Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless way to prepare a fully cooked ham, then using a slow cooker is the perfect option. Slow cooking helps to enhance the flavors and ensure that the ham comes out tender and juicy. Plus, it requires very little effort on your part!
Step 1: Preparing the Ham
Start by selecting a fully cooked ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. Make sure to remove any packaging material and any excess fat. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife to allow the flavors to penetrate and create a beautiful presentation.
Note: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can brush the ham with a glaze of your choice, such as maple syrup or honey. This will add a caramelized and flavorful crust to the ham.
Step 2: Setting up the Slow Cooker
Place the prepared ham in the slow cooker, making sure it fits snugly without touching the sides or the lid. Pour in a small amount of liquid, such as water, broth, or juice, to keep the ham moist during the cooking process.
Pro tip: You can add additional flavor by including herbs, spices, or sliced onions and garlic to the liquid. This will infuse the ham with subtle aromatic notes.
Step 3: Slow Cooking
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low heat. Slow cook the ham for about 4-6 hours, depending on its size. The low heat and long cooking time will allow the flavors to meld together and create a savory and succulent ham.
Remember to baste the ham with the cooking liquid occasionally to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is up, remove the ham carefully from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Now, all that’s left is to slice the ham and serve it alongside your favorite sides and sauces. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, a slow cooker fully cooked ham is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Enjoy your delicious and fuss-free slow-cooked ham!
Preparation
Before cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure a delicious and flavorful result. Follow these preparation steps to make the most out of your ham:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the packaging |
| 2 | Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture |
| 3 | Score the ham with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern |
| 4 | Place the ham in the slow cooker |
| 5 | Add any desired glaze or seasoning on top of the ham |
| 6 | Cover the slow cooker with the lid |
Once you have completed these preparation steps, you can move on to cooking the fully cooked ham in your slow cooker. Following these steps will help ensure a moist and flavorful ham that is perfect for any occasion.
Choosing the Perfect Ham
Before you start cooking your fully cooked ham in a slow cooker, it’s important to choose the right ham for your recipe. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect ham:
- Consider the type of ham: There are different types of ham available, such as boneless ham, spiral-cut ham, or smoked ham. Each type has its own unique flavors and textures, so choose one that suits your preferences.
- Check the label: Look for a ham that is labeled as fully cooked. This means that the ham has already been cooked and just needs to be heated through. You can also opt for a pre-sliced ham for convenience.
- Consider the size: Choose a ham that will fit comfortably in your slow cooker. If the ham is too large, it may not cook evenly or fit properly in the slow cooker.
- Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date on the packaging to ensure that the ham is fresh and safe to eat. It’s best to choose a ham that has a longer shelf life.
- Consider the flavor: Some hams are pre-seasoned or come with glazes. Consider whether you prefer a plain ham or one with additional flavors. You can also choose to make your own glaze or seasoning for the ham.
- Consider the brand: Look for a reputable brand when choosing your ham. This ensures that you are getting a quality product that will taste delicious.
By considering these factors and choosing the perfect ham, you’ll be one step closer to cooking a delicious and flavorful meal in your slow cooker. Happy cooking!
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a delicious and flavorful meal. Here are the ingredients you will need:
1. Fully Cooked Ham
The star of the dish is, of course, the fully cooked ham. Make sure to purchase a ham that will fit comfortably into your slow cooker. You can choose between bone-in or boneless ham, depending on your preference.
2. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the ham and enhances its flavor. It will caramelise as the ham cooks, creating a delicious glaze.
3. Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a tangy and savory element to the ham. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar and complements the flavors of the meat.
4. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice not only adds a hint of tropical flavor, but it also helps to keep the ham moist during the cooking process. It adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
5. Cloves
Whole cloves are used to make decorative patterns on the surface of the ham. They release aromatic flavors as the ham cooks, adding a warm and spicy note to the dish.
6. Optional: Additional Spices
If you want to add more depth of flavor to your ham, you can also include additional spices such as ground cinnamon, ground cloves, or ground nutmeg. These spices can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you’ll be ready to start cooking your fully cooked ham in the slow cooker. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious meal.
