Picnic Ham
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Craving a juicy and flavorful main course that’s perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further than this easy Picnic Ham recipe! It’s a lifesaver for potlucks or casual get-togethers. This recipe transforms a simple picnic pork roast into a tender, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal prep work. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your company.
Why You’ll Love Picnic Ham
- Easy & Slow Cooker Friendly: Just throw a few ingredients together and let your slow cooker do the work!Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender: Low and slow cooking guarantees juicy, tender pork that practically melts in your mouth.
- Sweet & Smoky Flavors: Brown sugar, pineapple, and a touch of liquid smoke create a flavor combination that’s both sweet and savory.
- Budget-Friendly: Picnic pork roasts are a cost-effective protein option that feeds a crowd.
- Endless Variations: Customize the flavors to your liking with different spices, herbs, and sweeteners.
Ingredients Needed To Make Picnic Ham
Make sure to scroll all the way down to the recipe card for the exact measurements and instructions!
- Picnic pork roast (3-5 lbs)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Brown sugar
- Sliced pineapple with juice
- Liquid smoke
- Worcestershire sauce
Before You Get Started: A couple notes to help you get the best results
How To Make Picnic Ham
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Score the pork roast and season with salt and pepper.
- Place roast in a casserole dish.
- Top with pineapple slices and juice.
- Pack brown sugar over the pineapple.
- Drizzle with liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 5-8 hours, or until tender.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Tear apart and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Spice it Up: Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, paprika, cayenne pepper, or mustard powder for extra flavor variations.
- Sweet Options: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped onions or garlic for added depth of flavor.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a smoked picnic ham for this recipe?
No, this recipe is specifically designed for a non-smoked picnic pork roast. Smoked ham already has a distinct flavor profile, and using it here will alter the intended taste and texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness to the ham. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with equal amounts of maple syrup or honey. These options will provide a slightly different sweetness profile, but they’ll still work well in the recipe.
Can I skip the liquid smoke?
Liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky flavor to the ham. If you don’t have it or prefer a milder taste, you can omit it from the recipe. However, keep in mind that the overall flavor will be slightly different.
How long does it take to cook a picnic ham?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your roast. This recipe suggests a range of 5-8 hours at 300°F (150°C). A good rule of thumb is to cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the roast reaches 190°F (88°C) on a meat thermometer. The meat should also be easily shreddable with forks.
Can I cook the picnic ham in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses the oven, you can easily adapt it for a slow cooker. Simply follow steps 1 and 2, then place the seasoned roast with all the remaining ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
What’s the best way to serve picnic ham?
Shred the cooked picnic ham with forks and serve it warm on buns or plates. You can pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, baked mac and cheese, coleslaw, or bbq baked beans.
Can I store leftover picnic ham?
Yes! Leftover picnic ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
Picnic Ham
Equipment
- Large-deep casserole dish
- Aluminum foil
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 3-5 lbs Picnic Pork Roast not a smoked picnic ham
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 4 cups brown sugar
- 1 can sliced pineapple with juice
- 2 tsp liquid smoke
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Score the skin of the picnic pork roast in a checkerboard pattern. Season all sides of the roast with kosher salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned roast in a large-deep casserole dish.
- Arrange the sliced pineapple on top of the roast and pour the pineapple juice from the can over the roast.
- Pack the brown sugar over the pineapple slices on top of the roast.
- Drizzle the liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce over the roast.
- Tightly cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 5-8 hours, depending on the size of your roast. For a 3-pound roast, cook for about 6 hours or until the meat is pull-apart tender.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Tear apart the meat and let the juices soak in before serving.
- Enjoy your picnic ham!
Notes
- Add cloves or cinnamon sticks to the casserole dish for extra flavor.
- Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Add chopped onions or garlic to the casserole dish for added depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or mustard powder to customize the seasoning of the roast.
Nutrition
This picnic ham recipe is a guaranteed win. With its perfectly seasoned, pull-apart tender meat and a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar and pineapple, it’s sure to be a hit.
