Crock Pot Pulled Ham

When you think of hearty, comforting meals, there’s something undeniably inviting about a big bowl of pulled ham. This Crock Pot Pulled Ham recipe wraps up everything we love about slow-cooked dishes: tender, succulent meat bathed in a symphony of flavors that only time and a cozy crockpot can create. With a hint of sweetness from apricot preserves and a smoky undertone, this dish is not only delicious but also a remarkably easy choice for your dinner table.

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I remember the first time I prepared this dish; I was looking for something special yet simple for a family gathering. As the aroma wafted through the house, my loved ones couldn’t resist peeking under the lid of the crock pot. The anticipation grew, and when we finally sat down for the meal, every bite confirmed that I had struck gold with this recipe. It’s that extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep and let the slow cooker do its magic for 8 hours.
• Irresistible Flavor: Smoky, sweet, and savory; the flavor of pulled ham is a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.
• Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful pulled texture makes for an impressive presentation.
• Flexible Serving: Perfect for a game-day spread or an easy weeknight dinner—enjoy on buns, with sides, or on its own.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6-8 pound smoked whole bone-in ham: This is the star of the show, delivering rich flavors. Be sure to choose a non-spiral sliced version for easy shredding later.
• 2 Tablespoons coarse-ground mustard: It adds a tangy depth and works as a fantastic binder for the rub.
• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke: This ingredient amplifies the hickory flavor of the ham, giving it that irresistible barbecue vibe.
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar rub: I recommend using Kinders for a perfect blend of sweetness and spice—feel free to substitute with another blend.
• 6 fluid ounces (½ a can) Coca Cola: This secret ingredient tenderizes the meat beautifully, adding a touch of sweetness as it cooks.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade version; this sauce comes in during the last hour for that classic pulled ham flavor.
• ½ cup apricot preserves: These sweet preserves bring a subtle fruity flavor that balances the savory elements perfectly.

How to Make Crock Pot Pulled Ham

1. Prep the Ham: Start by adding the 6-8 pound smoked whole bone-in ham to a 6-8 quart crock pot. No need to trim the ham; it will cook down beautifully.
2. Make the Mustard Mixture: In a bowl, combine the 2 Tablespoons coarse-ground mustard and 2 teaspoons liquid smoke until smooth. Pour this mixture over the ham, ensuring it coats every inch.
3. Add the Rub: Sprinkle the 1 Tablespoon brown sugar rub over the top and sides of the ham, pressing it in gently. This will create a flavorful crust as it cooks.
4. Pour in the Cola: Carefully pour 6 fluid ounces (½ a can) of Coca Cola around the edges of the ham. This will add moisture and sweetness, which leads to a tender end product.
5. Cook It Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours for the best results. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 5-8 hours, but low is highly recommended. Remember not to lift the lid while it cooks!
6. Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture: During the last hour of cooking, combine 1 cup BBQ sauce and ½ cup apricot preserves in a bowl. Stir until well mixed, and then coat half of this sauce mixture over the ham.
7. Finish Cooking: Cover the crock pot and continue cooking for that final hour. The sweetness will meld into the meat beautifully.
8. Shred the Ham: Carefully transfer the ham to a large baking dish. Using two forks, shred the ham, pulling it apart into bite-sized pieces.
9. Mix with Broth: Pour the remaining BBQ sauce mixture and 1 cup of the reserved ham broth over the shredded ham. Mix until the ham is well-coated, adding more broth if you prefer a moister finished product.
10. Serve: And just like that, you’re ready to serve! Enjoy it on a bun, or alongside some classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans.

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, allow the pulled ham to cool before placing it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for about two hours but should be refrigerated for longer storage, ideally up to four days. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to refresh the flavors and moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Be cautious not to lift the lid during cooking; lift it only when you’re ready to finish off the ham to maintain that perfect temperature.
• Use room temperature ingredients whenever possible for even cooking.
• If the ham is overly salty for your taste, a soak in cold water for a few hours before cooking will help subdue the saltiness.
• For added depth, consider tossing in chopped onions or garlic to the bottom of the crockpot alongside the ham.

This is a showstopper recipe that embodies comfort and flavor with ease. As you prepare this Crock Pot Pulled Ham, don’t hesitate to experiment a little! Try swapping out apricot preserves for peach or even pineapple for a unique twist. The blend of savory and sweet is simply irresistible, and nothing beats the satisfaction of a meal crafted with love and patience. Enjoy every bite and let the deliciousness unfold!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While a smoked bone-in ham works best for flavor and moisture, you can opt for a boneless ham or even a pre-cooked ham. Adjust your cooking time accordingly since boneless cuts may cook faster.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Cook the ham until it’s tender enough to shred easily with two forks. This usually takes about 8 hours on low. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If it falls apart effortlessly, you’re good to go.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Definitely! This recipe yields about 12 servings, making it a simple, crowd-pleasing option for parties and family gatherings. You can easily double the recipe for larger groups while using multiple crock pots if necessary.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ham the day before and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge and add a little broth during reheating to maintain moisture.

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