What type of ham works best for cooking in a slow cooker?

The best ham for slow cooking is a fully cooked, bone-in ham that is not spiral cut. This type of ham stays juicier and warms more evenly since spiral cuts can dry out faster. Choose a ham that fits your slow cooker size, ideally one weighing between five and seven pounds for a six- to seven-quart slow cooker.

Should I cook slow cooker ham on low or high heat, and for how long?

Cook slow cooker ham on the low setting for about five to six hours. Slow, even heating helps keep the ham moist and allows the glaze flavors to develop fully without drying out the meat. Using high heat can overcook and toughen the ham since it only needs reheating.

Is it necessary to add liquid when making ham in a slow cooker?

Yes, adding liquid to the slow cooker helps maintain moisture and prevents the ham from drying out. You don’t need to submerge the ham completely; just a small amount of liquid like soda (e.g., Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola) or broth in the bottom will keep the meat tender and complement the glaze.

Can I prepare the glaze for slow cooker ham in advance?

You can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This saves time on cooking day and allows the flavors to meld. Common glaze ingredients include brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and soda, which create a sticky, flavorful coating.

How should I reheat a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker without drying it out?

To reheat, stud the ham with cloves for extra flavor, brush it with your prepared glaze, and place it in the slow cooker with some liquid in the bottom. Cook on low heat for five to six hours, basting occasionally and applying a second layer of glaze near the end for a tender, flavorful result.

Slow Cooker Ham Recipes For Easy Flavorful Dinners

Ingredients

– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

– 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– 1 (12-ounce) can of soda

– 1 (5- to 7-pound) fully cooked bone-in ham

– 20 whole cloves

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Instructions

1-In a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and 1/2 cup soda until the sugar melts and the mixture bubbles. Then, reduce the heat and simmer it for 7 to 8 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze.

2-Pour the remaining soda into a 6-quart slow cooker, stud the ham with the 20 whole cloves in several spots, and place the ham inside. Brush it with 1/4 cup of the glaze and save the rest for later cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until it’s hot all the way through.

3-A few minutes before the ham is done, reheat the leftover glaze for about 3 minutes. Take the ham out of the slow cooker, brush it with the remaining glaze, then carve and serve it warm.

Notes

🐖 Choose a fully cooked, bone-in ham that is not spiral cut to keep meat juicy.
⏰ Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours to prevent drying and ensure even heating.
🥤 Use soda in the slow cooker liquid to add sweetness and maintain moisture.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving