Picnic Shoulder Ham
A tender, flavorful picnic shoulder ham slow-cooked with sweet tea, Worcestershire, barbecue sauce, and ketchup, perfect for family gatherings or casual summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, except the shoulder, in a bowl.
- Place the ham in the crock-pot with the skin side up.
- Pour the tea mixture over the ham to cover.
- Cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
- Then cook on LOW all night until the ham is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the ham marinate in the tea mixture for a few hours before cooking. If sweetened tea isn't available, a mix of unsweetened tea and a bit of sugar can work as a substitute. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the sauce mixture. This dish is perfect for gatherings, just like Linda'S Strawberry Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham shredded on a bun for a delicious sandwich, or alongside classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread. It pairs wonderfully with Easy Make Dill Pickles for a refreshing crunch. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. Consider making a hash with leftovers for breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover picnic shoulder ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions. When reheating, use a microwave or oven at a low temperature to maintain moisture, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to keep it juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picnic Shoulder Ham contains roughly 83 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a pork butt or shoulder instead of a picnic shoulder. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, ensuring it becomes tender and easy to pull apart. The flavors will still meld beautifully with the sweet tea and sauces.
How do I know when the ham is done cooking?
The ham is ready when it easily pulls apart with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If it’s not tender enough, continue cooking on low and check every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the picnic shoulder ham a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or for a busy day, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free meals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).