Perfect for holidays, parties and large gatherings, this simple, 3-ingredient ham is made right in your slow cooker. Unlike traditional ham that’s sliced thin, this ham cooks in root beer and brown sugar until tender and then shredded like pulled pork.
Place ham and brown sugar into a large slow cooker (6 or 8-quart size is best). If your ham will not fit, trim into 2-3 larger pieces.Next, pour the root beer over the ham. You want the root beer to go about halfway up the sides of the ham.Cover securely with your slow cooker's lid and cook on high for 6-8 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.After 4 hours, remove the lid and turn the ham over to allow the exposed portion of the ham to cook in the root beer. Return lid and continue to cook.After 8 hours, the ham should be falling apart. Remove meat and place onto a carving board. Shred using two forks, discarding the bones and any larger pieces of fat.Return shredded meat to slow cooker and keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
Tip: If you want to make this ham a day ahead, cook and shred as directed above. Then, store the shredded ham separate from the cooking liquid overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, before reheating, skim the top layer of fat solids from the chilled cooking liquid and discard. Then, recombine the shredded ham and cooking liquid in a slow cooker. Warm on low or your slow cooker's "keep warm" setting.