Slow Cooker Ham: The Ultimate Guide to Tender, Juicy Results

Right, so you've got a ham, and you're thinking of throwing it in the slow cooker, eh? Brilliant idea! Slow cooking a ham is a foolproof way to get succulent, melt-in-your-mouth results, and trust me, you'll be the hero of the dinner table. I've been cooking for years, and let me tell you, slow cooker ham is a real crowd-pleaser. It's so easy, even my kids could do it (though I wouldn't recommend letting them near the oven!).

This guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know about slow cooking ham, from choosing the right cut to the best glazes. We'll be tackling everything from beginner tips to pro tricks, and I'll be throwing in some of my favourite recipes along the way. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's get started!

(Part 1) Choosing the Right Ham

types of ham: Bone-In vs. Boneless

First things first, you need to figure out what kind of ham you want. There are basically two types: bone-in and boneless.

1. bone-in ham: This is the classic, traditional choice. It's usually a whole ham with the bone still in. It's more flavourful than boneless ham because the bone helps to keep the meat moist and tender. You can get it fresh or pre-cooked, and it often comes in a variety of shapes, like a whole ham or a shank portion.
2. Boneless ham: This is a more convenient option, as it's already cut and ready to go. It's usually a spiral-sliced ham, which means it's been sliced into thin pieces, making it easy to carve. Boneless hams are typically pre-cooked. The most common type you'll find is a whole boneless ham, but you can also find spiral-sliced ham halves, which can be a bit easier to manage in a smaller slow cooker.

Size Matters

Next up, you need to think about the size of your ham. The amount of ham you need depends on how many people you're feeding, and how much you reckon they'll want to tuck in. For a family of four, a 4-5lb ham is usually enough. But if you're having a big bash, go for a bigger ham – a 10lb beauty will easily feed 10-12 people. Remember, you can always freeze leftover ham, so it's better to have a bit too much than not enough!

Fresh or Pre-Cooked?

This is where it gets a little tricky. fresh hams need to be cooked all the way through, whereas pre-cooked hams just need to be heated up. If you're using a fresh ham, you'll need to allow extra time for cooking. Pre-cooked hams are a real time-saver, especially if you're short on time. Just make sure you read the label carefully to see if it's already cooked or needs additional cooking. The instructions will usually tell you the safe internal temperature to cook the ham to.

To give you an idea, a fresh ham typically needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety. Pre-cooked ham, on the other hand, just needs to be heated to a temperature of 140°F (60°C) for safety. This means you can heat up a pre-cooked ham in a slow cooker on low for a few hours to ensure it's heated all the way through.

(Part 2) Slow Cooker Prep: Setting the Stage

Right, let's get this slow cooker party started! Before you even think about throwing the ham in, you need to get the slow cooker all set up.

Line It Up: Parchment Paper is Your Friend

The first step is to line your slow cooker. Why? Because it's a pain to clean those sticky bits that get stuck on the bottom, isn't it? To make life easier, line the slow cooker with a piece of parchment paper. Just cut a piece that's big enough to cover the bottom, and then tuck it in around the sides. This makes the clean-up process so much easier, you'll be thanking me later! If you don't have parchment paper, you can use foil, though it might not be as effective.

Adding the Extras: Flavor Boosters

Next, you're going to want to add some extra flavour to your ham. I love adding sliced onions, carrots, and even a few cloves of garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker before I put the ham in. This adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavour to the ham. You can use other vegetables too, like parsnips, or even potatoes, if you fancy. Just make sure you chop them up into smaller pieces, so they cook evenly. The vegetables will release their juices while cooking, adding extra flavour to the ham and creating a delicious sauce for serving.

Another great tip is to add a cup of liquid to your slow cooker. This helps keep the ham moist and tender. Water is fine, but apple cider or apple juice adds a wonderful sweetness and aroma.

(Part 3) Cooking the Ham: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Setting the Stage

Alright, so you've got the ham in the slow cooker, the veggies are ready, and now you're good to go. You can cook a ham on low or high, depending on how much time you have. On low, it will take about 6-8 hours, and on high, about 3-4 hours. But remember, these are just guidelines – every ham is different! It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it's cooked all the way through. You're aiming for a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

If you're using a pre-cooked ham, you don't need to cook it as long. Just heat it through on low for a few hours to ensure it's heated all the way through. You can also add a cup of water or apple juice to the slow cooker to keep the ham moist.

The Wait is Over

Once the ham is cooked, you can let it rest in the slow cooker for about 15 minutes before carving. This will give the juices time to redistribute, ensuring your ham is incredibly juicy and tender. You can serve it straight from the slow cooker, but if you want to get fancy, you can transfer the ham to a serving platter. Don't throw away the leftover liquid – this is ham juice, and it's delicious! You can use it to make a sauce or gravy, or just drizzle it over the ham. I love to use it to make a gravy – it adds a ton of flavour!

