What To Do When Your Ham (or Turkey) is TOO Big for Your Crockpot!

If you find your Ham or Turkey is too big for your crock pot – don't worry. Here is a quick and easy tip so you can still finish your meal!

Ham or Turkey too big for your crock pot? Don't worry! 

I love making our Holiday Ham (and occasionally turkey) in the slow cooker – it frees up the oven for rolls and pies and casseroles and other yumminess!

If you find that your ham or turkey is too big your crock pot there is a SUPER easy tip where you can still cook your meat in the slow cooker…..

You can use an ALUMINUM FOIL tent if your ham or turkey won't fit in the crock pot!

You'll first want to set your turkey or ham down in your slow cooker with the flat side down.  If you're adding any pineapple juices, brown sugars, syrups, or other marinades, then pour those on next. This Maple Glaze for Hams OR the old-fashioned Brown Sugar & Pineapple are amazing for Hams – we also have a delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe!

Here's how to make an aluminum foil tent for your slow cooker:

Next, take heavy duty aluminum foil (if you have it – but regular will work in a pinch) and cover the meat generously so that foil hangs down over the sides some.  Do the same in the other direction – so there are no areas of the surface not covered by foil.

Finally, crimp the foil to the crock pot rim and work your way all the way around, making sure it's as tight a seal as you can manage.

You'll then let it cook the normal amount of time and it works like a charm!

You'd be surprised how long it took me to think of this the first time I bought a turkey or ham that wouldn't fit completely in my slow cooker – sometimes when you are under a tad bit of stress (like holiday baking!) your brain doesn't work like it should 😉

If you're still looking for Easter Meal Ideas, we have a full menu plan already set for you along with the recipes AND grocery list.  This is a great way to get the planning done ahead of time! 

Thanks to Rebecca for sharing this picture with us of how she used aluminum foil to fit her oversized ham in the crockpot!