Best Crock Pot Ham Recipe: A Delightful Slow-Cooker Journey to Juicy Perfection
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsThe art of slow cooking has been a staple in many kitchens, offering the promise of tender, flavorful dishes with mi……
Guide or Summary：
The art of slow cooking has been a staple in many kitchens, offering the promise of tender, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. Among the most beloved slow-cooker recipes is the humble yet impressive crock pot ham. This culinary gem, when prepared with care and precision, emerges from the slow cooker as a succulent masterpiece, ready to tantalize the taste buds of your loved ones. In this comprehensive guide, we'll embark on a delicious journey to uncover the best crock pot ham recipe, ensuring that your next holiday gathering or cozy family meal is a resounding success.
Ingredients
To achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory, our recipe calls for a few key ingredients:
- A fully cooked spiral-cut ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup of brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup of pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions
1. **Preparation**: Begin by removing the ham from its packaging and trimming off any excess fat. This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and doesn't become too greasy.
2. **Mixing the Glaze**: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined. This mixture will serve as the glaze for your ham.
3. **Assembling the Slow Cooker**: Place the spiral-cut ham in your slow cooker. Pour the pineapple juice and water over the ham, ensuring that it is fully submerged. This will add a delightful tropical flavor to your ham while keeping it moist.
4. **Adding the Glaze**: Slowly pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also reserve a small amount of the glaze to brush on the ham during the last hour of cooking for an extra shiny finish.
5. **Cooking**: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your ham and your slow cooker's specifications. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. **Serving**: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful.
By following this best crock pot ham recipe, you'll elevate your slow cooking game and impress your guests with a succulent, perfectly cooked ham. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, coupled with the tender, juicy texture, makes this recipe a must-try for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or simply enjoying a cozy family meal, this crock pot ham recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and embark on this delightful culinary adventure to create a symphony of flavors that will linger long after the last slice is gone.