Delicious crockpot pulled ham
Delicious crockpot pulled ham! is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Kim on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 5 min | Cook: 8 hrs | Total: 9 hrs 35 min
Cost: $20.05 total, $2.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 lb Bone‑In Ham (Fully cooked, skin removed if desired)
- 4 cup Water (Enough to cover the ham in the crock‑pot)
Instructions
Cook the Ham in the Crock‑Pot
Place the whole ham in the crock‑pot, add water until the ham is just covered, then seal the lid with a sheet of aluminum foil to keep moisture in.
Time: PT8H
Cool the Ham Slightly
Allow the ham to sit in the crock‑pot for about 30 minutes after cooking so it cools enough to handle safely.
Time: PT30M
Transfer Ham to a Pan
Using tongs and heat‑resistant gloves, lift the ham out of the crock‑pot and place it in a large pan. Discard the bone and any large pieces of fat.
Time: PT10M
Pull the Ham Apart
Using two forks (or clean hands), shred the meat into bite‑size pieces, removing any remaining fat or gristle.
Time: PT15M
Collect Cooking Liquid
Scoop out about 1‑2 cups of the flavorful cooking liquid into a bowl; this will keep the shredded ham moist during storage or reheating.
Time: PT5M
Store the Pulled Ham
Place the shredded ham into a casserole dish, pour the reserved cooking liquid over it, and cover tightly with the lid or foil.
Time: PT5M
Reheat When Ready to Serve (Optional)
Preheat the oven to 350°F, keep the casserole dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until the ham is warmed through.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bone‑In Ham: Pre‑cooked smoked ham, Turkey ham
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth, Apple juice for a sweeter flavor
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot
- Large Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Heat‑Resistant Gloves
- Casserole Dish with Lid
- Aluminum Foil
- Ladle or Large Spoon
- Forks (for pulling)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the Ham in the Crock‑Pot
- Pull the Ham Apart
- Store the Pulled Ham
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a quarter cup of apple cider or a splash of bourbon to the water before cooking.
- If you like a glaze, brush the shredded ham with a mixture of brown sugar and mustard before the final reheating step.
Troubleshooting
Ham is not tender and does not pull apart easily
Return the ham to the crock‑pot, add a splash of water or broth, and heat on high for an additional 30‑45 minutes.
Ham is dry after shredding
Mix in more of the reserved cooking liquid or a tablespoon of melted butter to re‑moisten.
Too much fat remains on the meat
After shredding, skim visible fat off the surface before storing; you can also pat the ham with paper towels.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the covered casserole dish in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the cooking liquid with the ham to retain moisture.
Freezer: Portion the ham and liquid into freezer‑safe bags; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The ham can be cooked up to 2 days ahead; keep it refrigerated in its liquid.
- Portion and freeze for longer storage; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pulled ham in Southern American cuisine?
Pulled ham is a Southern comfort food that grew out of the tradition of slow‑cooking whole hams for family gatherings and holidays. The technique mirrors pulled pork, turning a simple ham into a tender, shareable centerpiece that families have served for generations.
What are the traditional regional variations of pulled ham in the United States?
In the Deep South, pulled ham is often cooked with a sweet glaze of brown sugar and mustard, while in the Midwest it may be simmered in a savory broth with onions. Some regions add pineapple or apple juice for a fruity note.
How is pulled ham traditionally served in Southern households?
It is commonly served warm on a platter with its cooking liquid, alongside sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. Leftovers are used for ham sandwiches or mixed into casseroles.
During what occasions is pulled ham typically prepared in Southern culture?
Pulled ham is a staple for holiday meals such as Christmas and New Year’s, as well as for family reunions, church potlucks, and backyard barbecues where a large, shareable protein is needed.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Southern pulled ham?
A fully cooked bone‑in ham, water or a light broth, and optionally a touch of sweetener like brown sugar or fruit juice. The simplicity lets the ham’s natural flavor shine.
What other Southern dishes pair well with pulled ham?
Collard greens, baked beans, sweet potato casserole, cornbread, and creamy macaroni and cheese are classic pairings that balance the richness of the ham.
What makes pulled ham special compared to regular sliced ham?
Cooking the whole ham low‑and‑slow makes the meat ultra‑tender and juicy, allowing it to be shredded like pork. The retained cooking liquid adds moisture and flavor that sliced ham often lacks.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pulled ham?
Overcooking can make the meat dry, and not removing enough of the cooking liquid can leave the ham greasy. Also, failing to let the ham cool slightly makes shredding difficult and increases the risk of burns.
Why does this pulled ham recipe use a crock‑pot on high instead of low?
High heat shortens the cooking time to about 8 hours while still allowing the connective tissue to break down. Low would require 12‑14 hours, which many home cooks find impractical.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Kim specialize in?
Cooking with Kim focuses on hearty, family‑friendly Southern comfort foods, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize simple techniques, make‑ahead meals, and dishes that bring people together around the table.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Kim's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Kim blends personal family stories with clear, no‑fluff instructions, often cooking whole proteins ahead of time and showing practical storage methods, whereas many channels focus on quick, single‑serve recipes without the make‑ahead emphasis.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
