Cooking a pre-cooked ham in a slow cooker is a simple and convenient way to warm it up while infusing it with extra flavors. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Precooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
- Brown sugar (optional, for glaze)
- Pineapple slices or juice (optional, for glaze)
- Whole cloves (optional, for glaze)
Instructions:
Prepare the Ham: Unwrap the precooked ham and remove any packaging materials. If the ham is too large for your slow cooker, you may need to trim it slightly to fit.
Add Liquid to the Slow Cooker: Pour about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid into the slow cooker. You can use water, broth, apple juice, pineapple juice, or any other liquid of your choice. The liquid will help keep the ham moist during the cooking process.
Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker: Put the precooked ham into the slow cooker. If you have a bone-in ham, position it with the cut side facing down. If it's boneless, you can place it in any orientation.
Optional Glaze: If you want to add extra flavor and sweetness to the ham, you can create a glaze. Mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, and whole cloves in a bowl to make the glaze. Pour the glaze over the ham.
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low heat. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the ham and the slow cooker's heat settings. As a general guideline, a small ham may take 4-6 hours, while a larger ham can take 6-8 hours. Cooking on low ensures the ham remains tender and doesn't dry out.
Baste Occasionally: If you added a glaze, you can baste the ham with the liquid from the bottom of the slow cooker a few times during the cooking process. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat and creates a beautiful glaze on the surface.
Check Internal Temperature: It's essential to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature. The ham should reach at least 140°F (60°C).
Rest and Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the warm, tender ham with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Note: Cooking times are approximate, so it's always best to check the ham's internal temperature for doneness. Additionally, if your slow cooker has a "Keep Warm" setting, you can switch to that setting after the ham is fully cooked to keep it warm until serving.