How Much Water to Cook Ham in Slow Cooker – Easy Recipe

Do you love ham but hate the hassle of cooking it in the oven? If so, you’re in for a treat. In this post, I’ll show you how to cook ham in a slow cooker with just enough water to keep it moist and tender. You’ll also learn how to make a simple, delicious glaze that will take your ham to the next level. This recipe is ideal for any event, whether a festive, a family meal, or a shared dish. It’s easy, convenient, and foolproof. Let’s get started!

Why Use a Slow Cooker to Cook Ham?

Cooking ham in a slow cooker has numerous advantages. Here are some of them:

• You don’t have to worry about overcooking or drying out your ham. The slow cooker will keep it juicy and flavorful.
• You don’t have to preheat the oven or use multiple pans. You just have to set it and forget it.
• You don’t have to babysit your ham. You can set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious meal.
• You can save your oven room for more food. This is especially helpful if you’re cooking for a large crowd.

What You’ll Need to Cook Ham in Slow Cooker

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• A bone-in or boneless ham (about 4 to 6 pounds)
• Water (about 1/4 cup per pound of ham)
• Some common spices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Honey (about 1/4 cup)
• Brown sugar (about 1/4 cup)
• Mustard (about 2 tablespoons)
• Cornstarch (about 2 teaspoons)

You’ll also need a slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity), a cutting board, a knife, a measuring cup, a small bowl, a whisk, a baking dish, and a meat thermometer.

How to Cook Ham in Slow Cooker – Step by Step

Follow these easy steps to cook a ham in the slow cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Ham and the Slow Cooker

• First, gently wash the ham and then dry it by using paper towels to pat it down.
• Trim off excess fat and score the ham with diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
• Rub the ham with your favorite spices. I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Drizzle the honey over the ham and spread it evenly with your hands or a brush.
• If the ham has a bone, place it flat-side down in the slow cooker.
• Pour some water to fill the base of the slow cooker. The water should not touch the ham. I use about 1/4 cup of water per pound of ham.
• Please place the lid on the slow cooker and ensure it is plugged in.

Step 2: Cook the Ham on Low or High Heat

• Cook the ham on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for about 4 to 5 hours. Please note that the cooking time for your ham may vary depending on its size and type.
• To ensure the ham is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F for safety and tenderness.
• Baste the ham with the cooking liquid halfway through the cooking time. This will help keep it moist and add more flavor.

Step 3: Glaze and Serve the Ham

• Transfer the ham to a baking dish and broil it for about 5 minutes or until golden and caramelized. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
• Make a simple glaze by whisking together brown sugar, mustard, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add some cooking liquid from the slow cooker and whisk until smooth.
• Pour the glaze over the ham and slice it as desired.
• Serve the ham with your favorite sides and sauces. Enjoy!

How Much Water to Cook Ham in Slow Cooker – Tips and Tricks

Here are some suggestions and hacks to improve this recipe further:

• Choose a ham that fits your slow cooker. It shouldn’t be too large or too tiny.A good rule of thumb is to leave about an inch of space around the ham.
• Use any spices you like to season your ham. You can also use pre-mixed spice blends or rubs for convenience.
• Adjust the honey, brown sugar, and mustard amount according to your preference. You can make it sweeter or tangier as you like.
• If you want to thicken the glaze more, add cornstarch or simmer it on the stove until reduced.
• If you have any remaining food, you can preserve it in an airtight container inside the fridge for 4 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the freezer for 3 months. You can reheat them in the microwave or the oven.

Conclusion

Cooking ham in a slow cooker is a great way to make a delicious and easy meal. You only need a few ingredients and a little water to keep it moist and tender. You can also make a simple, tasty glaze to add flavor and texture. This recipe is ideal for any event, whether a festive, a family meal, or a shared dish. It’s easy, convenient, and foolproof.

I hope you liked this recipe and learned something from it. If you did, please share your thoughts in the comments section. I’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family who love ham as much as you do.

Thank you for reading, and happy cooking! 

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