Canned ham can be an easy and convenient choice for meals and entertaining. But to unlock its full flavor potential, the key is knowing how to cook it properly in a crockpot. With the right techniques, you can transform an ordinary canned ham into an extraordinary centerpiece dish.
In this complete guide I’ll explain my foolproof method for cooking canned ham in a crockpot so it turns out juicy tender and full of flavor every time. After trying this, you’ll never go back to just baking a canned ham in the oven again!
Benefits of Crockpot Canned Ham
There are several advantages to cooking canned ham in a crockpot rather than the oven
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Infuses more flavor – The slow cooking allows seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
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Guarantees tenderness – The low, steady heat tenderizes the ham.
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Adds moisture – The ham braises in its natural juices.
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Handles large sizes easily – Even a big ham cooks evenly.
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Provides ease – Simply set and forget!
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Frees up oven space – The crockpot doesn’t heat up the kitchen.
Tips for Choosing a Canned Ham
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Select a bone-in ham for the best flavor and moisture. The bone adds extra taste.
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Get an uncut, unglazed ham. This allows you to add your own glaze/flavors.
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Choose a size that fits your crockpot. Allow 2 inches all around the ham.
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Estimate 1 pound of ham per person. For 8-10 people, a 7-8 lb. ham is ideal.
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Look for a manufacturer like Smithfield that is known for quality.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Canned Ham Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in canned ham (7-8 lbs.)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside with nonstick spray so the ham doesn’t stick.
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Unwrap Ham: Remove packaging and discard any included glaze packets. Rinse ham if desired.
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Place Ham in Crockpot: Put the ham in flat side down. Make sure it fits comfortably.
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Make Glaze: Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until blended.
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Pour Glaze Over Ham: Spoon glaze evenly over the entire ham. Massage it gently over all surfaces.
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Add Pineapple Juice: Pour juice around the ham, letting it pool at the bottom of the crockpot.
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Cook on Low Heat: Cover crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours on low until ham is 140°F.
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Baste Periodically: Every hour, baste ham with juices pooling in bottom of crockpot.
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Remove from Crockpot: Carefully transfer ham to a serving platter when done.
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Let Rest and Slice: Allow ham to rest 10 minutes before slicing into it.
Helpful Tips and Suggestions
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If ham seems too salty, soak in water 1 hour before cooking.
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For a caramelized exterior, broil 10 mins at end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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If ham is too big for crockpot, cut in half and stack layers or cook in roasting pan.
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Add whole cloves stuck into ham or stud with pineapple rings the last 30 minutes for presentation.
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Let guests help themselves by placing crockpot on a trivet at the table for a rustic style meal.
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Use leftovers for meals like ham sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, soups, casseroles and hash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crockpot do I need?
Choose a crockpot that allows about 2 inches clearance all around the ham. A 6-7 quart size can accommodate most 7-8 lb. hams.
How long does it take to cook canned ham in a crockpot?
Cook for approximately 4-6 hours on low heat per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. For a 7 lb. ham, cook for 28-42 hours on low.
Should I add liquid to the crockpot?
No added liquid is necessary. The ham produces its own juices. But you can add chicken broth, apple juice or beer for more moisture.
Do I need to rotate or flip the ham?
There is no need to rotate or flip the ham during cooking. The crockpot distributes heat evenly around the ham.
Can I use a ham glaze in the crockpot?
Yes, ham glaze can be used. Brush it on during the last 30-60 minutes of cook time to allow it to caramelize.
Is smoked or cooked ham better in the crockpot?
Smoked ham tends to be saltier, so cooked is usually a better choice for crockpot cooking. However, both will turn out moist and delicious.
Get Creative with Crockpot Canned Ham
Once you master the basic recipe, get creative with ingredients like:
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Orange juice, lemon juice or cola instead of pineapple
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Browned butter or maple syrup for the glaze
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Rosemary, sage, thyme, chili powder or 5-spice as seasonings
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ringing or studding with cherries or pineapples
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A topping of cornbread stuffing or crushed crackers
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Serving with unique sides like baked beans, cornbread or roasted veggies
Why Slow Cook a Canned Ham?
Yes, you could just put a ham from a can in the oven, but what’s the fun in that? Slow cooking lets the flavors develop and blend, making the ham more flavorful and moist. The low and steady heat of the crockpot tenderizes the meat, ensuring that each bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Plus, the convenience factor is unbeatable – simply set it and forget it!.
- 1 canned ham (size of your choice)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- Start by preparing your crockpot. Use non-stick cooking spray on the inside to keep the ham from sticking.
- Next, take the canned ham out of its packaging and throw away any glaze or seasoning packets that came with it.
- Place the ham into the crockpot, flat side down.
- Put the honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon in a bowl and mix them together. Mix until well blended.
- Make sure the ham is evenly covered as you pour the mixture over it. As the meat cooks, the flavors will seep into it and make a delicious glaze.
- Slowly pour the pineapple juice around the ham, letting it pool at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat to cook.
- Cook the ham for approximately 4-6 hours. How long it takes to cook will depend on how big the ham is and how much space your crockpot has.
- While the ham is cooking, baste it every so often with the juices that build up in the crockpot. This will add extra moisture and flavor.
- When the ham is as tender as you like it, carefully take it out of the crockpot and place it on a serving platter.
- Let the ham cool down for a few minutes before cutting it. This will help the juices move around, making the ham taste better and be more juicy.
- Serve your slow-cooked canned ham alongside your favorite side dishes. There are so many choices, like buttery dinner rolls, fluffy mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Voila! You’ve successfully cooked a heavenly canned ham using the power of your crockpot. You’ll amaze your family and friends with how good you are at cooking, and they’ll be back for more. So go ahead and impress your loved ones with this delectable dish. Let’s talk about how to cook a canned ham in the crockpot. Share your thoughts and links in the
Unleash the Deliciousness: Slow Cooking a Canned Ham
Food lovers, get ready! Today we’re going to learn how to slow cook a canned ham in a crockpot. Imagine the tantalizing aroma, the tender texture, and the mouthwatering flavors that will fill your kitchen. This way of cooking is not only easy and quick, but it also makes a delicious dish that will make your taste buds screaming for more. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!.