Cooking A Ham In The Crock Pot Recipes
There's nothing quite like the taste of a juicy ham that's been slow cooked for hours in a crock pot. Not only does it make your kitchen smell amazing, but it's also one of the easiest ways to cook a ham. Whether you're cooking for a holiday dinner or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, these crock pot ham recipes are sure to please.
Choosing Your Ham
The first step in cooking a ham in the crock pot is choosing the right one. You'll want to look for a ham that's fully cooked, as this will ensure that it's safe to eat once it reaches the right temperature. You can either choose a bone-in or boneless ham, depending on your preference. Bone-in hams tend to have more flavor, but they can also be a bit more difficult to carve.
Preparing Your Ham
Before you start cooking your ham in the crock pot, you'll need to prepare it. This usually involves scoring the ham with a knife and adding a glaze or seasoning. You can find plenty of ham glaze recipes online, but some popular options include brown sugar, honey, mustard, and pineapple juice.
Cooking Your Ham
Once your ham is prepared, it's time to start cooking. The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the temperature of your crock pot, but most hams will take between 4-8 hours on low heat. You'll want to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F before serving.
Ham and Pineapple Crock Pot Recipe
If you're looking for a delicious and easy crock pot ham recipe, this ham and pineapple recipe is a great option. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6-8 pounds)
- 1 can of pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
To prepare this recipe, simply place your ham in the crock pot and pour the pineapple chunks over it. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture over the top of the ham and pineapple. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Serve and enjoy!
Ham and Bean Crock Pot Recipe
If you're in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal, this ham and bean crock pot recipe is a great option. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6-8 pounds)
- 1 pound of dried navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 6 cups of water
To prepare this recipe, start by soaking your beans overnight in cold water. The next day, drain the beans and add them to the crock pot along with the ham, onion, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Pour the water over the top and stir to combine. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham is falling off the bone. Serve and enjoy!
Crock Pot Ham Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking a ham in the crock pot:
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F before serving.
- Be sure to choose a ham that's fully cooked.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different glazes and seasonings.
- For a more flavorful ham, try using a bone-in ham.
- If your ham is too large for your crock pot, you can always cut it in half and cook it in two separate batches.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham in the crock pot is an easy and delicious way to prepare this classic dish. Whether you're cooking for a holiday dinner or just looking for a comforting meal, these crock pot ham recipes are sure to please. With a little bit of preparation and a few hours of cooking time, you can enjoy a juicy and flavorful ham that will be the highlight of any meal.