Olivia Carter
Are you craving a delicious and juicy honey baked ham, but don’t want to spend hours in the oven? Look no further! We have the perfect solution for you – cooking a honey baked ham in a slow cooker. This simple and easy method will give you a mouthwatering ham that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Why use a slow cooker?
Cooking a honey baked ham in a slow cooker has many advantages. First of all, it’s incredibly convenient. You can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while your ham cooks to perfection. Second, using a slow cooker helps to retain the moisture in the ham, resulting in a tender and juicy meat. Lastly, the slow and steady cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and delicious ham that will impress even the most discerning taste buds.
What you’ll need:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. To cook a honey baked ham in a slow cooker, you’ll need:
- A bone-in ham (any size will do)
- 1 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
- A slow cooker
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to cook a mouthwatering honey baked ham in your slow cooker.
Preparing Your Honey Baked Ham
Before you begin cooking your honey baked ham in the slow cooker, there are a few steps you’ll want to take to ensure it turns out deliciously tender and flavorful.
1. Remove the packaging: Start by taking the honey baked ham out of its packaging. Be sure to remove any plastic wrap or netting that may be covering the ham.
2. Trim the excess fat: If desired, you can trim off any excess fat from the ham. This step is optional, as some people prefer to leave the fat on for added flavor and moisture.
3. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, score the ham by making shallow cuts in a diagonal pattern across the surface. This will help the glaze to penetrate the meat and add even more flavor.
4. Prepare the glaze: While the ham is cooking, you can prepare a delicious glaze to enhance its flavor. The glaze can be as simple as a combination of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, or you can get creative and add your own spices and seasonings.
| Glaze Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tablespoons |
5. Apply the glaze: Once the ham is scored and the glaze is prepared, generously brush the glaze over the surface of the ham. Make sure to get the glaze into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
6. Cook according to recipe: Follow the instructions provided in your specific honey baked ham recipe for cooking times and temperatures. Every slow cooker is different, so it’s important to follow the guidelines outlined in your recipe to ensure the best results.
By following these steps to prepare your honey baked ham, you’ll be well on your way to a mouthwatering meal that your family and friends will love. Enjoy!
Choosing the Perfect Ham
When it comes to cooking a delicious honey baked ham in a slow cooker, choosing the right ham is key. The quality of the ham will greatly affect the taste and texture of the final dish.
Consider the Type of Ham
There are several types of ham available, including smoked, brined, or spiral-sliced. Each type has its own unique flavor profile and cooking requirements. Smoked ham has a rich, smoky taste, while brined ham is cured in a solution of salt and water, giving it a slightly salty flavor. Spiral-sliced ham is pre-sliced, making it easy to serve.
Check the Quality
When choosing a ham, look for one that is firm and moist, with a rosy-pink color. The fat should be white and evenly distributed throughout the meat. Avoid hams with any sign of discoloration, dryness, or strong odors.
Consider the Size
The size of the ham will depend on the number of people you are serving and your desired leftovers. A general rule of thumb is to allow for 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per person and 1/4 pound of boneless ham per person. It’s always better to have leftovers than to run out of ham.
When choosing the perfect ham for your slow cooker recipe, keep these factors in mind to ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.
Gather Your Cooking Ingredients
Before you begin cooking your honey baked ham in a slow cooker, make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients on hand. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 1 honey baked ham
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure that your honey baked ham is fully thawed before cooking. It is also a good idea to trim any excess fat from the ham before placing it in the slow cooker.
Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, you are ready to start cooking your delicious honey baked ham in a slow cooker!
Slow Cooking Your Honey Baked Ham
If you’re looking for a convenient and hands-off way to cook your honey baked ham, using a slow cooker is a great option. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and results in a tender and delicious ham. Here’s how you can slow cook your honey baked ham to perfection.
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the size of your ham. If it’s too big, the ham may dry out, and if it’s too small, it won’t cook evenly. Additionally, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 honey baked ham
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Cooking Process
1. Place the honey baked ham in the slow cooker, flat side down.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and ground cloves.
3. Pour the mixture over the ham in the slow cooker, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ham is heated through.
5. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. Serve the ham warm, sliced, and drizzled with the remaining juices from the slow cooker.
Slow cooking your honey baked ham in the slow cooker allows the flavors to infuse and creates a succulent and juicy ham. Enjoy this easy and hassle-free cooking method for your next gathering or holiday meal!
Preparing the Slow Cooker
Before you can cook a honey baked ham in a slow cooker, it is important to properly prepare the appliance. Follow these steps to ensure your slow cooker is clean and ready for use:
Step 1: Clean the Slow Cooker
Start by washing the removable insert of the slow cooker with warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Let it air dry or dry it with a clean towel.
Step 2: Grease the Slow Cooker
To prevent the ham from sticking to the slow cooker, it is essential to grease the interior. Use a cooking spray or coat the bottom and sides of the insert with a small amount of vegetable oil.
Tip: You can also use butter if you prefer a richer flavor.
Step 3: Set the Slow Cooker to the Desired Temperature
Most slow cookers have different temperature settings, such as low, medium, or high. Consult your slow cooker’s manual to determine the appropriate setting for cooking ham. For a honey baked ham, it is generally recommended to cook it on low heat for several hours.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the ham and the specific slow cooker brand you are using.
By following these preparation steps, you will be ready to cook a delicious honey baked ham in your slow cooker. Make sure to review the recipe instructions for cooking times and additional ingredients before proceeding.
Cooking Your Ham
Once your honey baked ham has been thawed, it’s time to start cooking it in your slow cooker. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Begin by lining the bottom of your slow cooker with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the ham from sticking to the bottom and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker
Remove the honey baked ham from its packaging and place it flat-side down in the slow cooker. If your ham is too large for the slow cooker, you may need to trim it to fit.
Step 3: Add the Glaze
Before adding the glaze, use a sharp knife to score the top of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor. Then, generously brush the glaze over the entire surface of the ham.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cover it with the lid. Cook the honey baked ham for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Cooking on low heat and for a longer time will result in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Step 5: Baste the Ham
Every hour or so, open the slow cooker and baste the ham with the juices that have accumulated at the bottom. This will help keep the ham moist and enhance its flavor.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once the honey baked ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and succulent ham.
Now your honey baked ham is ready to be sliced and served. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the tender texture that cooking in a slow cooker brings!
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your slow cooker. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to the correct temperature.
Questions and answers
How long does it take to cook a honey baked ham in a slow cooker?
It usually takes around 4-6 hours to cook a honey baked ham in a slow cooker on low heat.
What ingredients do I need to cook a honey baked ham in a slow cooker?
You will need a honey baked ham, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and pineapple juice.
Can I use a spiral-cut ham for cooking in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a spiral-cut ham for cooking in a slow cooker. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
