your slow cooker.
Cover the crock pot with a lid and set it to low heat. Cook the ham for 4-6 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. If desired, you can flip and baste the ham halfway through cooking time and again about an hour before the ham is done. This will help ensure even cooking and add extra flavor to the ham.
Once the ham is done, remove it from the crock pot and tent it with foil to keep it warm while you make a glaze. Skim any fat and strain the juices from the crock pot into a saucepan. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the juices to a simmer. In a small bowl, use a fork to stir cornstarch into water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the pot while whisking the ham juices. Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. If you desire a thicker sauce, you may make and stir in a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Finally, slice your canned ham at the table and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Adding Flavor
When it comes to adding flavor to your canned ham in the crock pot, there are a few options to choose from. One easy way to add flavor is to mix together brown sugar, mustard, and any other seasonings you prefer, and rub the mixture all over the ham before placing it in the crock pot. This will help infuse the ham with flavor as it cooks.
Another option is to add liquid to the crock pot to help keep the ham moist while cooking. Pineapple juice or ginger ale are popular choices that can add a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham. You can also add whole cloves or other spices to the liquid for added flavor.
If you want to take your canned ham to the next level, you can make a glaze to drizzle over the ham once it’s done cooking. To make a glaze, you can use the juices from the crock pot and simmer them on the stove with cornstarch slurry until thickened. This will create a flavorful sauce that can be poured over the ham for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
Cooking Time And Temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a canned ham in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the ham and the desired level of tenderness. Since most canned hams are already precooked, you’re really just heating them up in the crock pot.
For an 8-10 pound bone-in ham, set the crock pot to low heat and cook for about 5 hours. This will ensure that the ham is heated through and tender. If you prefer a fall-apart tender ham, you can let it cook longer; 10-12 hours on low heat is perfect for families who prefer a more casual dinner of shredded hot ham and roll sandwiches.
If you have a smaller, 2-4 pound ham, aim for around 2 hours of cooking time on low heat. However, keep in mind that you don’t want to overcook the ham, as it can become dry and tough.
It’s important to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached 140°F before serving. If desired, you can baste and flip the ham halfway through cooking time and again about an hour before it’s done to ensure even cooking and add extra flavor.
Glazing The Ham (Optional)
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your canned ham, you can make a glaze to brush over the ham before serving. Here’s how:
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, mustard, and any other seasonings you prefer. Use a whisk or fork to combine the ingredients until they form a smooth paste.
Step 2: Apply Glaze
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a baking sheet. Use a pastry brush or spoon to apply the glaze all over the ham. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 3: Broil (Optional)
If you want to caramelize the glaze and give the ham a crispy exterior, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Serve
Once the glaze is set and the ham has cooled slightly, slice it and serve with your favorite sides. The glaze will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham that will complement its natural smokiness.
Serving And Storing Tips
After you have cooked your canned ham in a crock pot, it’s important to know how to serve and store it properly. Here are some tips:
1. Let the ham rest: After cooking, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices settle and make it easier to slice.
2. Slice the ham: To get the best slices, use a sharp knife and cut against the grain of the meat. This will help prevent the ham from becoming tough.
3. Store leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked ham can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
4. Reheat leftovers: To reheat leftover ham, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute per slice or until heated through.
5. Freeze leftovers: If you have a lot of leftover ham, you can freeze it for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your canned ham stays fresh and delicious even after cooking it in a crock pot.
