Can You Cook a Ham Joint in a Slow Cooker?

Cooking a ham joint in a slow cooker is absolutely possible and can result in a juicy, flavorful meal for your family A slow cooker is actually an ideal way to cook a ham joint, as the low, slow cooking time helps break down the collagen in the meat, making it incredibly tender.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking a ham joint in a slow cooker, including:

• Benefits of using a slow cooker for ham
• Choosing the right ham for the slow cooker
• Prep work before cooking
• How long to cook a ham joint in the slow cooker
• Finishing touches like glazes
• Serving suggestions

Just keep reading if you want a simple, easy way to cook a tasty ham!

Why Cook a Ham Joint in a Slow Cooker?

There are a few main reasons why slow cooking ham joints is a good idea:

Tenderness

The long, slow cooking time helps break down the collagen and connective tissue in a ham joint, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat

Moisture

The closed environment of a slow cooker locks in moisture. This keeps the ham nice and juicy, stopping it from drying out.

Flavor

As the ham cooks in its own juices, it develops a deeper, more condensed ham flavor.

Convenience

Simply prep the ham joint, add some aromatics, set the slow cooker, and let it do all the work. It’s a fuss-free, hands-off way to cook.

Cost Savings

Cooking a ham joint in a slow cooker uses less electricity than oven roasting. It can also help cheaper cuts become meltingly tender.

How to Choose a Ham for the Slow Cooker

When selecting a ham joint to cook in your slow cooker, opt for:

• Bone-in ham – The bone adds flavor and moisture during the long cooking time. Boneless hams can dry out more easily.

• Shank ham – This cut comes from the lower portion of a pig’s hind leg. It contains more connective tissue so turns out very tender.

• Fresh uncured ham – An uncured ham has a milder flavor that pairs well with slow cooking. Very salty cured hams may become overly salty.

• Smoked or unsmoked – Choose based on your flavor preferences. Smoked ham has a deeper, smokier taste.

• Size matters – Pick a joint that fits in your slow cooker with room for aromatics. Smaller 3-4 lb joints work best.

Prep Work for Slow Cooker Ham

While a slow cooker does most of the work, there are some simple prep steps:

• Remove any external packaging, netting or butcher’s twine. Rinse the ham under cool water and pat dry.

• Score the fat cap and skin. This helps the seasonings penetrate and flavors the meat.

• Rub down the ham joint with brown sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, mustard. Get into all the nooks and crannies.

• Add aromatics to the slow cooker like onions, garlic, carrots, celery, apple juice or cider, chicken or beef stock.

• Place the seasoned ham on top of the aromatics in the slow cooker.

• Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

How Long to Cook a Ham Joint in a Slow Cooker

Cooking time can vary based on the size of your ham joint, but here are general guidelines:

• Mini ham (3-4 lbs) – High: 4-5 hours, Low: 6-8 hours
• Medium ham (5-7 lbs) – High: 5-7 hours, Low: 8-10 hours
• Large ham (8-10 lbs) – High: 8-10 hours, Low: 10-12 hours

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The internal temp should reach 140°F. If undercooked, you can transfer to the oven.

Glazing and Browning the Ham

Once cooked, you have the option to glaze the ham for added flavor and color:

• Mix up a simple glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, fruit preserves. Brush over the cooked ham.

• For browning, broil the glazed ham for 5-10 minutes until the outside gets nicely caramelized.

• Watch carefully to avoid burning. Baste with more glaze halfway through broiling.

Tantalizing Serving Suggestions

A slow cooker ham makes the perfect centerpiece for all sorts of meals and occasions. Here are some serving ideas:

• For breakfast, enjoy slices on biscuits or sandwiches with redeye gravy.

• Slice thin for appetizers or ham roll ups with veggies and cheese.

• Pair with traditional sides like baked beans, scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs.

• Use for sandwiches with Swiss cheese, honey mustard and pickle chips.

• Dice up leftovers for ham and pea soup or ham fried rice.

• Toss with pasta or cream cheese for an easy casserole.

So dig into that slow cooker and make a mouthwatering ham joint for your next special meal! The possibilities are endless with this tasty cut of meat.

FAQs about Cooking Ham in a Slow Cooker

Can you cook a frozen ham joint in a slow cooker?

Yes, a frozen ham joint can be cooked in a slow cooker as long as you increase the cooking time. Add approximately 30-60 minutes of extra cooking time depending on the size of the ham.

Should you cook a ham joint fat side up or down in a slow cooker?

It’s best to cook the ham fat side up. This helps protect the lean meat and allows the fat to baste the ham as it cooks.

Do you need to add liquid when cooking ham in a slow cooker?

Adding some liquid in the form of broth, cider, juice or even water will help keep the ham moist. Use about 1-2 cups of liquid for a 3-4 lb ham.

Is it okay to cook a spiral cut ham in a slow cooker?

Yes, a spiral cut or pre-sliced ham works perfectly in a slow cooker. The juices are able to penetrate deep into the meat for enhanced flavor.

Can you overcook a ham joint in a slow cooker?

It is possible but difficult if using the low setting. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, removing it once it reaches 140°F.

What’s the best way to keep slow cooker ham leftovers?

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave as needed. Ham also freezes well for 2-3 months.