The Unexpected Magic of Root Beer Ham

There’s a certain kind of comfort food that transcends generations, whispering tales of cozy kitchens and cherished family meals. For me, that comfort often comes in the form of a slow-cooked ham, and one of my fondest memories involves a dish that seemed almost whimsical in its simplicity: Root Beer Ham. I recall, with the vividness of a Proustian madeleine, the first time I encountered this recipe. It was a blustery autumn evening, and the aroma wafting from my mother’s kitchen was unlike anything I’d smelled before – sweet, savory, with a subtle, intriguing spice. It was her version, a treasured adaptation from a beloved Gooseberry Patch cookbook, that introduced me to the idea that something as humble as root beer could transform a festive ham into an absolute showstopper. The resulting meat was impossibly tender, glistening with a glaze that was both familiar and wonderfully novel, a true testament to the power of unexpected pairings.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 20
• Yield: Approximately 5 pounds of cooked ham
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (see variations)

Ingredients

• 5 pounds cooked ham
• 2 liters root beer

Equipment Needed

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Tongs (for serving)

Instructions

The beauty of Root Beer Ham lies in its elegant simplicity, making it an ideal dish for busy hosts or novice cooks. The magic truly happens within the slow cooker, where time and a few humble ingredients work together to create something extraordinary.

1. Begin by placing your cooked ham directly into the insert of your 6-quart slow cooker. Ensure it fits comfortably.
2. Next, carefully pour the root beer over the ham. You want to add enough root beer so that the ham is largely, if not entirely, covered. This liquid will not only flavor the meat but also create a wonderfully moist environment for slow cooking.
3. Once the ham is submerged in root beer, secure the lid onto the slow cooker.
4. Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting. Allow the ham to cook for a duration of 3 to 4 hours. The exact time will depend on the density of your ham and the specific calibration of your slow cooker. It’s best to err on the side of caution and check for doneness towards the end of the lower range. The goal is for the ham to be heated through and incredibly tender, easily shreddable with a fork.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Achieving the perfect Root Beer Ham is largely about allowing the slow cooker to do its work, but a few insider tips can elevate the experience further.

• Choosing Your Ham: For this recipe, using a fully cooked ham is key. This could be a spiral-cut ham, a boneless butt, or a bone-in shank. Spiral-cut hams tend to cook a bit faster and absorb flavor beautifully due to their many surfaces. If using a boneless ham, ensure it’s well-formed.
• Root Beer Selection: While most standard root beers will work wonders, feel free to experiment with different brands. Some root beers have a stronger spice profile, which can add an extra layer of complexity to the glaze. Avoid diet root beer, as the artificial sweeteners can behave unpredictably with long cooking times.
• Checking for Doneness: The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Since it’s already cooked, this temperature is primarily for heating it through and allowing it to become exceptionally tender. You should be able to easily pull apart pieces with a fork.
• Reducing the Glaze (Optional but Recommended): Once the ham is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. The liquid remaining in the slow cooker is essentially a flavorful broth. To create a more concentrated and luscious glaze, you can pour this liquid into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat, reducing it until it thickens to your desired consistency. Be mindful of its sweetness; it will concentrate as it reduces. You can then drizzle this reduced glaze over the ham before serving. This step is entirely optional but highly recommended for an extra touch of gourmet appeal.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Root Beer Ham is wonderfully versatile and can be served at a festive gathering or as a comforting weeknight meal.

• Serving: Once your ham is heated through and, if desired, glazed, remove it from the slow cooker. Transfer it to a warm serving platter. Use tongs to separate slices or shred the meat as needed. This ham is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. The subtly sweet and savory notes of the root beer glaze create a delightful contrast with these accompaniments.
• Storage: Leftover Root Beer Ham can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The ham will continue to absorb the flavors as it sits.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm slices or shredded ham in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or the reserved root beer reduction to prevent drying. You can also reheat it in a covered dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can make the ham tough.

Nutritional Information

While precise nutritional information can vary based on the specific type and cut of ham used, and the brand of root beer, here is an estimated breakdown per serving (assuming 20 servings from a 5 lb ham, with typical root beer):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	351.5 kcal
Calories from Fat	179 kcal
Total Fat	20 g	30 %
Saturated Fat	7.3 g	36 %
Cholesterol	106.5 mg	35 %
Sodium	81.3 mg	3 %
Total Carbohydrate	10.9 g	3 %
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0 %
Sugars	10.9 g	43 %
Protein	30.4 g	60 %

Note: Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual results may vary.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic Root Beer Ham is a delight, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen.

• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the root beer before cooking.
• Fruity Undertones: A can of pineapple chunks or rings added to the slow cooker alongside the ham can lend a wonderful tropical sweetness.
• Glaze Variations: If you decide to reduce the root beer liquid, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a touch of brown sugar to the saucepan for an extra flavor dimension.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: While root beer is inherently non-alcoholic, if you are concerned about any trace amounts or want an alternative flavor, a strong brewed black tea with added sweetener can mimic some of the caramel notes. However, the distinct flavor of root beer is what makes this dish unique.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different size slow cooker for this recipe?
A: While a 6-quart slow cooker is recommended to ensure the ham is adequately covered by the root beer, you can use a slightly larger one, but you may need to adjust the amount of root beer to keep the ham submerged. A smaller slow cooker might not accommodate the ham, or the liquid level will be too high, leading to a more boiled than slow-cooked result.

Q: How do I know if my ham is fully cooked?
A: Since you are starting with a cooked ham, the goal is to heat it thoroughly. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer, and it easily pulls apart with a fork.

Q: What if I don’t have root beer? Can I substitute it?
A: While root beer is the star ingredient here, you could experiment with cola or cream soda. However, these will alter the characteristic flavor profile of the dish. The unique spicy-sweetness of root beer is what makes this recipe special.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the ham entirely ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat it gently before serving, perhaps with the reduced root beer glaze for the best results.

Q: What’s the best way to store the leftover root beer glaze?
A: The reduced root beer glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be used to top sandwiches, add to other dishes, or simply drizzled over reheated ham.

A Sweet Farewell

Root Beer Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore the delicious possibilities that arise when you step outside the culinary box. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create moments of unexpected joy and flavor. I encourage you to give this dish a try, to let that comforting aroma fill your home, and to savor the delightful taste that emerges from this wonderfully unconventional pairing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or seeking a unique twist on a family dinner, this Root Beer Ham is sure to be a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the journey, and happy cooking!