BBQ Ham - Better Than Pulled Pork

My Unexpected BBQ Ham Adventure: A Simple Recipe with Surprisingly Delicious Results

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for quick and easy meals that don't sacrifice flavor. My family loves pulled pork, but the time commitment often deters me. One day, while browsing the grocery store, I stumbled upon an incredibly cheap bone-in ham. A lightbulb went off! What if I could adapt my favorite pulled pork recipe to use ham instead? The result? This surprisingly delicious BBQ ham recipe that's become a weekly staple in our household. It's unbelievably tender, bursting with smoky BBQ flavor, and a fraction of the cost of traditional pulled pork. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight!

The initial skepticism from my family quickly melted away once they tasted the first bite. The ham, initially a bit salty (as expected from a budget-friendly option), became incredibly tender and juicy during the long, slow cooking process. The Dr. Pepper adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the smokiness of the BBQ sauce perfectly. I experimented with different BBQ sauces, ultimately settling on a combination of Bull's Eye and Sweet Baby Ray's – the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. But feel free to use your favorite brand! This recipe is incredibly forgiving; you can adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking.

The simplicity of this recipe is its greatest strength. It requires minimal prep time and can be easily adapted to various cooking methods. I typically use my slow cooker for convenience, but the oven works just as well. The long cooking time allows the ham to become incredibly tender and infused with flavor. And the cleanup is minimal! Just discard the cooking liquid and easily shred the meat once it's cool enough to handle. I often make a double batch on the weekends and store the leftovers in the fridge – perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Honestly, the leftover ham is even better the next day! The flavors have a chance to meld and deepen, creating an even richer taste.

Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe is a testament to resourceful cooking. Using a cheaper cut of meat doesn't mean sacrificing quality. In fact, sometimes, it can lead to unexpected culinary triumphs. I encourage you to try this recipe. It’s a delightful surprise waiting to happen. It’s a meal the entire family will love, and you’ll feel proud of yourself for creating such a delicious and affordable meal. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Tips and Variations:

• Experiment with different BBQ sauces: Find your perfect flavor combination! Sweet, spicy, tangy – the possibilities are endless.
• Add other spices: Experiment with different spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the flavor profile.
• Use a different type of soda: Root beer or cola could work well too. The key is to have a dark, slightly sweet liquid.
• Serve it up: Enjoy your BBQ ham on buns, over rice, or as a topping for baked potatoes. The options are plentiful!
• Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare it a day or two in advance for even more intense flavors.

This BBQ ham recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the joy of resourceful cooking and the delicious surprises that can arise when we embrace unexpected ingredients. So, grab that budget-friendly ham, and prepare for a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends alike!

This recipe is a true testament to transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The unexpected sweetness from the Dr. Pepper, the tender texture of the ham, and the bold taste of the BBQ sauce make this a winning dish for any occasion. From casual weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings, this BBQ Ham is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Step-by-step

• Put the ham in a pot and cover with Dr. Pepper (if it doesn't cover add water to cover).
• Add the rest of spices in without the BBQ sauce.
• Bake in oven for 6-8 hr. at 275 covered or in a crock pot on high for the first hr and low the rest of the time.
• Remove ham and discard liquid and refrigerate.
• Remove and discard the fat and bone.
• Slice the meat in 1/2-1 inch pieces and add some BBQ with the same amount of water (it will depend on how sloppy you like your bbq (I like Bull's Eye and Sweet Baby Ray's the best)) to a pan.
• Take a potato masher and break up bigger chunks.
• Reheat in 275 oven covered or in a crock pot on high for a few hrs.
• Taste after the first hr. and see if it needs more BBQ sauce or sweetness.
• If there is a grease slick on the top (sometimes there is) take a paper towel and put it on the grease and it will be absorbed, toss or if it pools you can spoon it out and discard.
• Spoon into buns or rolls.