# Slow Cooker Ham: A Make-It-and-Leave-It Dish
Slow Cooker Ham is the quintessential make-it-and-leave-it dish, ideal for festive occasions or family meals. With only a few minutes of preparation and a straightforward yet delectable glaze, this recipe elevates a modest ham into a succulent, flavorful centerpiece that everyone will adore.
## Why Go for Slow Cooker Ham?
Cooking ham in a slow cooker is not only hassle-free but also guarantees that the meat stays juicy and full of flavor. Here are some strong reasons to choose this preparation technique:
– **Quick Prep Time**: You can have your ham prepped and ready to cook in roughly **10 minutes**.
– **Soft and Flavorful**: The slow cooking method renders the ham remarkably tender and juicy, pleasing to the crowd.
– **Oven Space Saver**: Utilizing a Slow Cooker for ham frees up your oven for other tasty dishes like scalloped potatoes or casseroles.
– **Effortless Cooking**: Once set up, the slow cooker handles the entire process, giving you time to concentrate on other holiday tasks.
## What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Ham
To whip up a tasty Slow Cooker Ham, collect these ingredients:
– **Ham**: A spiral-cut ham is suggested for easy serving, but any fully cooked ham will suffice. Aim for an 8 to 10-pound ham to fit in a 6 to 7-quart Slow Cooker.
– **Preserves**: Opt for apricot preserves, apple jelly, or orange marmalade for the glaze.
– **Brown Sugar**: Adds sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
– **Flavor Boosters**: Dijon mustard and a dash of ginger enhance the sweetness, while cider vinegar introduces a tangy kick.
### How Much Ham to Purchase
When planning for your gathering, use these guidelines to determine how much ham to buy:
– **Boneless Ham**: ¼ – ⅓ lb. per guest
– **Bone-In Ham**: ⅓ – ½ lb. per guest
## Holly’s Suggestions for a Flawless Slow Cooker Ham
To make sure your Slow Cooker Ham comes out perfectly, keep these suggestions in mind:
1. **No Additional Liquid Required**: The ham will release its own juices during cooking. If you like, add up to ½ cup of pineapple juice for extra flavor.
2. **Create Your Own Glaze**: Discard any glaze packet that accompanies the ham and use your personal glaze for superior taste.
3. **Score the Surface**: If your ham isn’t spiral-sliced, score the surface with a knife to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat effectively.
4. **Use a Cooking Thermometer**: A smoked ham should achieve an internal temperature of 140°F. Take it out of the slow cooker around 135°F, as the temperature will rise while resting.
5. **Check Early**: Slow cookers vary in temperature, so check your ham ahead of time to avoid overcooking.
## What to Accompany Ham
Slow Cooker Ham goes exceptionally well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some favorites:
– Scalloped Potatoes
– Green Bean Casserole
– Roasted Vegetables
– Fresh Salad
– Dinner Rolls
## Leftover Ham
If there are any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Leftover ham can be repurposed in numerous dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles. For ideas, explore some delicious [leftover ham recipes here](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/leftover-ham-recipes/).
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Slow Cooker Ham is not merely a dish; it’s a tradition that unites families. With its simple preparation and wonderful flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite during your holiday festivities. Did your family love this Slow Cooker Ham? Leave us a rating and a comment below!