Let’s Cook A Ham 🐖

Hey everyone! That oven-baked ham recipe I shared is a go-to for me, especially when I want to whip up something special without too much fuss. Knowing how to cook a ham, especially a boneless one, can really save the day for family dinners or even just meal prep. But I know sometimes you might have a smaller boneless ham, or maybe you're looking for a super hands-off method like a crockpot, or even how to handle those yummy ham steaks for a quick weeknight dinner. So, I wanted to share a few more tips and tricks I've picked up along the way to help you cook a ham perfectly every time! First off, if you're trying to figure out how to cook a small boneless ham in the oven, it's actually super straightforward. The key is to keep it moist and not overcook it. For a smaller boneless ham (think 2-3 pounds), you'll still want to preheat your oven to around 350°F. Since it's smaller, it won't take as long as a larger ham. I usually estimate about 15-20 minutes per pound, but always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You're aiming for 140°F for a pre-cooked ham, as you're really just reheating it and developing that lovely crust. You can totally use my pineapple and orange juice glaze method – it works wonderfully for any size! Just make sure to baste it more frequently to keep that smaller ham from drying out. Now, for those times when you want something even easier or maybe you've got some boneless ham slices or ham steaks, the crockpot is your best friend! I absolutely love a good crockpot ham steak recipe because it's set-it-and-forget-it. Here's how I do it: Crockpot Ham Steak Recipe Ingredients: 1-2 boneless ham steaks (about 1 inch thick) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice if you prefer!) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Pinch of ground cloves (optional, but adds a nice warmth!) Instructions: Lightly grease your crockpot. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until well combined. Place the ham steaks in the crockpot. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the ham steaks, making sure they're nicely coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The ham steaks will be tender and infused with that delicious glaze. You can flip them halfway through if you like, but it's not strictly necessary. This method is fantastic for busy weeknights! The ham steaks come out so flavorful and tender, perfect with some mashed potatoes or a quick side salad. It's just another wonderful way to cook a ham without all the fuss. Whether you're making a big holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, mastering these boneless ham recipes will make your life so much easier!