Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook country 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 any meal.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to switch up your weeknight dinner routine, cooking ham in a crock pot is a great option.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking country ham in a crock pot, so you can find the one that works best for you.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
How To Cook Country Ham In Crock Pot?
Method 1: Brown Sugar and Pineapple
This classic method for cooking ham in a crock pot is sure to please. Start by gathering your ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 can pineapple slices (reserve juice)
– 8 lb bone-in ham
Spread the brown sugar on the bottom of your slow cooker and place the ham, flat side down, on top. Rub the remaining brown sugar over the sides of the ham. Arrange the pineapple slices on the sides of the ham and pour 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice over it.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until tender. Once cooked, place the ham on a baking sheet to slice or serve it whole on a platter. This method will serve 8-10 people.
Method 2: Mustard and Honey Glaze
For a tangy and sweet glaze, try this method:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 lb bone-in ham
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray and place the ham inside. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the ham and cover. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before brushing it with the juices in the bottom of the slow cooker. Serve sliced or whole.
Method 3: Cola Glaze
For a unique twist on ham in a crock pot, try this cola glaze method:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup cola
– 1/4 cup mustard
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 8 lb bone-in ham
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cola, mustard, and pineapple juice. Microwave for 2 minutes. Place the ham in your slow cooker and pour the glaze over it, making sure to get it between any spiral slices if applicable. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Remove the ham from the slow cooker and tent with foil. Drizzle with any leftover cola mixture and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Choosing The Right Country Ham For Your Crock Pot
When it comes to choosing the right country ham for your crock pot, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the water content of the ham. Look for a ham with as little added water as possible, as this will help ensure a tender and flavorful result. Check the label for terms like “Ham” (no added water), “Ham with Natural Juice” (7-8% water weight), “Ham, water added” (up to 10% water weight), or “Ham and water product” (any amount of total weight is water).
Next, think about the color of the ham. A good country ham should have an even rosy color, whether it’s light or dark. Darker pink hues may indicate a muscular, free-ranging pig or heavier smoke flavor.
Fat content is also important. Fat adds flavor and tenderness to the meat, so look for streaks of fat and marbling between the muscles.
When it comes to smoke, physical smoking is more desirable than artificial smoke flavor. Check the label to make sure the ham has been smoked rather than just having smoke flavor added.
Finally, look for a ham that is free of hormones.
Once you’ve chosen your country ham, you can use any of the above methods to cook it in your crock pot for a delicious and easy meal. Whether you opt for a classic brown sugar and pineapple glaze, tangy mustard and honey glaze, or unique cola glaze, your country ham is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Preparing Your Crock Pot For Cooking Country Ham
Before you start cooking your country ham in a crock pot, it’s important to properly prepare your slow cooker. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Choose the right size: Make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate your ham. An 8 lb bone-in ham will require a 5-6 quart slow cooker, while a larger ham may need a 7-8 quart slow cooker.
2. Spray with cooking spray: To prevent sticking, spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
3. Layer your ingredients: Depending on the method you choose, you may need to layer ingredients in a specific order. For example, if using the brown sugar and pineapple method, spread the brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker before placing the ham on top.
4. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your ham is cooked to the proper temperature, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 140°F for safe consumption.
5. Let it rest: After cooking, let your ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more flavorful and tender result.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare your crock pot for cooking delicious country ham that will be sure to impress your guests or family.
Simple Crock Pot Country Ham Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple and easy country ham recipe, try this one out:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 can pineapple slices (reserve juice)
– 8 lb bone-in ham
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the ham, cut side down, on top of the sugar. Pour honey and pineapple juice over the top of the ham. Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone, and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Once fully cooked, remove the ham onto a large, rimmed serving platter. If using a bone-in ham, it is recommended to shred the meat and remove any clumps of fat. The ham will easily fall apart. Before serving, ladle a desired amount of juices from the crock pot.
Another simple method is to place sweet potatoes in the crockpot to form a rack. Put the ham on top of the potatoes. In a bowl, mix sugar, mustard, and a little pineapple juice. Pour over ham along with the rest of the pineapple. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
Finally, for an even simpler method, just put the ham in your crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Moisture will gather on the top and drip down onto the ham, keeping it moist so you don’t have to baste it.
No matter which method you choose, cooking country ham in a crock pot is easy and yields delicious results.
Adding Flavors And Spices To Your Crock Pot Country Ham
If you want to add even more flavor to your crock pot country ham, there are many spices and herbs that can be used. Here are some ideas:
1. Garlic and Rosemary: Crush a few cloves of garlic and sprinkle them over the ham along with some fresh rosemary.
2. Cajun Seasoning: Rub some Cajun seasoning all over the ham for a spicy kick.
3. Orange Marmalade Glaze: Mix together orange marmalade, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for a tangy glaze.
4. Maple Syrup and Mustard: Mix together maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Brown Sugar: Mix together apple cider vinegar and brown sugar for a sweet and tangy glaze.
6. Cloves and Allspice: Stud the ham with whole cloves and sprinkle with ground allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
7. Honey and Soy Sauce: Mix together honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder for a sweet and savory glaze.
No matter what flavors or spices you choose, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the ham is cooked through and tender. With these ideas, you can create a delicious and flavorful crock pot country ham that your family will love!
Tips For Serving And Storing Your Crock Pot Country Ham
Once your crock pot country ham is cooked to perfection, it’s important to know how to serve and store it properly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Let it rest: After removing the ham from the slow cooker, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
2. Slice it correctly: For bone-in hams, start by cutting around the bone and then slice the meat perpendicular to the bone. For boneless hams, slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
3. Serve with sides: Crock pot country ham pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
4. Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover ham, store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Reheat carefully: To reheat leftover ham, place it in a 300°F oven just until thoroughly warmed. Avoid overheating as this can dry out the meat.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your crock pot country ham is not only delicious when served fresh, but also stays fresh and flavorful when stored for later use.