Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the most incredible aroma of a perfectly glazed ham, without spending hours slaving over the stove. This Crock Pot Ham recipe is about to become your new secret weapon for stress-free, incredibly delicious holiday meals or weekend family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you'll create a show-stopping main dish that will have everyone asking for seconds – and begging for your recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: a fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds), 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a clean cutting board. If the ham has a rind, you can score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and adds a nice presentation.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and ground cloves. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place the scored ham into the crock pot. Pour the prepared glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring that it is evenly coated. You can use a brush or a spoon to spread the glaze if necessary.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the ham to cook for approximately 6 hours. The low and slow cooking method will help the flavors meld and keep the ham moist.
- About halfway through the cooking time, you can baste the ham with the juices that have collected in the bottom of the crock pot. This will enhance the flavor and keep the meat juicy.
- After 6 hours of cooking, check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for safe consumption. If it hasn't reached this temperature yet, you can continue cooking it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed.
- Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crock pot using tongs or a large fork. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Slice the ham into thin pieces and serve it warm. You can drizzle some of the remaining glaze from the crock pot over the slices for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy crock pot ham with your favorite side dishes!
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Always start with a fully cooked ham to ensure food safety and easier preparation.
- Score for Maximum Flavor: Scoring the ham's surface creates more surface area for the delicious glaze to penetrate, enhancing every single bite.
- Glaze Distribution is Key: Make sure to coat the ham evenly with the brown sugar and pineapple juice mixture for consistent flavor throughout.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: The beauty of a crock pot is gentle, even cooking. Resist the urge to rush the process!
- Basting is Your Friend: Take a moment halfway through cooking to baste the ham with its own juices. This keeps the meat moist and intensifies the flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Always check that your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for safe eating.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is perfectly moist.Pro Tip: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and is perfect for sandwiches, omelets, or adding to soups and salads!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
