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**Crockpot Ham: The Easiest Way to Make a Tender, Flavorful Holiday Feast**
When it comes to holiday meals or family dinners, few dishes are as comforting and satisfying as a perfectly cooked **ham**. But making a ham can often seem like a big task that requires constant attention. Thankfully, the **crockpot** (or slow cooker) makes preparing this traditional dish a breeze. With minimal effort, you can create a **succulent, tender ham** that’s packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to prepare **crockpot ham**, share tips for flavoring, and explain how you can customize it to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this crockpot recipe is sure to be a hit.
### **Why Use a Crockpot for Ham?**
A slow cooker, or crockpot, is one of the best ways to cook a **ham** because it allows the meat to cook slowly at a low temperature, resulting in a **tender, juicy, and flavorful** dish. Using a crockpot for ham offers several benefits:
– **Hands-Off Cooking**: The crockpot does all the work for you. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the rest. This is especially helpful during busy holiday seasons when you have other dishes to prepare.
– **Tender and Moist Meat**: The slow-cooking process ensures the ham stays moist and tender, as it absorbs the flavors of the glaze or broth you add.
– **Great for Large Meals**: A crockpot is perfect for cooking a large ham that will feed a crowd. You can easily scale the recipe to accommodate more guests, making it ideal for gatherings.
– **Minimal Cleanup**: With just one pot to clean, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
### **Ingredients for Crockpot Ham**
One of the best things about cooking a ham in the crockpot is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious, juicy ham:
#### **Ingredients**:
– **1 bone-in or boneless ham** (about 5-7 lbs, depending on the number of servings)
– **1 cup brown sugar** (light or dark)
– **1/2 cup maple syrup** or honey (for sweetness)
– **1/2 cup Dijon mustard** (adds a tangy flavor)
– **1/4 cup apple cider vinegar** or orange juice (for acidity and balance)
– **1/4 cup water or broth** (to keep the ham moist)
– **Cloves** (optional, for flavoring the ham)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh herbs** (optional, for garnish)
### **How to Make Crockpot Ham**
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, here’s how to cook a succulent **crockpot ham** with minimal effort.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Ham**
If you’re using a **bone-in ham**, you can score the surface with a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern, which allows the glaze to seep into the meat. This step is optional for boneless hams, but it can help create a beautiful presentation. Optionally, you can also stud the ham with **cloves** for extra flavor.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Glaze**
In a bowl, mix together the **brown sugar**, **maple syrup (or honey)**, **Dijon mustard**, and **apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)**. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. You can also add a pinch of **salt** and **pepper** to taste. This mixture will create a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and richness.
**Step 3: Add the Ham to the Crockpot**
Place the **ham** into your **crockpot**, fat side up. This allows the fat to melt down into the meat during cooking, keeping the ham moist. Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, making sure it is evenly coated. Add the **water or broth** to the bottom of the crockpot to provide moisture as the ham cooks. The liquid will also help prevent the glaze from burning during the long cooking time.
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