Seasoning and Marinating
Before cooking your fully cooked ham in the slow cooker, it’s important to season and marinate it to enhance the flavors. Here are some tips for seasoning and marinating your ham:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 fully cooked ham | 1. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large bowl or dish. |
| 1/4 cup brown sugar | 2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. |
| 1 teaspoon salt | 3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the ham, making sure to evenly coat all sides. |
| 1/2 teaspoon black pepper | 4. Gently rub the seasoning into the ham, massaging it to help it penetrate the meat. |
| Additional spices or herbs of your choice | 5. If desired, you can also marinate the ham overnight in a mixture of your choice, such as pineapple juice, apple cider, or honey mustard. |
By seasoning and marinating your fully cooked ham, you’ll infuse it with delicious flavors and make it the star of your slow cooker dish. Make sure to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences and enjoy the mouthwatering results!
Creatively Adding Flavour
While a fully cooked ham is already seasoned and flavorful, there are several ways you can creatively enhance its taste by adding additional flavors. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Glaze: Prepare a glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, maple syrup, or pineapple juice. Brush the glaze over the ham during the cooking process to add a sweet and savory coating.
- Herbs and spices: Sprinkle a combination of herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, or sage on top of the ham. This will infuse the meat with fragrant and aromatic flavors.
- Citrus: Slice some oranges, lemons, or limes and place them around the ham in the slow cooker. The citrus juices will seep into the meat, adding a refreshing and tangy taste.
- Stock or broth: Pour a cup of chicken or vegetable stock into the bottom of the slow cooker before placing the ham. This will not only keep the ham moist but also infuse it with additional savory flavors.
- Alcohol: Add a splash of your favorite alcoholic beverage like red wine, apple cider, or bourbon to the slow cooker. The alcohol will evaporate during cooking, leaving behind its distinct flavors.
Experiment with different combinations of these flavors to find your favorite way to enhance the taste of a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the ham is heated through and remains tender and juicy.
Marinating Your Ham
Marinating your fully cooked ham in the slow cooker can infuse it with delicious flavors and help keep it moist during the cooking process. Here are a few tips for marinating your ham:
Choose a Marinade:
There are countless marinade options to choose from when marinating your ham. You can opt for a simple glaze made with brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice or explore more complex flavors by adding spices like cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg to your marinade. Be sure to choose a marinade that complements the natural flavors of the ham.
Prepare Your Ham:
Before marinating your ham, remove it from any packaging and rinse it under cold water. This will help remove any excess salt or brine that the ham may have been soaked in. Pat the ham dry with a paper towel before placing it in the slow cooker.
Next, score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Marinating Time:
Marinating time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your ham. For best results, marinate your ham for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight if possible. You can marinate the ham directly in the slow cooker or transfer it to a large zip-top bag or airtight container.
During the marinating process, be sure to turn the ham occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade.
Once the marinating time is complete, proceed with your slow cooker ham recipe. The slow cooker will help to tenderize the ham and allow the flavors of the marinade to fully develop.
Remember to check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving.
Slow Cooker Setup
Before you start cooking your fully cooked ham in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly set up the slow cooker to ensure even and thorough cooking. Here are the steps for setting up your slow cooker:
1. Wash the slow cooker insert with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly before use. This will help prevent any contaminants from getting into your food.
2. Place the slow cooker insert into the base of the slow cooker. Make sure it fits securely and is centered in the base.
3. Plug in the slow cooker and ensure that the temperature control is set to the desired cooking temperature. For cooking a fully cooked ham, you’ll want to set the slow cooker to “low” or “warm” setting.
4. If your slow cooker has a removable lid, place it on top of the slow cooker insert. If the lid is not removable, make sure it is clean and fits securely on the slow cooker.
5. Preheat the slow cooker by turning it on and allowing it to heat up for about 15 minutes before adding the fully cooked ham.
Once your slow cooker is set up and preheated, you’re ready to add the fully cooked ham and start the cooking process. Follow the recipe instructions for cooking time and any additional ingredients or seasonings needed. Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked fully cooked ham!
Questions and answers
What is a fully cooked ham?
A fully cooked ham is a ham that has been cured, smoked, and cooked prior to packaging. It is ready to eat and does not require any further cooking.
Can I cook a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker. It is a convenient and easy way to heat up the ham and keep it moist and tender.
