Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make ham—crockpot ham recipes! They’re just so simple and delicious; you won’t believe how easy this one is. I still remember family gatherings where we’d gather around the table, and the smell of that sweet, succulent ham would fill the air. It was always the star of the show! This recipe is a total game-changer because you can just set it and forget it. With just a few ingredients, you get a mouthwatering ham that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked and might even start making it for every occasion!
Ingredients List
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Make sure to grab a bone-in ham for that extra burst of flavor! The brown sugar should be packed tightly in the measuring cup so that you get all that delicious sweetness. And don’t skimp on the pineapple juice; it adds a lovely tang that balances everything out perfectly. The honey? Oh, it just makes everything so rich and luscious! Just a little ground cloves will deepen the flavor and give it that warm, aromatic touch. You’re going to love this combination!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Ham
Alright, let’s get started! First things first, you’ll want to place that beautiful bone-in ham right in your crockpot. Trust me, using a bone-in ham is key here because it adds so much flavor and juiciness as it cooks. Just plop it in there like it’s the star of the show—because it is! Make sure it fits comfortably, and don’t worry if it looks big; it’ll shrink down a bit as it cooks.
Making the Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that scrumptious sauce! In a bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and ground cloves. I like to use a whisk or a fork to really get everything blended together thoroughly. You want that sugar to dissolve into the juice and honey so every bite is packed with flavor. It should look smooth and glossy when you’re done. Seriously, the smell alone will make your mouth water!
Cooking the Ham
Next, carefully pour that luscious mixture all over the ham in the crockpot. Make sure to cover it well; you want every inch to soak up that sweet goodness. Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Yes, it’s a long time, but that’s what makes it so tender and flavorful! If you’re curious about the ham’s doneness, just check it at the 6-hour mark. It should be warm throughout and easily sliceable. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is pulling away from the bone and a fork goes in like butter!
Serving the Ham
Once the ham is done, it’s time to slice it up and serve! Use a sharp knife to cut thick slices; they’re so juicy and tender! Don’t forget to drizzle some of that amazing sauce over the top for extra flavor. If you like, you can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Your guests are going to be raving about this ham, I just know it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy preparation—just set it and forget it!
- A true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Flavor-packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Healthy option for a satisfying main dish that’s gluten-free.
- Versatile enough for holidays, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some pro tips to make sure your crockpot ham turns out absolutely perfect! First off, if your ham is on the smaller side (around 4 pounds), you can cut down the cooking time a bit—try cooking it for about 5-6 hours on low. For larger hams (over 8 pounds), you might need to extend it to 8-10 hours. Just keep an eye on it as it cooks!
When it comes to sweetness, feel free to adjust the brown sugar to suit your taste. If you like it extra sweet, go ahead and add a bit more sugar—just remember, the pineapple juice already contributes some sweetness, so taste as you go! If you want to dial it back, you can use less brown sugar or even swap in a sugar alternative if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Also, don’t forget to baste the ham with the sauce a couple of times during cooking if you can. It helps infuse even more flavor and keeps the meat super moist! Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your ham game to a whole new level. You’re going to impress everyone with how delicious it turns out!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful crockpot ham. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
This ham is not only delicious but also packs a protein punch, making it a satisfying main dish. Plus, with that gluten-free tag, it’s a great option for everyone at your table! Enjoy knowing that you’re serving up something tasty and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love a bone-in ham for its flavor, you can definitely use a boneless ham or even a spiral-cut ham. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and type of ham you choose.
How do I know when the ham is done cooking?
Great question! You’ll want to check the temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for safe consumption. Also, when the meat starts pulling away from the bone and is tender enough to slice easily, you know it’s ready!
Can I make this crockpot ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can cook the ham and then store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it gently in the crockpot or in the oven with some of that delicious sauce to keep it moist!
What should I serve with crockpot ham?
There are so many great sides to pair with this ham! Some of my favorites include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can’t go wrong with classic sides like macaroni and cheese or cornbread either; they all complement the sweet flavors of the ham beautifully!
Can I freeze leftover ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to slice the ham and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers! First off, make sure the ham has cooled down a bit before you dive into storage mode. Slice it into manageable pieces and place it in an airtight container. This is key for keeping that juicy goodness locked in! If you want to keep it extra fresh, you can also wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Now, for storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you think you won’t finish it in that time, go ahead and freeze it! Just pop those slices into a freezer-safe bag or container, and it should last about 2-3 months. Make sure to label it with the date so you know when it’s time to enjoy it again!
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of great methods to keep it tasting amazing. If you have time, the best way is to reheat it in the crockpot on low for a couple of hours until warmed through. Just add a splash of that leftover sauce to keep it moist! If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave too. Just place the slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking as you go. This helps prevent it from drying out. Either way, you’re in for a treat with those leftovers!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about this crockpot ham recipe! Did your family enjoy it as much as mine does? If you tried any fun variations, please share them in the comments below! I’m always on the lookout for new ways to spice things up in the kitchen. And if you’re feeling generous, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others find this delicious dish. Let’s keep the conversation going—I can’t wait to hear from you!
Drucken
Crockpot Ham Recipes: 5 Tips for Unforgettable Flavor
- Gesamtzeit: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 10-12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious crockpot ham recipe that is easy to prepare.
Zutaten
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5–7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Anweisungen
- Place the ham in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and ground cloves.
- Pour the mixture over the ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Once done, slice the ham and serve with the sauce.
Notes
- Use a bone-in ham for more flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 6-8 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Crockpot
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 3 ounces
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 15g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot ham recipes, slow cooker ham, ham recipes
