Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts. This recipe combines the savory taste of ham with the sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and cooks slowly in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic choice if you want a hearty meal without too much fuss. The slow cooking method makes the ham tender and juicy, while the onions add a rich sweetness. It’s not only simple to make but also offers a taste of home-cooked comfort food that evokes the charm of Amish cooking traditions. Plus, it can easily feed a crowd, making it great for potlucks and family gatherings.
How to Make Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 lbs fully cooked boneless ham (cut into ¾- to 1-inch-thick slices)
- 3 large sweet yellow onions (such as Vidalia, thinly sliced)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
Directions:
- Peel the sweet yellow onions and slice them thinly from root to tip. Scatter the slices evenly across the bottom of a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the sliced onions. Use your fingers to break up any clumps.
- Nestle the thick ham slices on top of the onions, keeping them mostly in a single layer. Overlapping slightly is fine if necessary.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the ham is heated through and tender, and the onions have caramelized.
- Once cooked, turn the slow cooker to WARM or off. Let the ham rest in the juices for 10 minutes.
- Arrange the ham slices on a warm platter. Spoon the sweet caramelized onions and pan juices generously over the top before serving.
How to Serve Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions
This dish is best served hot and can be paired with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The sweet onions make a great topping for the ham and can be served alongside other sides. Feel free to add some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices!
How to Store Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the ham and onions in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the ham and onions together for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions
- Make sure to cut your ham into even slices for consistent cooking.
- Do not skimp on the onions; they are a key component of this dish!
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more brown sugar or even a splash of apple juice to the slow cooker.
Variation
For a smoky flavor, you can use a smoked ham instead of regular ham. You can also add other vegetables, like carrots or potatoes, to the slow cooker for added nutrition and variety.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any type of ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any fully cooked boneless ham. Just cut it into slices as directed.
Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make this dish in a large baking dish in the oven. Cover it with foil and bake at 325°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Q: Is this dish suitable for leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This dish is delicious the next day and makes for great sandwiches or a quick meal.
