Time-saving Trick: How To Crock Pot A Fully Cooked Ham In A Snap For Busy Nights

Fully cooked ham is a holiday staple, but it can be a hassle to prepare. Enter the crock pot: a kitchen appliance that makes cooking a whole ham effortless and stress-free. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the art of crock potting fully cooked ham, ensuring a succulent, flavorful, and festive dish for your next gathering.

Benefits of Crock Potting Fully Cooked Ham

• Convenience: Simply place the ham in the crock pot and let it cook on low for hours. No need to babysit or monitor the oven.
• Tenderness: The low and slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a tender and juicy ham.
• Flavorful: You can customize the flavor of your ham by adding various liquids, seasonings, and glazes.
• Stress-free: Crock potting ham eliminates the anxiety associated with roasting a whole ham in the oven.

Choosing the Right Ham

When selecting a fully cooked ham for crock potting, consider the following:

• Size: Choose a ham that fits comfortably in your crock pot.
• Spiral-cut or whole: Spiral-cut hams are easier to slice and serve, while whole hams offer a more traditional presentation.
• Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in hams add flavor and moisture, but boneless hams are easier to carve.

Preparing the Ham

Before placing the ham in the crock pot:

• Remove from packaging: Unwrap the ham and remove any excess packaging or netting.
• Score the fat: Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a crisscross pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates crispy edges.
• Rinse: Rinse the ham briefly with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Cooking the Ham

1. Place in crock pot: Transfer the ham to the crock pot.
2. Add liquid: Pour in enough liquid to cover the bottom of the crock pot by about 1 inch. Liquid options include:

• Water
• Apple juice
• Pineapple juice
• Ginger ale

3. Season: Season the ham with your desired spices and seasonings. Common choices include:

• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

4. Cover and cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Glazing the Ham

To add a sweet and savory glaze to your ham:

• Make the glaze: Combine your desired glaze ingredients in a bowl. Popular glaze options include:
• Honey-mustard glaze
• Brown sugar glaze
• Maple glaze
• Apricot glaze
• Glaze the ham: Remove the ham from the crock pot and spread the glaze over the surface.
• Return to crock pot: Place the glazed ham back in the crock pot and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes, or until the glaze is set and bubbly.

Serving the Ham

• Let rest: Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
• Carve and serve: Carve the ham into thin slices and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Perfect Crock Potted Ham

• Don’t overcook: Overcooking can dry out the ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the desired level.
• Add vegetables: Toss in vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions to the crock pot for a complete meal.
• Make ahead: Crock pot ham can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
• Use leftover ham: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Final Note: The Art of Crock Potting Ham

With its effortless convenience, tender texture, and customizable flavors, crock potting fully cooked ham is the perfect solution for a stress-free and festive holiday celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned ham enthusiast or a novice cook, this guide will empower you to create a mouthwatering ham that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to cook a fully cooked ham in a crock pot?
A: Cooking time varies depending on the size of the ham. As a general rule, allow 4-6 hours on low.

Q: Can I use any type of liquid in the crock pot?
A: Yes, you can use water, apple juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, or any other liquid of your choice.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the crock pot with the ham?
A: Yes, adding vegetables to the crock pot is a great way to create a complete meal. Popular choices include carrots, potatoes, and onions.

Q: Can I glaze the ham before cooking it in the crock pot?
A: No, it’s best to score the ham and glaze it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent the glaze from burning.

Q: How do I reheat leftover crock pot ham?
A: Leftover ham can be reheated in the microwave or oven until warmed through.