How To Keep Ham Warm In A Crock Pot? (According To Experts)

Are you planning on serving a delicious ham for your next gathering or holiday meal?

Keeping it warm and ready to serve can be a challenge, but fear not! A Crock-Pot can be a great solution for keeping your ham at the perfect temperature without drying it out.

In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for reheating and keeping your ham warm in a Crock-Pot. From adding the right liquids to setting the temperature just right, we’ve got you covered.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep that ham warm and juicy!

How To Keep Ham Warm In A Crock Pot?

First and foremost, it’s important to note that reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended by the USDA. However, if you’re warming up a pre-cooked ham, it can be safely reheated in a Crock-Pot with just enough water or broth to cover the bottom of the liner.

To keep your ham warm in a Crock-Pot, start by placing it cut side down into the slow cooker. Pour a liquid such as ginger ale, pineapple juice, or stock over the ham to create a steamy environment that will keep the meat moist and tender.

Cook on the low setting for a pre-cooked ham to gently rewarm the meat. The amount of time needed will depend on the size of your ham. For a 5-pound pre-cooked boneless ham, it should take about 3 to 4 hours on the low setting. For bone-in hams, add 1 to 2 hours depending on the size.

It’s important to keep the temperature of your slow cooker above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safe consumption. If you need to keep your ham warm for an extended period of time, switch your Crock-Pot to the warm setting once it has reached the desired temperature.

If you’re worried about condensation or moisture building up in your slow cooker, try placing paper towels underneath and on top of the ham to absorb any excess liquid.

Preparation: Choosing The Right Crock Pot

When it comes to choosing the right Crock-Pot for keeping your ham warm, it’s important to consider the size and shape of your ham. A pre-cooked, cured butt portion is a popular choice because it fits well in most slow cookers. However, if you’re using a shank portion, which is taller, you may need to find a Crock-Pot with a deeper liner to accommodate it.

It’s also important to consider the wattage of your slow cooker. A higher wattage will heat your ham more quickly and evenly, while a lower wattage may require longer cooking times. Additionally, some slow cookers come with features such as programmable settings and timers that can make the cooking process even easier.

When selecting a slow cooker for keeping your ham warm, make sure to choose one with a removable liner for easy cleaning. And, as always, make sure to follow all safety guidelines and recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

Preparing The Ham For Reheating

Before reheating your ham in a Crock-Pot, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by removing any packaging or wrapping from the ham and placing it on a cutting board. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score it with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze or seasoning to penetrate the meat.

Next, place the ham cut side down into the slow cooker liner. If the ham is too large for your slow cooker, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces or use a larger appliance. Pour a liquid such as ginger ale, pineapple juice, or stock over the ham to create a steamy environment that will keep the meat moist and tender.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and turn it on to the low setting. Allow the ham to gently rewarm for several hours, depending on its size. It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature of your slow cooker and make sure it stays above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth.

Once the ham is heated through, you can switch your Crock-Pot to the warm setting if you need to keep it warm for an extended period of time. Remember to periodically check the temperature and add more liquid if necessary.

When you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. If desired, brush with glaze or seasoning and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Adding Liquids For Moisture And Flavor

Adding a liquid to your slow cooker not only helps keep the ham moist and tender, but it also adds flavor. You can use a variety of liquids such as water, broth, fruit juice, or soda. For a savory ham, use vegetable or chicken broth. If you like the flavor of pineapple, try using pineapple juice instead.

To add the liquid, pour it into the bottom of your slow cooker so that it covers the surface. Place your ham on top of the liquid, cut side down. This will allow the juices to flow down and around the ham while it cooks.

If you want to add even more flavor, you can mix in some herbs or spices to your liquid. Crushed black peppercorns, minced garlic, and white wine are all great additions that will give your ham a delicious taste.

Remember to keep an eye on the level of liquid in your slow cooker. You don’t want it to dry out, so make sure there is always enough liquid in the bottom.

Setting The Temperature And Timing

When setting the temperature and timing for keeping ham warm in a Crock-Pot, it’s important to consider the size of your ham and the amount of time it will take to rewarm it.

For a pre-cooked boneless ham, set your slow cooker on low and allow it to cook for about 3 to 4 hours. If you have a larger bone-in ham, add 1 to 2 hours to the cooking time depending on its size.

It’s important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your ham every 30 minutes after the minimum recommended cook time. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature between 135 to 140oF (57 to 60oC).

To ensure safe consumption, keep the temperature of your slow cooker above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to keep your ham warm for an extended period of time, switch your Crock-Pot to the warm setting once it has reached the desired temperature.

Remember that reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended by the USDA, so it’s important to only use this method for pre-cooked hams. Additionally, placing paper towels underneath and on top of the ham can help absorb any excess liquid and prevent condensation or moisture buildup in your slow cooker.

Serving And Enjoying The Perfectly Warm Ham

Once your ham is perfectly warmed in the Crock-Pot, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more flavorful and tender.

Slice the ham into thin pieces and arrange them on a platter for your guests to enjoy. You can also use the leftover ham to make sandwiches or add it to soups and stews for added flavor.

To add some extra flavor to your ham, try brushing on a glaze before serving. A simple glaze made with brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with different flavors like maple or bourbon.

When serving your ham, be sure to pair it with some delicious sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. And don’t forget the rolls or biscuits for making mini ham sandwiches!

By following these tips for reheating and serving your pre-cooked ham in a Crock-Pot, you can enjoy a perfectly warm and delicious main course for any occasion.