To keep the ham warm while you carve it, you can leave it in the slow cooker on the "warm" setting, or transfer it to a warmed serving dish.

(Part 4) Glazing the Ham: Sweet, Sticky Perfection

Now for the fun part! Glazing your ham is the finishing touch that takes it from good to amazing. There are loads of different glazes you can use, but I like to keep it simple. I find a good honey-mustard glaze is hard to beat. But you can also use maple syrup, brown sugar, or even a simple mixture of orange juice and mustard. Whatever glaze you choose, make sure it's sticky and sweet!

You can glaze the ham before or after cooking, depending on your preference. If you glaze it before cooking, it'll caramelize in the slow cooker and give the ham a delicious crispy crust. But if you glaze it after cooking, it will stay nice and sticky.

The best part about glazing a ham is that you can get creative! Try adding your own flavour combinations. For a kick, add some chili flakes to your glaze, or for a sweet and savoury twist, use a combination of honey, soy sauce, and ginger. Experiment and find what you like best!

Here are a few of my favourite glaze recipes:

• Honey-Mustard Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  Whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl and brush over the ham during the last hour of cooking.

• Maple-brown sugar glaze:
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  Whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl and brush over the ham during the last hour of cooking.

• cherry glaze:
  • 1/2 cup cherry preserves
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  Whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl and brush over the ham during the last hour of cooking.

No matter what glaze you choose, make sure to brush it on generously. You want to make sure every surface of the ham is coated for maximum flavour.

(Part 5) Serving Your Slow Cooker Ham: A Feast for the Senses

You've cooked the ham, you've glazed it, and now it's time to serve up this masterpiece. The ham is the star of the show, but there's no reason to let it hog all the attention. There are a ton of side dishes that go perfectly with slow cooker ham, like:

1. mashed potatoes: A classic side dish for any roast, and it pairs beautifully with the sweet and salty ham. You can make it from scratch, or get a bag of instant mashed potatoes – no judgment here!
2. green beans: Green beans provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the rich ham. Steam them, roast them, or toss them with some garlic and butter.
3. Roasted vegetables: Roast some colourful veggies like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes to add some variety to your meal.
4. fruit salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad that balances the richness of the ham. Try mixing in strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and kiwi.
5. Baked macaroni and cheese: This cheesy comfort food is a real crowd-pleaser and makes a delicious accompaniment to your slow cooker ham.
6. Cornbread: A Southern classic, cornbread is a great way to soak up the delicious juices from the ham. Serve it warm with a pat of butter.
7. sweet potato casserole: A creamy and sweet side dish that's perfect for a holiday meal. Make it with marshmallow topping for extra sweetness.

For a truly indulgent meal, you can even serve the ham with a side of gravy made with the leftover cooking juices. Just strain the juices and thicken them with cornstarch or flour.

(Part 6) Leftovers: Don’t Waste Them! Culinary Goldmine

Right, you've had your fill of delicious ham, and you've got some leftovers. Don't even think about chucking them out! Leftover ham is a culinary goldmine, perfect for making all sorts of yummy dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. ham sandwiches: Classic, simple, and always satisfying. Pile it high with your favourite toppings, like pickles, mustard, and a bit of cheese.
2. Ham salad: Chop up the leftover ham and combine it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and a little bit of mustard. It's delicious on sandwiches, crackers, or even just straight out of the bowl.
3. Ham and potato soup: A hearty and comforting soup that's perfect for a chilly evening. Use the leftover ham, potatoes, and some broth to make a delicious soup.
4. ham and cheese quiche: This is a great way to use up leftover ham and vegetables. Just throw them in a pie crust with some eggs, cheese, and cream and bake until golden brown.
5. ham and bean casserole: A hearty and comforting casserole that's perfect for a busy weeknight. Combine leftover ham, beans, vegetables, and a creamy sauce and bake until bubbly and golden.
6. Ham and pea risotto: A more sophisticated take on leftover ham, this creamy risotto is a delicious and satisfying meal. Simply sauté some onion and garlic, then add the leftover ham, peas, and arborio rice. Slowly add hot chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked through.

Remember, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label and date the container so you know how long they've been in the freezer.

(Part 7) Ham Hacks and Tips: Mastering the Art of Slow Cooker Ham

Here are a few tips to make your slow cooker ham experience even better:

1. Don’t overcook it: Overcooked ham can become dry and tough. Make sure you check the internal temperature and take it out of the slow cooker as soon as it reaches 145°F (63°C).
2. Keep it moist: Add a cup of water or apple juice to the slow cooker to keep the ham moist. You can also add a few slices of pineapple or a cup of apple cider vinegar to the cooking liquid for extra flavour.
3. Don’t forget the glaze: A good glaze makes all the difference in the world. Try experimenting with different flavours and find what you like best.
4. Serve it up: Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure your ham is incredibly juicy and tender.
5. Use a slow cooker liner: Slow cooker liners are a great way to make cleanup easier. Just place the liner in the slow cooker before adding the ham and any other ingredients. Once the ham is cooked, simply remove the liner and throw it away. The slow cooker will be virtually spotless!

