How To Cook the Perfect Easter Ham in the Slow Cooker

Are you serving Easter ham this year? One of the hardest things about cooking for a big gathering around the holidays – including Easter – is the logistics of figuring out what needs to go in the oven when. You don’t want the biscuits getting cold while the ham is still baking. I’ve been known to gather all my recipes and chart my cooking times all out — and still not get the timing right!

There just never seems to be enough time or space to bake the turkey, ham, casseroles, side dishes, pies and rolls to perfection and have it all hot and ready at the same time. That’s where your slow cooker can come to the rescue. This Easter, cook your ham in this handy kitchen gadget and free up hours of valuable oven time.

Step One: Choose Your Largest Slow Cooker

To begin with, get out your largest slow cooker. Ideally, you want one that holds at least six quarts. The size of the Easter ham you’re able to cook depends on the size of your slow cooker. Since these handy kitchen appliances aren’t terribly expensive, it may well be worth investing in a larger model if your current slow cooker is too small to hold a good-sized Easter ham.

Step Two: Choose Your Easter Ham

Choose a fully cooked ham that you think will fit in your slow cooker. It’s fine if it’s a bit of a close fit. You can even get away without the lid closing all the way. When that happens after you put your ham into the slow cooker, grab some heavy duty aluminum foil and make a tent over your slow cooker instead of the lid. Be sure to seal everything well around the rim to prevent too much heat and moisture from escaping.

Note: For easy clean-up, you may want to spray the inside of your crock with non-stick cooking spray before you add the ham. There is no need to add water or any type of cooking liquid.

Step Three: Set it and Forget It

Cook the ham on low for six to eight hours, or on high for four to five hours, or until your entire ham is heated throughout. You can use a whole ham or a spiral sliced one for this cooking method.

If you prefer the outside to be a little browned, heat the ham and then carefully transfer it to a baking dish. Broil the ham for a few minutes until it develops a nice lightly browned crust. Keep an eye on it carefully. When broiling, you can go from perfectly cooked to burnt in less than a minute.

Variations on Ham

Of course, you’re not limited to a plain ham with this recipe.

• If you prefer a glazed ham, cook up a batch of your favorite glaze and pour it over the ham as you start to cook it in the slow cooker. Baste the meat every hour or two with the glaze and again before broiling, for best results.
• If you want to reduce the saltiness, try basting the ham with 7-Up.
• For a more traditional spiciness, poke some whole cloves along the top of the ham.
• Rub the ham with honey or brown sugar for a sweeter take.

Planning an Easter Meal at Home?

Make it a relaxing, easy event with the tips, suggestions and recipes included in Easy Easter at Home, Carma’s Cookery’s latest report. Take a sneak peak at the Table of Contents, then grab a copy of your own!

1. Introduction
2. Planning Ahead: Easter Activities & Decorations
3. Hosting Easter Without the Stress
4. Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Dinner?
5. Share The Joy – You Don’t Have To Do Everything Yourself
6. It’s Not Just About the Easter Bunny – A Short History of Easter
7. Getting Creative with Leftovers
8. Closing Words
9. Recipes
10. Crafting Ideas