How to Cook a Juicy Cumberland Gap Semi-Boneless Ham to Perfection

Cumberland Gap hams are a delicious heritage brand known for their premium quality and old-fashioned flavor. The semi-boneless ham is a popular choice that combines the great taste of traditional bone-in ham with the convenience of less bones

When you follow a few simple steps, cooking a Cumberland Gap semi-boneless ham is easy and will never go wrong. This guide will show you how to make this specialty ham so that it always comes out moist, tender, and full of rich, smoky flavor. Let’s get started!.

Overview of Cumberland Gap Semi-Boneless Ham

Cumberland Gap semi-boneless ham has the following characteristics

• Partially boned but with some bone remaining for flavor
• Available in convenient smaller sizes (4-8 lbs)
• Lean and low fat yet still juicy and tasty
• Expertly cured and hickory smoked for authentic flavor
• Vacuum sealed for freshness and longer shelf life
• Fully cooked so it just needs heating before serving

The semi-boneless design makes it easier to carve and serve than traditional bone-in hams. And the smaller sizes are perfect for smaller households or dinner parties.

Benefits of Cooking in a Slow Cooker

Slow cooking brings out the best in a Cumberland Gap ham:

• Breaks down connective tissues for very tender meat
• Allows fat to melt into the meat, keeping it moist
• Distributes seasonings evenly throughout
• Provides hassle-free, hands-off cooking
• Frees up your oven for side dishes
• Keeps your kitchen cooler than oven baking

Simple Slow Cooker Semi-Boneless Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 semi-boneless Cumberland Gap cooked ham (4-8 lbs)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Optional glaze ingredients: honey, mustard, brown sugar, etc.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ham: Rinse, trim any skin or excess fat. Score top in diamond pattern.

2. Add Brown Sugar: Pour 1 cup brown sugar into slow cooker to cover bottom.

3. Place Ham Flat Side Down: Put ham in slow cooker flat side down atop the sugar.

4. Cover Ham with Sugar: Pat remaining brown sugar evenly over top and sides.

5. Cook on Low 7-8 Hours: Cover and cook for 7-8 hours on low until ham is 140°F.

6. Make Glaze (Optional): Combine ingredients like honey or brown sugar to brush on ham last 30 minutes.

7. Rest and Serve: Remove ham to a cutting board and tent with foil for 10-15 minutes before slicing to serve.

Handy Tips for Success

• Choose a slow cooker at least 2 inches larger than the ham.

• Add apple juice, cola or broth if the sugar isn’t enough moisture.

• Turn ham and add more sugar halfway through cooking if it seems dry.

• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness – aim for 140°F.

• Let ham rest so juices redistribute before slicing for a moister result.

• Carve across the grain in thin slices. Goes great with biscuits!

Common FAQs

What size slow cooker is needed?

Choose a 6-7 quart slow cooker for most 4-8 pound semi-boneless hams, allowing 2 inches of clearance on all sides.

How long should I cook the ham for?

Cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?

The brown sugar will create plenty of moisture. But you can add juice, cola or broth for extra juiciness.

Should the ham be cooked fat side up or down?

Place the ham flat side down so the fattier top can baste the meat. The sugar underneath also helps caramelize the bottom.

Can I use an alternate glaze?

Feel free to get creative with ingredients like honey, jams, chopped fruits, spices, etc. Brush on the glaze toward the end of cooking.

How can I use the leftovers?

Chop or slice leftovers to make amazing ham sandwiches, omelets, pizza, pasta bakes, soups, potatoes, salad and more!

Make This Heritage Ham Shine