How to Crock Pot Fully Cooked Ham: The Step-by-Step Recipe for Perfect Results Every Time

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or simply craving a delicious and easy meal, a fully cooked ham is a lifesaver. But what if you could take that already-cooked ham and elevate it to a whole new level of flavor and tenderness? That’s where the magic of the crock pot comes in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to crock pot fully cooked ham, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece.

Why Crock Pot a Fully Cooked Ham?

You might be wondering, why even bother putting a fully cooked ham in the crock pot? Here’s why:

• Enhanced Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the ham to absorb the flavors of the sauce or glaze you choose, resulting in a richer, more intense taste.
• Ultimate Tenderness: The low and slow heat of the crock pot breaks down the ham’s fibers, making it incredibly tender and juicy.
• Effortless Convenience: Simply toss the ham in the crock pot, add your desired ingredients, and let it do its thing while you go about your day.
• Perfect for Parties: Crock pot ham is ideal for large gatherings as it can be kept warm and ready to serve for hours.

Choosing the Right Ham

The first step to a delicious crock pot ham is selecting the right ham. Here are some factors to consider:

• Size: Choose a ham that’s appropriate for your needs. A smaller ham (4-6 pounds) is perfect for a smaller gathering, while a larger ham (8-10 pounds) is ideal for a crowd.
• Type: You can choose from bone-in or boneless ham. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, while boneless hams are easier to slice.
• Flavor: Hams come in a variety of flavors, including smoked, honey-glazed, and spiral-sliced. Choose a flavor that suits your taste preferences.

Preparing the Ham

Once you’ve chosen your ham, it’s time to prepare it for the crock pot. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Remove the Packaging: Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic wrap.
2. Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Score the Ham: If your ham has a skin, score it in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and prevent it from cracking.

Crock Potting the Ham

Now comes the fun part: crock potting the ham! Here’s a basic recipe you can adjust to your liking:
Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup of your favorite glaze (honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, etc.)
• 1/2 cup of water or broth
• Optional: 1/4 cup of chopped onions, 1/4 cup of chopped pineapple, or other desired ingredients

Instructions:
1. Place the ham in the crock pot: Make sure the ham fits comfortably in the crock pot.
2. Add the glaze and liquid: Pour the glaze and water or broth over the ham.
3. Add optional ingredients: If desired, add chopped onions, pineapple, or other ingredients to the crock pot.
4. Cook on low heat: Cook the ham on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until it’s heated through and the glaze has thickened.
5. Rest and Slice: Remove the ham from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the ham from being dry.

Glazing Options for Your Ham

The glaze is what truly elevates your crock pot ham to the next level. Here are some delicious glaze ideas:

• Classic Honey Glaze: Combine honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Maple-Bourbon Glaze: Mix maple syrup, bourbon, and a pinch of cinnamon for a rich and decadent glaze.
• Spicy Pineapple Glaze: Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, chili powder, and a touch of ginger for a sweet and spicy glaze.
• Citrus Glaze: Mix orange juice, honey, and a zest of orange for a refreshing and bright glaze.

Serving Your Crock Pot Ham

Once your ham is cooked and rested, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic Ham Dinner: Serve the ham with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a side of cranberry sauce.
• Ham Sandwiches: Slice the ham and serve it on rolls with mustard, pickles, and your favorite toppings.
• Ham and Cheese Quiche: Use leftover ham to make a delicious and savory quiche.
• Ham and Bean Soup: Add diced ham to your favorite bean soup recipe for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Beyond the Basic: Creative Crock Pot Ham Recipes

If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are some creative ways to prepare your crock pot ham:

• Crock Pot Ham and Pineapple: Combine pineapple chunks, brown sugar, and a touch of ginger with the ham for a sweet and tropical flavor.
• Crock Pot Ham and Beans: Add a can of baked beans to the crock pot with your ham for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Crock Pot Ham and Sweet Potatoes: Combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and cinnamon with the ham for a delicious and satisfying dish.

The Finishing Touch: Ham-tastic Side Dishes

No ham dinner is complete without some delicious side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for ham.
• Green Bean Casserole: A creamy and comforting side dish that complements the ham beautifully.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A crowd-pleasing side that everyone loves.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and savory side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Your Ham, Your Way: Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Fully cooked ham only needs to be heated through, so don’t overcook it.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the ham is heated to a safe internal temperature of 140°F, use a meat thermometer.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the ham and the temperature of the crock pot.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different glazes and ingredients to find your favorite combination.

Beyond the Plate: Saving Leftovers

Leftover ham is a delicious and versatile ingredient. Here are some ideas for using it:

• Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: Slice the ham and serve it on bread with your favorite cheese and toppings.
• Ham and Bean Soup: Add diced ham to your favorite bean soup recipe for a hearty and flavorful meal.
• Ham and Potato Hash: Dice the ham and combine it with potatoes, onions, and peppers for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.

Your Crock Pot Ham Adventure Awaits!

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to transform your fully cooked ham into a culinary masterpiece. Remember, the key is to experiment, have fun, and enjoy the delicious results.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I use a frozen ham in the crock pot?
A: It’s best to thaw the ham completely before putting it in the crock pot.
Q: How long can I keep the ham warm in the crock pot?
A: You can keep the ham warm in the crock pot on low heat for up to 4 hours.
Q: Can I use a different type of glaze?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique glaze.
Q: What if I don’t have a crock pot?
A: You can also reheat a fully cooked ham in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the ham in a baking dish. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze leftover ham?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover ham for up to 3 months. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.