Are you searching for the perfect slow cooked ham recipe that not only delivers tender, flavorful ham but also maximizes your meal with leftover deliciousness? Look no further! Our easy-to-follow slow cooked ham recipe ensures succulent, melt-in-your-mouth results, ideal for Sunday dinners, or any special occasion.
Plus, to make the most of your ham, we’re including two mouthwatering bonus recipes: a hearty split pea ham soup and a savory ham breakfast hash. These versatile recipes transform your leftover ham into comforting soups and energizing breakfasts, reducing food waste and adding variety to your meal planning. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, our comprehensive guide to slow cooked ham and creative leftover meals is your key to effortless, delicious dining every time.
Yield:* 8-10 Servings
Ingredients:
- For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional for Elevation:
- 2 tablespoons bourbon or maple syrup
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 orange, sliced thinly
- For the Fixins:
- 4 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 large onions, quartered
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish
Prepping Tips:
- Scoring the Ham:
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate better, enhancing the flavor.
- Glaze Preparation:
- Prepare the glaze ahead of time by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cloves, and optional bourbon or maple syrup. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Salt Consideration:
- Important: Since the ham is already salty, taste the glaze before adding additional salt to the vegetables. You may need to reduce or omit added salt in the vegetable seasoning.
- Vegetable Timing:
- Add vegetables to the roasting pan during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Ham:
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep.
- If elevating the ham, place fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices between the scored cuts for added aroma and flavor.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cloves, and optional bourbon or maple syrup. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the ham, reserving some for basting later.
- Roast the Ham:
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up.
- Tent the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
- Roast for 15-18 minutes per pound, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful, sticky coating.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss baby potatoes, carrots, and onions with olive oil.
- Note: Add salt and pepper to taste, considering the ham’s saltiness. Start with half the recommended salt and adjust as needed.
- Spread the vegetables evenly around the ham in the roasting pan during the last hour of cooking.
- Roast until vegetables are tender and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- Arrange the roasted vegetables alongside the ham.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and additional orange slices if desired for an elegant presentation.
🥣 Bonus recipe 1: Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup
Yield: 8-10 Servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups leftover ham, diced
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust based on ham saltiness)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Prepping Tips:
- Split Peas:
- Rinse and sort split peas to remove any debris before cooking. Soaking is not required but can reduce cooking time slightly.
- Leftover Ham:
- Ensure the ham is diced into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the soup.
- Salt Adjustment:
- Taste the soup before adding additional salt. The ham often adds enough saltiness, so you may need to reduce or omit added salt.
- Consistency Control:
- For a thicker soup, mash some split peas against the pot’s side with a spoon. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water as needed.
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Ham and Spices:
- Stir in diced ham, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Soup:
- Add rinsed split peas and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
- Season and Finish:
- Remove bay leaves.
- Stir in sea salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and smoked paprika if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the ham’s natural saltiness.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
🍳 Bonus recipe 2: Savory Ham and Vegetable Hash
Yield: 6 Servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover ham, diced
- 2 large potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste (adjust based on ham saltiness)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 eggs, fried or poached per serving
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Prepping Tips:
- Uniform Potato Size:
- Dice potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Parboiling for Crispiness:
- For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and let dry before frying.
- Leftover Ham:
- Use ham that’s already cooked and cold for easier handling and better texture in the hash.
- Salt Adjustment:
- Start with less salt during seasoning. You can always add more later after tasting, considering the ham’s inherent saltiness.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and dice the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Optional: Parboil potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and let dry for extra crispiness.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet.
- Add diced ham and stir to combine.
- Season the Hash:
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried rosemary or thyme, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
- Stir well to ensure even seasoning. Adjust salt to taste, keeping in mind the ham’s saltiness.
- Add Optional Ingredients:
- If using spinach or kale, add them now and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Optional Eggs:
- In a separate pan, fry or poach eggs to your preference.
- Top each serving of hash with an egg if desired, adding extra richness.
- Serve:
- Transfer the hash to serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with eggs for a complete meal.
📝 Final Notes:
- Salt Awareness: Always taste your dishes before adding additional salt, especially when using ham, which is naturally salty. This ensures your meals are flavorful without being overly salty.
- Ingredient Efficiency: These recipes are designed to maximize the use of your ingredients, turning a single ham into multiple delicious dishes with minimal waste.
- Elevating Flavors: Small additions like bourbon in the glaze or fresh herbs can significantly elevate the flavor profile of your dishes, making them memorable and delightful.
