Olivia Carter
If you’re searching for a convenient and delicious way to cook your Christmas ham, look no further than the slow cooker. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and infuse into the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful ham that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large festive feast, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
To start, you’ll need a quality ham. Look for a bone-in ham, as the bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist. A spiral-cut ham is also a great option, as it makes serving a breeze. Once you have your ham, it’s time to prepare the glaze. A combination of brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices creates a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the ham.
Next, place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for several hours, allowing the ham to slowly cook and absorb all the flavors. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the ham stays juicy and tender, while the glaze caramelizes and creates a deliciously sticky coating.
As the ham cooks, the wonderful aroma will fill your home, getting everyone into the holiday spirit. Once the ham is cooked through and heated to the desired temperature, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest before slicing. The result is a perfectly cooked Christmas ham that will be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
So, this Christmas, save time and oven space by using your slow cooker to cook the best ham you’ve ever tasted. With its convenience and mouthwatering flavors, this slow cooker Christmas ham recipe is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Your Christmas Ham?
When it comes to cooking a ham for Christmas, using a slow cooker can be a great option. There are several benefits to choosing a slow cooker over other cooking methods for your holiday ham.
1. Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking allows the ham to cook gently and retain its moisture, resulting in a tender and juicy meat. The low and steady heat of the slow cooker helps to break down the tough connective tissues, resulting in a deliciously tender ham.
2. Hands-off Cooking: One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker for your Christmas ham is that it requires minimal effort. Once you’ve added the ham to the slow cooker and set the temperature, you can simply leave it to cook while you focus on other holiday preparations. This allows you to enjoy more time with your loved ones and reduces the stress of preparing a holiday meal.
3. Enhanced Flavor: Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and meld together in a way that other cooking methods may not achieve. The longer cooking time allows the flavors from the glaze or seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious ham.
4. Consistent Heat: Slow cookers provide a consistent and even heat distribution, ensuring that your ham cooks evenly throughout. This helps to prevent any parts of the ham from becoming dry or overcooked, resulting in a perfectly cooked ham that is moist and flavorful.
5. Convenient: Using a slow cooker eliminates the need for additional cooking equipment or having to monitor the ham closely. It also frees up oven space for other dishes that may need to be cooked at different temperatures. Additionally, slow cookers are easy to clean and maintain, saving you time and effort during the busy holiday season.
Overall, using a slow cooker for your Christmas ham offers many advantages, including tender and juicy meat, hands-off cooking, enhanced flavor, consistent heat, and convenience. It’s a great option to consider for a stress-free and delicious holiday meal.
Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Christmas Ham
Christmas is a time for delicious food, and one dish that is always a hit is a slow cooker Christmas ham. The slow cooker method allows the ham to cook slowly and retain its moisture and flavors, resulting in a tender and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. To make the perfect slow cooker Christmas ham, you will need a few essential ingredients.
1. Ham: The star of the show, the ham is the main ingredient for this recipe. You can choose between a bone-in or boneless ham, depending on your preference. A bone-in ham tends to have more flavor, while a boneless ham is easier to carve. Make sure to select a high-quality ham for the best results.
2. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a sweet and caramelized flavor to the ham. It helps to balance out the saltiness of the meat and gives a beautiful glaze to the final dish. You will need a generous amount of brown sugar to coat the ham and create the perfect caramelization.
3. Mustard: Mustard is a classic pairing with ham. Its tangy and slightly spicy flavor cuts through the richness of the meat and adds a delicious kick. Dijon mustard is a popular choice, but you can use any type of mustard you prefer.
4. Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice adds a tropical touch to the slow cooker Christmas ham. It helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with a subtle sweetness. The acidity of the pineapple juice also helps to balance out the flavors of the dish.
5. Cloves: Cloves are a traditional spice used in Christmas ham recipes. These small, aromatic flower buds add a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the ham. You can insert cloves into the ham for decoration or grind them and incorporate them into the glaze.
6. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another spice that pairs beautifully with ham. Its warm and earthy flavor complements the savory meat and adds a hint of sweetness. Just a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavors of your slow cooker Christmas ham.
With these essential ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering and flavorful slow cooker Christmas ham that will impress your guests. The combination of the salty ham, sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, tropical pineapple juice, and aromatic cloves and cinnamon will make this dish a standout on your holiday menu.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Slow Cooker Christmas Ham
Preparing a delicious Christmas ham in your slow cooker is a convenient and fuss-free way to feed a crowd during the holiday season. With a few simple steps, you can have a moist and flavorful ham that everyone will love. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking a slow cooker Christmas ham.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Ham
Start by selecting the right ham for your slow cooker. Look for a bone-in ham that weighs around 6-8 pounds. This size will fit well in most slow cookers and ensure that the ham cooks evenly. Additionally, consider the flavor profile you prefer, whether you like a smoked or glazed ham, and choose accordingly.
