Slow Cooker Beer-Braised Ham

Name: Slow Cooker Beer-Braised Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 375 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 2.5 kg bone-in ham (trimmed of excess fat); 1 bottle beer (lager or ale, 330 ml); 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp ground cloves; 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp salt

375 min 8 servings Easy

All Recipes

Tender and flavourful ham slow-cooked in beer, perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep

15 min

Cook

360 min

Total

375 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Slow Cooker Beer-Braised Ham is a delicious and easy way to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavours of the beer and spices to infuse deeply into the ham, creating a tender and juicy dish. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. By using the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, letting the appliance do all the work while you attend to other tasks or simply relax.

Instructions

Prepare the ham

Place the ham in the slow cooker, ensuring it fits snugly.

Pro tip: Trim excess fat from the ham to prevent greasy broth.

Mix the marinade

In a bowl, mix the beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, black pepper, and salt until well combined.

Pro tip: Use a whisk for a smooth mixture.

Pour marinade over the ham

Pour the marinade evenly over the ham in the slow cooker.

Pro tip: Ensure the ham is well coated with the marinade.

Cook the ham

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or until the ham is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

Pro tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.

Check internal temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C).

Pro tip: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.

Serve

Remove the ham from the slow cooker and slice it before serving. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the slices for added flavour.

Pro tip: Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.

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Tips & Tricks

Choose a beer that complements the ham, like a lager or ale.
Trim excess fat from the ham for a leaner dish.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the correct internal temperature.
Add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beer is best for this recipe?

A lager or ale works well, providing a balanced flavour without overpowering the ham.

Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham. Adjust cooking time as needed, checking for tenderness.

How long should I cook the ham?

Cook the ham on low for about 6 hours in the slow cooker.

What should the internal temperature be?

The ham should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, adding root vegetables like carrots or potatoes can make it a complete meal.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Slow Cooker Beer-Braised Ham with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a balanced meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain the ham's tenderness. Pair this dish with a nice cold beer or a light white wine to complement the flavours. It's a versatile dish that can easily be adapted by adding different spices or herbs according to your taste.