Canned ham is a convenient and budget-friendly protein that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With just a few simple steps you can transform an ordinary canned ham into a mouthwatering centerpiece for your next gathering. The slow gentle heat of the crockpot infuses flavor while keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender.
Benefits of Cooking Canned Ham in a Crock Pot
-
Requires only 5-10 minutes of prep time. Once the ingredients are added, the crockpot does the work.
-
Infuses the ham with extra moisture and flavor from cola, spices, glazes etc. The acidic cola helps break down tissue for tenderness.
-
Yields incredibly tender meat that shreds easily. The low slow cooking prevents drying out.
-
Frees up oven space for side dishes
-
Provides delicious leftovers for sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more. Canned ham is very versatile.
-
Allows customization of flavors. Experiment with different glazes.
How to Choose the Right Canned Ham
Look for a boneless canned ham in the 3-4 pound range to serve 6-8 people. Popular name brands like Hormel Black Label or Cook’s are good quality. Make sure to select a fully cooked ham, since the crockpot is only reheating it to a safe temperature while adding extra flavor. An uncooked ham would require a much different, longer cooking method.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect crockpot canned ham every time:
Prep the Ham
-
Remove ham from can and peel off any plastic wrap or external coating.
-
Place in crockpot.
-
With a knife, lightly score surface by making shallow X-shaped cuts. This helps the glaze seep in.
-
Pat dry with paper towels so spices and glaze will stick.
Make a Glaze
Now comes the fun part – choose your flavors! A brown sugar glaze is classic and delicious. Simply combine:
-
1/2 cup brown sugar
-
1 tbsp honey mustard
-
1 tsp ground mustard
Mix into a paste and rub all over scored ham. The sugar will caramelize while the mustard provides tang.
Other creative glaze ideas include:
-
Brown sugar and whole grain mustard
-
Orange marmalade with chopped rosemary
-
Maple syrup, chili powder, and cayenne pepper
Add Liquid
Pour one 12-oz can of cola into crockpot. The sugars and acids will help break down the ham for tenderness. Try Coke, Pepsi or any dark soda. Fruit juices like pineapple, apple or orange also work well.
Cook on Low
Place lid on crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours on low, until ham reaches 140°F. Boneless hams are fully cooked already, so the crockpot just reheats while imparting flavor.
Make a Glaze (Optional)
After 4 hours, the ham should be heated through. You can make a glaze by simmering pan juices, brown sugar, honey and mustard over medium heat until thickened. Brush glaze over ham during the last 30 minutes of cook time.
Rest, Slice and Serve
When ham reaches 140°F, turn crockpot off and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before removing. This allows juices to redistribute so ham stays moist. Then slice into portions and serve! Classic pairings include baked potatoes, scalloped apples, roasted asparagus, biscuits and berry salad.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
-
For smoky flavor, add 1 tsp liquid smoke to the crockpot.
-
Make it spicy with a Sriracha and brown sugar glaze.
-
Double the glaze and reserve half to pass at table.
-
Add warm spices like cloves, allspice, cinnamon or nutmeg.
-
Use ginger ale or root beer instead of cola.
-
For smaller gatherings, reduce cook time to 4 hours for a 2 lb ham.
-
Watch salt content with bone-in hams but enjoy added flavor.
-
Always cook on low, high heat dries out the ham.
-
Keep crockpot sealed to prevent steam and moisture from escaping.
-
Allow ham to rest before slicing for juicier results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to heat a precooked ham in a crockpot?
An 8-10 pound precooked ham takes around 4-6 hours on low. Smaller 4-6 pound hams may only need 2-3 hours.
Does the ham need to be submerged in liquid?
Yes, pour in cola until the ham is fully submerged. This braising method keeps it incredibly moist.
Are canned hams already fully cooked?
Yes, canned hams are fully cooked when purchased. The crockpot simply reheats them while adding extra flavor.
Can I cook an uncooked ham in the crockpot?
No, an uncooked ham requires an entirely different long cooking method to reach a safe temperature. Only use precooked hams.
What glaze ingredients can I customize?
Feel free to swap out the brown sugar, mustards, juices and spices in the glaze recipe to suit your tastes. Get creative!
Satisfy Your Ham Craving the Easy Way
Crockpot canned ham is a crowd-pleasing entrée made easy. With minimal prep time and mess, you can put a delicious home-cooked meal on the table any night of the week. Infuse canned ham with your favorite flavors, keep it irresistibly moist, and enjoy tasty leftovers. Ditch the ham hassles, and let your crockpot do the work for finger-licking glazed ham perfection.
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!.