The Perfectly Juicy and Tender Crockpot Fresh Ham Roast
As a busy home cook and parent I rely on my trusty crockpot to help me get hearty home-cooked meals on the table with minimal fuss. I’ve found that one of the most delicious and impressive dishes to make in the crockpot is a nicely glazed fresh ham roast. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, the crockpot does all the work, slowly simmering the ham until it’s fall-apart tender and infused with flavor.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my best tips and tricks for cooking a perfect fresh ham roast in the crockpot, along with some of my family’s favorite flavor ideas. Follow these simple instructions for stress-free holiday meals or easy Sunday suppers.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
- Selecting the Best Fresh Ham Roast
- Necessary Crockpot Tools & Accessories
- Preparing & Seasoning the Fresh Ham
- Step-by-Step Crockpot Cooking Method
- Checking for Doneness
- Making a Sweet & Savory Glaze
- Carving & Serving Suggestions
- Adapting Recipe for Different Appliances
- Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
With just a few ingredients and simple crockpot steps, you’ll have a gorgeous, mouthwatering centerpiece ham ready for any special occasion. Let’s get started!
Selecting the Best Fresh Ham Roast
The starting point for crockpot success is choosing a high-quality fresh ham roast. Look for:
- Boneless, skinless fresh ham roast
- Around 4-6 lbs for optimal crockpot cooking
- Uniform shape with minimal fat or gristle
- Pink, fresh color with no dark spots
A nicely marbled roast ensures tender, juicy meat infused with flavor. Ask your butcher for a recommendation for roasting.
Necessary Crockpot Tools & Accessories
Cooking fresh ham roast in the crockpot requires minimal equipment:
- 4-6 quart crockpot or slow cooker
- Crockpot liner for easy cleanup (optional)
- Meat thermometer for checking doneness
- Fat separator for defatting pan juices
I also line my crockpot with a liner for quick cleanup. No tedious scrubbing!
Preparing & Seasoning the Fresh Ham
Rinse the fresh ham roast and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat.
Make a simple dry rub by combining:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1⁄2 tsp ground mustard
Massage the seasoning all over the ham roast until evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight to allow flavors to penetrate meat.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Cooking Method
Cooking the seasoned ham roast in the crockpot is incredibly easy:
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Place crockpot liner in slow cooker (optional).
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Add 1 cup chicken broth to crockpot.
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Place seasoned ham roast in slow cooker.
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Cook on Low setting for 7-8 hours.
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Remove ham roast and test for doneness.
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Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
The low, slow cooking produces supremely moist and tender results every time.
Checking for Doneness
An instant-read meat thermometer is crucial for checking doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham roast without touching the bone.
The USDA recommends cooking fresh ham to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F. If under, return to crockpot for more cooking time.
Making a Sweet & Savory Glaze
While your ham roast is resting, make a simple brown sugar glaze:
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In a small pan, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp mustard.
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Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Brush the glaze over the cooked ham roast for a sweet, salty, slightly tangy flavor.
Carving & Serving Suggestions
Allow the glazed ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to prevent juices from running out.
Slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick pieces. Serve alongside cheesy scalloped potatoes, maple roasted carrots and buttery yeast rolls for a delightful feast.
Leftover ham is fantastic for sandwiches, omelets, pasta bakes and soups. Freeze portions for quick weeknight meals.
Adapting Recipe for Different Appliances
While a crockpot is ideal for infusing flavor into a fresh ham roast, you can also use:
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Slow Cooker: Follow same method on Low setting for 8-10 hours.
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Oven: Roast at 325°F for 18-24 minutes per pound. Baste with glaze last 30 minutes.
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Instant Pot: Cook sealed for 1 hour 15 mins per pound on Manual High pressure. Allow natural release, then glaze.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
With proper technique, fresh ham roast is nearly impossible to mess up! However, these tips will help avoid drying out the meat:
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Don’t overcook – use a meat thermometer and remove at 145°F.
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Avoid opening the lid and peeking, which increases cook times.
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Add liquid if dry – chicken broth prevents drying out.
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Let it rest before carving so juices redistribute.
Now you’re equipped with my best tips and tricks for cooking juicy, delicious fresh ham roast in the crockpot with ease. Impress your guests with minimal effort using this simple recipe. Here’s to bringing more cozy, hearty crockpot meals into your home kitchen rotation!
Cooking a Delicious Fresh Ham Roast in Your Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is the best way to make a fresh ham roast that is also easy and tastes great. The meat gets tender and juicy while slowly cooking it, and a delicious mix of flavors fills the meat. Follow these easy steps to make a delicious fresh ham roast in your slow cooker, whether you’re having people over for a special event or just want a hearty meal.
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- About 5 to 6 pounds of fresh ham roast without the skin
- 1 cup of chicken broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare and Season the Fresh Ham Roast
Begin by patting the fresh ham roast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better to the meat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Then add the dried thyme and rosemary. Rub the seasonings all over the fresh ham roast to ensure it’s evenly coated.
Cooking a FRESH HAM ROAST in the Crock Pot – Pasture Pork
FAQ
What is the difference between a ham and a ham roast?
What to do with uncured ham?
Can I use a fresh ham for pulled pork?
Do you have to brown a roast before putting it in the crock pot?
Can you cook Ham in a crock pot?
If the entire ham doesn’t fit in the crock pot, consider slicing the ham into smaller portions that fit easily in the slow cooker with the lid on before beginning the cooking process. Prepare the Crock Pot. Place a large slow cooker liner or use a slow cooker bag to make cleanup a breeze.
How to cook a Ham in a slow cooker?
Line the inside of the slow cooker with aluminum foil to create a container. Put the ham in there. Mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, orange zest, rosemary, and pepper in a bowl. Brush the ham with the marinade. Then, pour the rest over and around the meat. Turn the slow cooker on to low heat. Let the fresh ham stew for 2 hours.
How do I choose a crock pot Ham?
Choose the right size ham that will fit in your crock pot for your slow cooker ham recipe. If you are not good at judging size and have to take a small measuring tape with you to the store, do it. It is very important with any roast cooked in a slow cooker that the lid be able to seat itself tightly on the lip of the crock.
How do you Glaze A Ham in a slow cooker?
Prepare the Crock Pot. Place a large slow cooker liner or use a slow cooker bag to make cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, coat the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Score the Ham. With a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the delicious glaze to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor. Mix the Glaze.