Olivia Carter
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook ham? Look no further! Cooking ham in a slow cooker with brown sugar is the perfect way to create a tender and flavorful dish that will have your family begging for seconds.
Using a slow cooker is a convenient method that allows the ham to cook slowly and absorb all of the delicious flavors from the brown sugar glaze. The result is a succulent and juicy ham that is packed with sweet and savory notes.
To start, you’ll need a bone-in ham that will fit in your slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker and rub it with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. This will create a caramelized glaze that adds depth of flavor to the ham.
Cover the ham and cook it on low for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. The long, slow cooking process ensures that the ham is cooked to perfection and is incredibly moist.
When the ham is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest before slicing. The result is a beautifully caramelized and incredibly flavorful ham that will be the star of any meal.
Slow Cooker Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar
Looking for a delicious and easy way to cook ham? Try this slow cooker ham recipe with brown sugar. The combination of the sweet brown sugar and slow cooking process results in a tender and flavorful ham that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, flat side down.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, water, dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ham is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optional: You can strain the juices from the slow cooker and serve them as a sauce on the side.
This slow cooker ham recipe is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a delicious and fuss-free meal. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 6-8 hours | 6-8 hours 10 minutes | 8-10 people |
Cooking a delicious ham has never been easier!
If you’re looking to cook an amazingly tender and flavorful ham without too much fuss, a slow cooker is the perfect appliance for the job. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a juicy ham that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Gather your ingredients
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 bone-in ham, fully cooked
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of honey
Prepare the ham
Begin by removing the packaging from the ham and any excess skin or fat. Place the ham in the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably without touching the sides.
Create the glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and honey until well combined. This will be the flavorful glaze that gives your ham its delicious taste.
Cook the ham
Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your ham and the heat settings of your slow cooker. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Once your ham is done cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The glaze will be sticky and caramelized, adding a beautiful finish to your ham.
Now that you know how to cook ham in a slow cooker with brown sugar, you can easily create a delicious and impressive meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Why Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker to cook ham with brown sugar has several advantages. Here are a few reasons why a slow cooker is the perfect tool for this recipe:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are incredibly convenient in the kitchen. Once the ingredients are prepared and placed in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. This allows you to go about your day or attend to other tasks while the ham cooks to perfection.
- Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking allows the ham to cook low and slow, resulting in a tender and juicy meat. The long cooking time helps break down the connective tissues, resulting in a ham that falls apart with each bite.
- Enhanced Flavor: The slow cooker helps intensify the flavors of the ham and brown sugar. As the ham simmers in the sweet and savory liquid, all the flavors meld together, creating a delicious and flavorful dish.
- No-Fuss Cleanup: Cooking a ham in a slow cooker is a breeze when it comes to cleanup. The pot is removable, making it easy to clean. Plus, there are no additional pots, pans, or dishes to wash, minimizing the mess in the kitchen.
- Hands-Off Cooking: With a slow cooker, you don’t have to constantly monitor the cooking process. Once you set the cooking time and temperature, the slow cooker takes care of the rest. This gives you more time to relax or attend to other tasks while the ham cooks slowly and steadily.
These are just a few reasons why using a slow cooker for cooking ham with brown sugar is a great choice. Enjoy the convenience, tenderness, and enhanced flavor that slow cooking brings to this delicious dish!
Discover the benefits of cooking ham in a slow cooker
Cooking ham in a slow cooker has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also results in a moist and flavorful ham that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a delicious meal for dinner, using a slow cooker is the perfect method for cooking ham.
Here are some of the benefits of cooking ham in a slow cooker:
- Convenience: One of the main advantages of using a slow cooker is the convenience it offers. You can easily prepare the ingredients in the morning, set the slow cooker and let it do the work for you while you go about your day. This means you can enjoy a delicious ham without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Tender and juicy: Slow cooking allows the ham to cook at a low temperature over a longer period of time, which helps to retain its natural juices and flavors. This results in a tender and juicy ham that is succulent and full of flavor.
- Enhanced flavors: Cooking ham in a slow cooker allows it to soak up all the flavors from the ingredients and seasonings. Whether you’re using brown sugar, spices, or a glaze, the slow cooking process ensures that the ham is infused with all the delicious flavors, resulting in a rich and savory dish.
- Stress-free: Slow cooking ham takes away the stress of timing and monitoring the cooking process. You don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking the ham, as the slow cooker maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking time.
To cook ham in a slow cooker, simply prepare the ham by scoring the fat, applying the desired seasoning or glaze, and placing it in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for several hours until the ham is thoroughly cooked and tender. The slow cooker does all the work for you, resulting in a delicious and hassle-free meal.
| Benefits: | Explanation: |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Easily prepare and set the slow cooker to cook the ham while you go about your day. |
| Tender and juicy | Slow cooking retains the natural juices and flavors of the ham, resulting in a moist and succulent dish. |
| Enhanced flavors | The slow cooking process allows the ham to absorb all the delicious flavors from the ingredients and seasonings. |
| Stress-free | The slow cooker maintains a consistent temperature, eliminating the need for monitoring and reducing the risk of overcooking or undercooking. |
Overall, cooking ham in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and moist ham without any hassle. Give it a try and discover the incredible benefits for yourself!
Ingredients:
To make slow cooker ham with brown sugar, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Ham:
A fully cooked ham is the main ingredient for this recipe. You can choose between a bone-in ham or a boneless ham. Make sure the ham fits in your slow cooker.
2. Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar gives a sweet and caramelized flavor to the ham. You will need a generous amount of brown sugar to coat the ham.
3. Dijon Mustard:
Dijon mustard adds a tangy and savory flavor to the ham. It pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
4. Pineapple Juice:
Pineapple juice helps to keep the ham moist and adds a subtle tropical flavor. You can use canned pineapple juice or freshly squeezed pineapple juice.
5. Cloves:
Whole cloves add a warm and aromatic flavor to the ham. They can be inserted into the ham for added flavor.
6. Water:
Water is used to create steam in the slow cooker, which helps to keep the ham moist during the cooking process.
7. Optional Ingredients:
You can also add other optional ingredients to enhance the flavor of the ham, such as garlic, onion, herbs, or spices.
Prepare the perfect combination of flavors
Ham and brown sugar are a classic combination that creates a mouthwatering dish. By slow cooking the ham, you can really let the flavors meld together and create a tender, juicy piece of meat. Here’s how to prepare the perfect combination of flavors:
1. Choose the right ham: Start by selecting a high-quality ham that will be the star of your dish. Look for a bone-in ham or a boneless ham, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the ham: Before cooking, it’s important to score the ham to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Use a sharp knife to lightly score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will also help the glaze adhere to the ham.
3. Create the brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
4. Slow cook the ham: Place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the brown sugar glaze over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender.
5. Baste and glaze: Every 30 minutes, open the slow cooker and carefully baste the ham with the juices that have collected at the bottom. This will help to keep the ham moist and add flavor. You can also brush on additional glaze during the last hour of cooking for a beautiful caramelized finish.
6. Let it rest: Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
7. Serve and enjoy: Slice the ham and serve it with the delicious brown sugar glaze that has formed in the slow cooker. The sweet and savory flavors of the glaze will perfectly complement the tender and flavorful ham.
With these steps, you can create a ham in the slow cooker with brown sugar that is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Cooking Instructions
To cook a delicious ham in a slow cooker with brown sugar, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Before cooking the ham, make sure to trim off any excess fat. If the ham comes with a thick rind, you can remove it or score it with a sharp knife to allow the flavor to penetrate. Pat the ham dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Create the Brown Sugar Glaze
Mix together the brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy glaze will add a delicious flavor to the ham as it cooks.
Step 3: Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker
Put the ham into the slow cooker and pour the prepared brown sugar glaze over it. Make sure to coat the ham evenly with the glaze.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low heat for about 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the ham. This low and slow cooking method will help the flavors to meld together and make the ham tender and juicy.
Step 5: Baste Occasionally
During the cooking process, baste the ham with the juices in the slow cooker every hour or so. This will help to keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make slicing easier. Slice the ham and serve it warm with the remaining glaze as a sauce.
Follow these cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious ham with a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze that your family and friends will love.
A step-by-step guide to cooking ham with brown sugar
When it comes to cooking a delicious ham, using a slow cooker with brown sugar is a perfect way to achieve a tender and flavorful result. The sweetness of the brown sugar complements the saltiness of the ham, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking ham with brown sugar in a slow cooker.
Step 1: Choose the right ham
Start by selecting a ham that suits your taste preferences. You can choose either a bone-in or boneless ham, based on your preference for presentation or ease of carving. A spiral-cut ham is a popular choice, as it allows for easy serving and has natural slices.
Step 2: Prepare the slow cooker
Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the bottom to prevent sticking. Place the ham in the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably and is not overcrowded.
Step 3: Add the brown sugar
Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar over the top of the ham. The amount of brown sugar you use will depend on your preference for sweetness. For a more caramelized and sweet crust, add an ample amount of brown sugar.
Step 4: Cook on low heat
Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low heat for approximately 4-6 hours. Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to develop slowly and ensures a moist and tender ham.
Step 5: Baste with juices
Periodically baste the ham with the juices that accumulate at the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps to infuse the ham with additional flavor and keeps it moist throughout the cooking process.
Step 6: Check for doneness
After the recommended cooking time, check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should register at least 145°F (63°C) for proper doneness. If needed, continue cooking for additional time until the desired temperature is reached.
Step 7: Let it rest
Once the ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
Now that you know the step-by-step process of cooking ham with brown sugar in a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious and tender ham with minimal effort. Serve it as the centerpiece of a special meal or use the leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or salads.
Questions and answers
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that is used to cook food at a low temperature over a longer period of time. It is also known as a Crock-Pot.
What are the advantages of cooking ham in a slow cooker?
Cooking ham in a slow cooker has several advantages. It allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy meat. The flavours also have time to develop and blend together, creating a delicious and flavourful dish. Additionally, using a slow cooker eliminates the need for constant monitoring and stirring, as the appliance does the work for you.
How do I cook ham in a slow cooker with brown sugar?
To cook ham in a slow cooker with brown sugar, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, place the ham in the slow cooker and sprinkle brown sugar over the top. Then, cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 6-8 hours, or on high heat for about 3-4 hours. The ham will be ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Before serving, let the ham rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar in your slow cooker ham recipe. Some alternatives include honey, maple syrup, or even pineapple juice. The choice of sweetener will depend on your personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
What can I serve with slow cooker ham?
There are many delicious dishes that pair well with slow cooker ham. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve the ham with some dinner rolls or biscuits for a complete meal. Don’t forget to save any leftover ham for sandwiches or soups!