Step 2: Preparing the Ham
Before placing the ham in the slow cooker, prepare it by trimming any excess fat or skin. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat. If desired, you can also secure pineapple rings or cloves into the scored lines for added flavor and presentation.
Step 3: Making the Glaze
The glaze is what adds that delicious sweetness and depth of flavor to your Christmas ham. You can create a simple glaze by combining ingredients like brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and pineapple juice in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it thickens, then let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Cooking the Ham in the Slow Cooker
Place the prepared ham in the slow cooker, then pour the glaze over it, making sure to coat the ham evenly. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook the ham on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
If you like your ham to have a caramelized exterior, you can transfer it to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking. This will give the ham a beautiful golden crust.
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the slow cooker Christmas ham with the remaining glaze on the side and enjoy a delicious festive meal!
Tips and Tricks for a Juicy and Flavorful Slow Cooker Christmas Ham
Making a delicious and moist Christmas ham in a slow cooker requires some careful preparation and cooking techniques. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your ham turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful:
- Choose the right size ham: Consider the number of people you will be serving and select an appropriately sized ham. A larger ham tends to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Score the surface: Before placing the ham in the slow cooker, score the surface with a sharp knife. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and help it cook more evenly.
- Add a flavorful glaze: Create a glaze using honey, brown sugar, mustard, or spices of your choice. Brush the glaze over the scored surface of the ham to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Use a cooking liquid: To keep the ham moist, add a cooking liquid such as chicken broth, apple cider, or pineapple juice to the slow cooker. This will infuse the ham with additional flavors and prevent it from drying out.
- Cook on low heat: Slow cooking is the key to a tender and succulent ham. Set the slow cooker to low heat and allow the ham to cook for several hours. This slow and steady cooking process will ensure that the ham retains its moisture and flavors.
- Baste during cooking: Periodically baste the ham with the cooking liquid or glaze to enhance its flavor and keep it moist. This step will also help to create a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the ham.
- Rest before carving: Once the ham is cooked, allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a juicy and flavorful Christmas ham that will be the highlight of your holiday feast. Enjoy!
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Your Slow Cooker Christmas Ham
When it comes to serving your slow cooker Christmas ham, it’s important to have some delicious side dishes to complement the main course. These sides will not only add some variety to your meal, but they will also enhance the flavors of the ham. Here are some mouthwatering side dishes that are sure to impress your guests:
1. Scalloped Potatoes
A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham, scalloped potatoes are a crowd favorite. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of the ham, making it a match made in heaven.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious caramelized flavor. Consider roasting a variety of vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes alongside your ham. The vibrant colors and flavors will add a festive touch to your Christmas dinner.
3. Green Bean Casserole
A classic holiday side dish, green bean casserole is a must-have at Christmas dinner. The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions creates a delicious and comforting dish. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the rich flavors of the ham.
4. Cranberry Sauce
A sweet and tangy cranberry sauce is the perfect accompaniment to ham. The bright flavors of the cranberries cut through the richness of the ham, creating a balanced and flavorful bite. Whether you prefer a traditional cranberry sauce or a spiced variation, it’s sure to be a hit at your Christmas table.
With these delectable side dishes, you can create a memorable and flavorful Christmas meal that your family and friends will love. The combination of the succulent slow cooker ham and these delicious sides will make for a festive and satisfying holiday feast.
10 Best Slow Cooker Christmas Ham Recipe
Hamilton Beach 10 Quart Slow Cooker
Features
| Part Number | 33195 |
| Model | 33195 |
| Warranty | One(1) Year Warranty |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 10 Quarts |
Betty Crocker's Complete Cookbook
Features
| Release Date | 1986-08-01T00:00:01Z |
| Edition | Revised |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 432 |
| Publication Date | 1986-08-01T00:00:01Z |
Campbell's Casserole Dish for Green Beans
Features
| Part Number | 80536 |
| Model | COMINHKR013535 |
FAQ
What are some delicious side dishes to serve with my slow cooker Christmas ham?
Some delicious side dishes to serve with your slow cooker Christmas ham include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
How can I make roasted vegetables to serve with my slow cooker Christmas ham?
To make roasted vegetables, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut your choice of vegetables into bite-sized pieces, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or seasonings. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
What is a good recipe for green bean casserole to serve with my slow cooker Christmas ham?
A good recipe for green bean casserole includes canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, French fried onions, salt, and pepper. Mix the green beans, soup, milk, and seasonings together in a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Then, sprinkle the French fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are crispy and golden brown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, serving delicious side dishes with your slow cooker Christmas ham is a wonderful way to enhance your holiday feast. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables, there are endless options to complement the succulent ham. Whether you prefer classic sides or more adventurous flavors, these dishes will surely impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So this Christmas, get creative with your slow cooker and enjoy a memorable meal that is both flavorful and festive.
