There’s something truly magical about preparing a delicious ham in the crockpot. I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of sweet, succulent ham wafting through the house? With my favorite crockpot ham recipes, you can effortlessly create a centerpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The best part? You just set it and forget it! As it cooks slowly, the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully, making every bite a taste sensation. Plus, the convenience of letting the crockpot do all the work means you can enjoy your time preparing other dishes or even just relaxing. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to go back!
Ingredients List
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds) – I recommend a bone-in ham for that extra depth of flavor!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – This adds that wonderful caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
- 1 cup pineapple juice – It brings a lovely tang and keeps the ham moist as it cooks.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Trust me, it gives the glaze a nice kick that balances out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Just a pinch of this spice will elevate your ham to a whole new level of deliciousness!
How to Prepare Crockpot Ham Recipes
Now, let’s dive into the magic of preparing your crockpot ham! It’s super simple, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to a deliciously glazed ham that’ll steal the show.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your fully cooked ham and place it right in the bottom of your crockpot. You want to make sure it fits snugly, so if it’s too big, don’t hesitate to trim it a bit!
- Next, in a medium-sized bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. This mixture will create the most amazing glaze. I love making sure it’s well-combined so every bit of ham gets coated!
- Pour this sweet mixture all over the ham, letting it soak into every nook and cranny. The glaze is key to that rich flavor we all crave!
- Now, cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This is the best part—just let it do its thing!
- Every couple of hours, I like to sneak a peek and glaze the ham with those tasty juices. It helps keep it moist and flavorful. Just be careful not to lift the lid too often, or you’ll let all that heat escape!
- Once the cooking time is up, slice it up and serve! You’ll have a beautifully glazed ham that’s juicy and bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
- Rich flavors: The combination of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard creates a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that seeps into the ham, making every bite a burst of flavor.
- Minimal hands-on cooking time: Once you’ve set everything up in the crockpot, you can kick back and relax while it does all the work for you. Perfect for busy days!
- Perfect for gatherings: This recipe yields enough for a crowd, making it an ideal choice for holidays, potlucks, or any festive occasion. Everyone will love it!
Tips for Success
To ensure you nail this crockpot ham recipe, let me share some of my favorite tips! First off, always choose a high-quality, bone-in ham. It not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat moist as it cooks. If you’re unsure about the size, aim for a 5 to 7-pound ham; it’s the sweet spot for feeding a crowd without leftovers going to waste.
Now, when it comes to cooking time, low and slow is the way to go! Trust your crockpot; it really does work wonders over those 6 to 8 hours. And remember to glaze the ham every couple of hours—this is key for that sticky, flavorful exterior! If you have any leftovers, don’t worry; they’ll last in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them perfect for sandwiches or a quick meal. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Before diving into this delicious crockpot ham, I want to share a little note about nutrition. Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. With that said, here’s a typical breakdown for one slice of this succulent ham:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
These values can help you gauge the deliciousness of your meal while enjoying every bite! Now, let’s dig into that ham!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your delicious crockpot ham has graced the table, you’ll probably have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them properly, let the ham cool down a bit, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy it all week long! Trust me, leftover ham makes for fantastic sandwiches or a quick meal.
When it comes time to reheat, my favorite method is to slice the ham and warm it up in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-20 minutes, drizzling a bit of those flavorful juices over the top to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual slices, but be careful; you don’t want it to dry out! Enjoy those leftovers—they’re just as delightful as the first round!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a classic bone-in ham for this recipe, you can certainly use a spiral-cut ham or even a boneless ham if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they might differ slightly.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach at least 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham. If it’s not there yet, just let it cook a bit longer—it’ll be worth the wait!
Can I add other flavors to the glaze?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You could add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist or mix in some maple syrup for extra sweetness. Just keep tasting as you go to find your perfect balance!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you stick to gluten-free ingredients, like certified gluten-free Dijon mustard, this crockpot ham recipe is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Always double-check labels just to be safe!
What can I do with leftover ham?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can use leftover ham in sandwiches, toss it into salads, or even add chunks to soups and casseroles. It’s a fantastic way to keep the deliciousness going for days!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this stunning crockpot ham ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it. The right sides can really elevate the whole meal experience! Here are some of my favorite pairings that complement the savory sweetness of the ham perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make a classic, comforting side that pairs beautifully with ham.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, these little green gems add a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the ham.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color not only look great on the plate, but they also harmonize wonderfully with the flavors of the ham.
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish brings creaminess and a bit of crunch from the fried onions—so delicious with ham!
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich ham, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Macaroni and Cheese: You can never go wrong with this cheesy staple! The creaminess of mac and cheese is a perfect companion for your flavorful ham.
Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a spread that your family and friends will rave about. Trust me, your crockpot ham will take center stage, but these tasty dishes will make the meal truly unforgettable!
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Crockpot Ham Recipes: 5 Steps to Flavorful Perfection
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for crockpot ham.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5–7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Place the ham in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
- Pour the mixture over the ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Glaze the ham with the juices every couple of hours.
- Slice and serve when done.
Notes
- Choose a bone-in ham for more flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot ham recipes
