How to Reheat Sliced Ham in a Crock Pot for Juicy, Tender Meat

Leftover ham is a delicious treat but reheating it improperly can lead to dry tough meat. Using your trusty crock pot is one of the best ways to reheat sliced ham so it stays juicy and flavorful. With a few simple tips, you’ll have tender ham ready for sandwiches, omelets, casseroles and more.

Why Use a Crock Pot?

Crock pots, also known as slow cookers, are ideal for reheating lean meats like ham. The moist, gentle heat helps retain natural juices and prevent overcooking. Other reheating methods like the microwave or oven can rapidly dry out ham slices.

Slow cooking also allows flavors to meld and develop. You can add liquids like broth, juice or soda to infuse tasty notes into the ham as it heats. Spices and sauces further boost the flavor.

Choosing the Right Crock Pot

Any basic crock pot with low and high settings will work to reheat sliced ham, Just be sure to choose one that fits the amount of ham you want to make An oval 5-6 quart or larger crock pot can hold multiple pounds of sliced ham

For smaller amounts like a few cups of diced ham, a 3-4 quart cooker is sufficient. It’s fine if the crock isn’t completely full as long as the ham slices are submerged in liquid.

Preparing the Ham

• Use fully cooked, refrigerated ham. Uncooked or partially cooked ham requires a different reheating method.

• Trim off any hardened edges or unappetizing bits from the outer surface.

• Cut the ham into slices, chunks or cubes to allow heat to penetrate effectively. Very thick slices may remain cold in the center.

• For even heating, try to cut pieces to a relatively uniform size. Mixing large and small pieces can lead to uneven cooking.

Liquid Options

The key is submerging the ham fully in liquid as it heats Water is simplest, but for more flavor, use

• Chicken, beef or ham broth or stock

• Fruit juices like pineapple, apple or orange

• Ginger ale, cola or another soda

• Wine, beer or cider

• Barbecue sauce, sweet & sour sauce, honey mustard, etc.

• A quick homemade ham gravy

Figure about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of liquid per pound of ham. You want enough to just cover the meat in the crock pot.

Seasonings & Extras

To make your reheated ham extra savory, add any of the following:

• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage

• Minced garlic or onion

• Salt, pepper, spices like cumin or paprika

• Dijon or whole grain mustard

• Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar or preserves

• Diced vegetables like carrots, celery and bell peppers

Mix and match to create your own signature flavor!

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your sliced ham and liquid as desired.

2. Place the ham in the crock pot. Pour the liquid over to cover.

3. Add any seasonings or extras. Give it all a gentle stir to distribute evenly.

4. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, until heated through. Avoid the HIGH setting which can overcook the ham.

5. About halfway, carefully stir and redistribute the ham to heat evenly.

6. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer ham slices to a serving dish.

7. Pour any remaining hot liquid into a saucepan. Simmer to create an easy reheating sauce.

And your leftover ham is ready to enjoy! The tender, moist results are well worth the wait.

Handy Tips

• Don’t overload the crock. Leave at least 2 inches of headspace for proper heating.

• Sprinkle a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for added smoky flavor.

• Cook ham bone-in or bone-out. Bones impart extra flavor!

• Use immediately or let cooled ham keep in the fridge 3-4 days.

• Add cooked ham to bean soup, lentils, fried rice, eggs and more.

With your crock pot, leftover ham stays juicy and delicious. Those last slices will be as tasty as the first! Enjoy the convenience of slow cooked ham any night of the week.