Ham is pork from a leg cut, which is preserved by wet or dry curing process. You can opt to use smoking or not in this preservation. There are different ways to prepare ham, and today, we will try and analyze one of them. You always want to make a sumptuous meal for you or your family. And that’s what we’re set out to help you do.
So, can you cook ham in a crockpot? Yes, most definitely you can cook ham in a crockpot. A smoked ham usually needs to be cooked for 4-6 hours on low (8-11lb ham). The weight can impact the cooking time so you should make sure the internal temperature of the ham is around 140°F.
A slow cooker, or otherwise known as a crockpot, can cook tons of stuff, and ham is on the list.
Are you a fan of slow cooked, homemade meals, including ham? Do you have some delicious ham recipes that you want to cook often? Crockpot cooking is very popular these days. Why not take that love of cooking to your crockpot? This will be a delightful experience for you and your family.
If you enjoy making your own crockpot recipes, then you are going to have a blast here. There is something so appealing about making a dish that impresses your family and friends. If you do your research, you will find recipes that will satisfy even the pickiest person. Just make sure that you always include ingredients such as ham hocks and green chilies in your crockpot recipes.
You will want to make sure that you follow these simple tips that we give when you’re cooking ham in your crockpot. You will be in for a treat while you are in your own kitchen creating those unique crockpot recipes for ham.
Choosing the Right Ham
First off, you want to make sure that you know what type of ham you are looking for. When you go to the store, you will see a variety of different types of ham. Some will be leaner, while others will be much thicker. Most of the stores have different sizes as well.
Now, if you are starting out with a smaller batch, you will want to make sure that you use only a half or a quarter pound of meat. This will make the dish taste much better because you will not be overwhelming the spices with too much of a large piece of steak.
Proven Ham Crockpot Recipes
When you go to any cookbook, you will find many different types of ham recipes that you can enjoy. Some of them are very easy to make and taste amazing. And the best part is that your crockpot can do the job of preparing them perfectly. So, what are you waiting for? Here are two of the best ham recipes to indulge in:
Partially Cooked Ham
One of my favorites is called partially cooked ham. This recipe is very easy to make and it tastes great too. To make this, you simply need to first make a glazed ham with half of the ham and then drain the fat off of it.
Next, you will want to mix the remaining ham with the other ingredients. The mixture will now be covered in the glaze so that everything will be coated in one way or another. You can use the glaze to enhance the flavor of the ham as well.
For this particular ham recipe, I used bone-in ham, but you could also use ham hocks if you prefer. When the ham is done, you simply need to remove it from the crockpot and you’re ready to serve.
This is great for those who are on a diet or are trying to lose weight because you do not want the ham to be completely cooked. The idea behind partially cooking ham is to give the ham enough time to soak up some of the juice. Typically, hams are cooked in oil until they are no longer the same color. However, if you are using a casserole dish, you can use a little oil and partially thicken the ham.
Ham Salads
Ham salads are another great recipe that you can try out. To make this, you will need ham salad dressing, a sliced ham, cut up vegetables (broccoli, celery, and onion), reduced calorie ham dip, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, and reduced-calorie sour cream or yogurt.
Bring the ham and slice it into halves. Spread the reduced fat ham salad on one side of the plate and then place the other half of the ham on top. Drizzle on the cheese and dip into the ham salad before serving.
Safety Precautions While Using a Crockpot
When cooking with a crockpot you need to consider safety precautions. Crockpots can be dangerous, but with some safety precautions you can lessen the risk of an accident. Always be aware of the temperature and be careful not to overheat it. Also be careful that it does not spill too much oil or water.
Always unplug your crockpot when you are done cooking. Do not ever force the buttons of your crockpot. If you have young children, it is important that you keep them away from your crockpot. You would not want to risk your child’s safety by allowing them to be next to the crockpot.
Many crockpot recipes require you to use a dry crock, however, if you choose to use a wet crockpot, you need to be aware that using water can splash onto the food. As well, using too much water may cause the pot to bubble. A dry crock is safer and more convenient to use when cooking.
If you would like to find out more about crockpot safety precautions, check out some of the safety websites on the internet. There are plenty of resources available to help you understand crockpot safety. When using the cooker, keep your hands away from the heat and immediately turn it off when the food is ready. You should also pay attention when turning the valve on and off, and wash your hands thoroughly before getting into contact with food.
Final Thoughts
So folks, that’s how you prepare ham in the crockpot safely. For those who wondered if it’s even possible, we hope that you now know confidently it is.