I’ve got a little tip for you – don’t be afraid to experiment with your glaze. One time I decided to make a mango-ginger glaze for a holiday gathering, and let me tell you, it was a hit! The mango added a sweetness, while the ginger gave it a bit of a kick. And don’t forget to add some extra flavour to your ham by using a blend of herbs and spices. For a classic flavour, try adding a blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage. Or, if you want something a little more adventurous, try a blend of paprika, cumin, and coriander. The sky’s the limit!

(Part 8) Slow Cooker Ham: A Table for One

Now, you might be thinking, “That’s all great, but what if I’m just cooking for myself?” Don’t worry! You can definitely slow cook a ham even if you’re flying solo. Just grab a smaller ham, and make sure you adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also use the leftovers to make a few different meals, so you won’t be eating ham for a week straight (unless that’s your jam). I love to make a simple ham and cheese sandwich for lunch, and then whip up a delicious ham and bean soup for dinner.

But don’t feel limited to just ham! You can also use your slow cooker to cook all sorts of other things, like pulled pork, chicken, or even chili. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that it’s all super easy!

(Part 9) A World of Ham: Exploring Different Styles

The UK is full of delicious ham varieties. Think succulent Welsh ham, smoky Scottish ham, or a traditional gammon. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of ham to find your new favourite. You could even try using a different glaze for a totally new flavour profile. A honey-mustard glaze is a classic, but a cherry glaze adds a bit of sweetness and tang that’s really special.

But let’s not forget about our international friends! The world is full of unique and flavourful hams. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out a Prosciutto di Parma from Italy or a Jamón Ibérico from Spain. These hams are dry-cured for months, giving them a rich and complex flavour that’s truly unforgettable.

For a truly unique experience, try using a smoked ham. The smoky flavour pairs perfectly with sweet glazes and adds another dimension of complexity to the ham.

(Part 10) The Art of Carving

Now, you’ve got your beautiful slow-cooked ham ready to serve. But how do you carve it like a pro? It’s not as complicated as it looks, I promise! Start by cutting off any excess fat from the ham. Then, use a sharp knife to carve thin slices from the ham. If you’re using a bone-in ham, cut along the bone to remove the meat in large pieces. For a boneless ham, just carve thin slices across the entire ham. Don’t forget to keep the ham warm in the slow cooker while you carve.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can carve the ham into fancy shapes, like stars or flowers. Just look up some carving tutorials online and unleash your inner artist. But even if you’re not a carving expert, it’s okay! The most important thing is to enjoy the delicious ham you’ve created!

FAQs

1. How long do I cook a ham in a slow cooker?

The cooking time for a ham in a slow cooker depends on the size of the ham, whether it's bone-in or boneless, and whether it's fresh or pre-cooked. Generally, a bone-in ham will take about 6-8 hours on low and 3-4 hours on high. A boneless ham will take about 4-6 hours on low and 2-3 hours on high. Always check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through. The safe internal temperature for ham is 145°F (63°C).

If you're using a pre-cooked ham, you don't need to cook it as long. Just heat it through on low for a few hours to ensure it's heated all the way through.

2. Can I use a frozen ham in a slow cooker?

You can use a frozen ham in a slow cooker, but you’ll need to thaw it completely first. The best way to thaw a frozen ham is in the refrigerator. It can take a few days to thaw, so plan ahead. You can also thaw it in a cold-water bath, but this can take several hours. Just make sure you change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.

3. What happens if I overcook the ham in a slow cooker?

If you overcook the ham in a slow cooker, it can become dry and tough. To avoid this, check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. Take the ham out of the slow cooker as soon as it reaches 145°F (63°C). You can also add a cup of water or apple juice to the slow cooker to keep the ham moist.

4. What are some good glazes for slow cooker ham?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to ham glazes! Some popular choices include honey-mustard glaze, maple syrup glaze, brown sugar glaze, and orange juice glaze. You can also get creative and add your own flavour combinations, like a cherry glaze, pineapple glaze, or even a spicy chili glaze. Just experiment and find what you like best!

You can find lots of delicious glaze recipes online, or you can even create your own. Just remember to keep the glaze sweet and sticky, and don't be afraid to get creative!

5. Can I use a slow cooker liner?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker liner! Slow cooker liners are a great way to make cleanup easier. Just place the liner in the slow cooker before adding the ham and any other ingredients. Once the ham is cooked, simply remove the liner and throw it away. The slow cooker will be virtually spotless!

So there you have it, my guide to slow cooker ham! It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Go on, give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how good your ham can be. Happy cooking!