Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Ham is an easy and juicy recipe, which is made with brown sugar and a bone-in picnic ham. It’s the perfect holiday main course, ready in about 8 hours.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Ham Ingredients
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 (8 pound) cured, bone-in picnic ham
How To Make Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Ham
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Spread about 1 1/2 cups of the brown sugar evenly across the bottom of a large slow cooker.
- Add the Ham: Place the ham on top of the brown sugar with the flat side facing down. You may need to trim the ham slightly to make it fit comfortably in your slow cooker.
- Rub with Sugar: Use your hands to rub the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar all over the top and sides of the ham.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the best ham for the slow cooker? A bone-in picnic ham (from the shoulder) is an excellent, economical choice that becomes incredibly tender. The bone adds a ton of flavor. A shank-end ham also works well.
- Can I use a spiral-cut ham? Yes, but you must reduce the cooking time significantly. A spiral-cut ham is already fully cooked and will dry out if cooked for too long. Cook it on LOW for about 3-4 hours, just until it is heated through.
- How do you prevent the ham from drying out? The key is the low and slow cooking method. Cooking it on the LOW setting for the full time and keeping the lid on securely will create a moist environment that keeps the ham juicy and tender.
- Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! The recipe notes suggest adding a 6-ounce can of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple to the bottom of the slow cooker for a classic flavor combination. A few pinches of ground cloves rubbed on with the brown sugar is also a delicious addition.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Ham
This sweet and savory ham is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday meal or Sunday dinner. It pairs wonderfully with classic side dishes like:
- Scalloped or Mashed Potatoes
- Green Bean Casserole
- Soft Dinner Rolls
- Macaroni and Cheese
How To Store Crock Pot Ham
- Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s fantastic for sandwiches, soups, and salads.
- Freeze: Allow the ham to cool completely. It can be frozen in slices or chunks in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. The leftover ham bone is also excellent for freezing and using later to make a flavorful soup stock.
Crock Pot Ham Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 1800mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I need to add any liquid to the slow cooker?
No, you do not need to add any extra liquid. As the ham cooks, it will release its own natural juices, which will combine with the brown sugar to create a delicious, syrupy glaze.
Why is my brown sugar glaze watery?
This is completely normal! The juices from the ham will mix with the melted brown sugar in the bottom of the crock pot, creating a thin, flavorful sauce or glaze. If you would like a thicker glaze, you can carefully pour this liquid into a saucepan, bring it to a simmer on the stove, and let it reduce for 10-15 minutes until it has thickened.
What is a picnic ham?
A picnic ham isn’t technically a u0022trueu0022 ham from the hind leg. It’s a cut from the lower part of the pork shoulder. It has a wonderful flavor and texture and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making it an excellent and often more affordable choice for a dish like this.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Sirloin Tip Roast Crock Pot Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Dressing Recipe
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Ham Recipe
Description
The easiest way to make a juicy, tender, and flavorful holiday ham, using just two ingredients and a slow cooker for a perfect brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of the brown sugar on the bottom of a large slow cooker.
- Place the ham on top of the sugar, flat side down.
- Rub the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar all over the exposed sides and top of the ham.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for this recipe is to cook it low and slow; this ensures the ham becomes incredibly tender and juicy.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a true u0022dump and gou0022 recipe; there is no need to add any liquid, as the ham will create its own delicious juices.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eBe sure to use a bone-in picnic ham (from the shoulder) for the best flavor and texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eIf you are using a pre-cooked spiral-cut ham, reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on LOW, just until heated through, to prevent it from drying out.u003c/liu003e
