Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to cook a Cure 81 ham?
Look no further than your trusty crockpot!
With just a few simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked ham that is tender and full of flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to enjoy a delicious meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
So grab your crockpot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook A Cure 81 Ham In The Crockpot?
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
First, remove the ham from its packaging and discard any flavoring packets. If your ham has a plastic cap on the end of the bone, remove it as well.
Next, place the ham in your crockpot, cut side down.
Step 2: Add Your Ingredients
Now it’s time to add your ingredients to the crockpot.
For a simple and delicious glaze, mix together honey, brown sugar, mustard, and water in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it becomes frothy.
Pour the glaze over the ham in the crockpot, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Ham
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
During this time, you can baste the ham with the glaze every hour or so to ensure that it stays moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
While the ham is resting, you can prepare any additional sides or dishes you’d like to serve with it.
When you’re ready to serve, slice the ham into thin pieces and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Choosing The Right Ham
When it comes to cooking a Cure 81 ham in the crockpot, choosing the right type of ham is crucial. There are several types of hams available in the market, including fresh hams, dry-cured hams, and fully-cooked, wet-cured hams. For this recipe, it is recommended to use a fully-cooked, wet-cured ham that has been soaked or injected with a spiced brine.
When selecting your ham, consider the size and shape of your crockpot. If you have a large crockpot, you can opt for a bigger ham. However, if your crockpot is smaller, it’s best to choose a smaller ham that can fit comfortably inside.
It’s also important to note that the shank portion of the ham is taller than the butt portion, which makes it harder to fit in a crockpot. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a pre-cooked, cured butt portion for this recipe.
In addition to size and shape, consider the quality of the ham. Look for hams that are fresh and have not been frozen. If possible, choose hams that are sourced from reputable suppliers and have been certified by the USDA.
By choosing the right type of ham for your crockpot recipe, you can ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and delicious.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Cure 81 ham in the crockpot, it’s important to prepare it properly. This will ensure that your ham is safe to eat and will turn out moist and flavorful.
Start by removing the ham from its packaging and discarding any flavoring packets. If your ham has a plastic cap on the end of the bone, remove it as well.
Next, you’ll want to trim any excess fat from the ham. This will prevent it from becoming greasy and will also make it easier to slice later on.
Once you’ve trimmed the fat, you can score the ham by making shallow cuts across the surface in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add extra flavor.
Now it’s time to add your ingredients to the crockpot. For a simple and delicious glaze, mix together honey, brown sugar, mustard, and water in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it becomes frothy. Pour the glaze over the ham in the crockpot, making sure to coat it evenly.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. During this time, you can baste the ham with the glaze every hour or so to ensure that it stays moist and flavorful.
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. While the ham is resting, you can prepare any additional sides or dishes you’d like to serve with it. When you’re ready to serve, slice the ham into thin pieces and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Adding Flavor With Seasonings And Sauces
If you’re looking to add even more flavor to your Cure 81 ham, there are a variety of seasonings and sauces you can use. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Maple-Brown Sugar Glaze: Mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with ham.
2. Pineapple Glaze: Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce for a tropical twist on your ham.
3. Spiced Apple Cider Glaze: Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries until fragrant. Then mix in brown sugar and Dijon mustard for a warm and cozy glaze.
4. Herb Rub: Mix together dried thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the ham before cooking for a savory and aromatic flavor.
5. Mustard-Herb Glaze: Combine Dijon mustard, honey, thyme, and rosemary for a tangy and herbaceous glaze that will make your ham stand out.
No matter what seasonings or sauces you choose to use, be sure to coat the ham evenly before cooking it in the crockpot. This will ensure that the flavors permeate the meat and create a deliciously seasoned dish.
Setting Up The Crockpot For Cooking
Before you begin cooking your Cure 81 ham in the crockpot, it’s important to set it up properly.
First, make sure your crockpot is clean and dry. Then, plug it in and choose the appropriate setting. Most crockpots have a low and high setting, with some also having a warm setting.
For cooking a ham, it’s recommended to use the low setting for best results. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and stays moist.
Next, place the ham in the crockpot, cut side down. This will allow the glaze to seep into the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Once the ham is in place, you can add your glaze or other ingredients to the crockpot. Be sure to coat the ham evenly for maximum flavor.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and let it cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. During this time, you can baste the ham with the glaze every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and juicy.
With these simple steps, you can set up your crockpot for cooking a delicious Cure 81 ham that will be sure to impress your guests.
Cooking The Ham To Perfection
Cooking a Cure 81 ham in the crockpot can be a convenient and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. However, it’s important to ensure that the ham is cooked to perfection to get the best flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you cook your ham to perfection:
1. Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is an essential tool when cooking a ham. It will help you determine when the ham is fully cooked and prevent overcooking. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 140°F.
2. Don’t overcook the ham: Overcooking can result in a dry and tough ham. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use the meat thermometer to check the internal temperature regularly.
3. Baste the ham: Basting the ham with its own juices or a glaze will help keep it moist and add flavor. You can baste the ham every hour or so during cooking.
4. Let the ham rest: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more tender and flavorful ham.
By following these tips, you can cook your Cure 81 ham in the crockpot to perfection and enjoy a delicious meal with your family and friends.
Glazing The Ham For A Beautiful Finish
Glazing a ham is an important step in the cooking process as it not only adds to the appearance of the cooked ham but also enhances its flavor. The sweet flavor of the ham glaze is a nice complement to the saltiness of the ham, making it a perfect addition to a holiday or special occasion meal.
To glaze the ham for a beautiful finish, it’s important to wait until the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking. If you start brushing the glaze on sooner, the sugar could cause the glaze (and the ham’s skin) to burn.
To prepare the glaze, mix together brown sugar, orange juice, honey, and spices in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it becomes frothy.
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a platter. Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the ham with the glaze, making sure to cover it evenly.
Return the ham to the crockpot and set it to cook on high heat for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the glaze has caramelized and formed a beautiful crust on top of the ham.
Once done, remove the ham from the crockpot and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
