Are you looking for a hassle-free way to cook a delicious spiral ham for your next family gathering or holiday meal? Look no further than your slow cooker. Cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare this tasty dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker, provide tips and tricks for achieving the perfect glaze, and offer a simple recipe to get you started.
The Benefits of Cooking a Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker
Cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, set the temperature, and let the appliance do the work for you.
- Easy to prepare: No need to constantly monitor the ham’s temperature or worry about it drying out.
- Moist and tender: The slow cooker’s low heat and moisture help to keep the ham juicy and tender.
- Flavorful: The slow cooker allows the ham to absorb all the flavors of the glaze and any additional ingredients you add.
Choosing the Right Spiral Ham
When selecting a spiral ham for cooking in a slow cooker, look for a bone-in ham that is pre-glazed or has a glaze packet included. This will make it easier to achieve a delicious, caramelized glaze on the ham. You can also choose a boneless ham, but keep in mind that it may not be as tender or flavorful.
What Size Spiral Ham Can I Cook in a Slow Cooker?
The size of the spiral ham you can cook in a slow cooker will depend on the size of your appliance. As a general rule, you can cook a spiral ham that is up to 5 pounds in a 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to choose a smaller ham or cut it in half to fit.
Preparing the Spiral Ham for Cooking
Before cooking the spiral ham, you’ll need to prepare it by scoring the fat layer and applying the glaze. Here’s how:
- Score the fat layer: Use a sharp knife to score the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Apply the glaze: If your ham came with a glaze packet, follow the instructions for applying it. If not, you can make your own glaze using a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
Glaze Recipes for Spiral Ham
Here are a few glaze recipes you can try on your spiral ham:
- Brown sugar and mustard glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon honey.
- Pineapple and brown sugar glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.
- Spicy glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
Adding Additional Flavorings
In addition to the glaze, you can add other flavorings to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor of the ham. Some ideas include:
- Pineapple rings or chunks
- Cherry or orange slices
- Onions or bell peppers
- Garlic or cloves
Cooking the Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker
Once you’ve prepared the spiral ham and added any additional flavorings, it’s time to cook it in the slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker: Put the spiral ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- Set the temperature: Set the slow cooker to low (around 275°F) and cook for 4-6 hours or high (around 300°F) and cook for 2-3 hours.
- Baste the ham: Every hour or so, baste the ham with the juices that have accumulated in the slow cooker.
Checking the Temperature
It’s essential to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Letting the Ham Rest
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute, making the ham even more tender and flavorful.
Serving the Spiral Ham
The spiral ham is now ready to be served. You can slice it thinly and serve it on its own or with a variety of sides, such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Cornbread
Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. You can also use the leftover ham to make a variety of dishes, such as:
- Ham sandwiches
- Ham salad
- Ham and cheese quiche
Conclusion
Cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker is a delicious and convenient option for any occasion. With its tender and juicy texture, caramelized glaze, and rich flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. By following the tips and recipe outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a mouth-watering spiral ham that’s sure to impress.
| Spiral Ham Cooking Times | Low (275°F) | High (300°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 pounds | 4-5 hours | 2-3 hours |
| 4-5 pounds | 5-6 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 6-7 pounds | 6-7 hours | 4-5 hours |
By following this table, you can ensure that your spiral ham is cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
What are the benefits of cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker?
Cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker offers several benefits. For one, it’s incredibly convenient. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, add your desired glaze or seasonings, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. This method also allows for even heating, ensuring that the ham is cooked consistently throughout.
Another benefit of cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker is that it helps retain the ham’s moisture. Spiral hams can sometimes dry out when cooked in the oven, but the slow cooker’s low heat and moist environment help keep the ham juicy and tender. This results in a more flavorful and enjoyable dining experience.
How long does it take to cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a spiral ham in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the ham and the desired level of doneness. Generally, a 5-7 pound spiral ham will take around 4-6 hours to cook on the low setting or 2-3 hours on the high setting. It’s essential to check the ham’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.
To check the internal temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any fat or bone. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the ham’s color and texture. A cooked spiral ham should be lightly browned on the outside and tender on the inside.
Can I cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker with the bone in?
Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker with the bone in. In fact, cooking a bone-in spiral ham can add more flavor to the dish. The bone acts as an insulator, helping to distribute heat evenly throughout the ham. However, keep in mind that the bone may make it more challenging to slice the ham.
When cooking a bone-in spiral ham in a slow cooker, make sure to place the ham in the slow cooker with the bone side down. This will help the bone act as a heat conductor, ensuring that the ham cooks evenly. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as pineapple juice or stock, to help keep the ham moist.
How do I prevent the spiral ham from drying out in the slow cooker?
To prevent the spiral ham from drying out in the slow cooker, it’s essential to keep it moist. You can do this by adding a glaze or sauce to the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The glaze will help lock in the ham’s juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.
Another way to prevent the spiral ham from drying out is to add some liquid to the slow cooker. You can use pineapple juice, stock, or even cola to add moisture to the ham. Make sure to place the ham in the slow cooker with the fat side up, as this will help the fat melt and keep the ham moist.
Can I cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker with other ingredients?
Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker with other ingredients. In fact, adding other ingredients can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Some popular ingredients to cook with a spiral ham in a slow cooker include pineapple rings, cherry sauce, and brown sugar.
When cooking a spiral ham with other ingredients, make sure to place the ham in the slow cooker first. Then, add your desired ingredients around the ham. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as pineapple juice or stock, to help keep the ham moist.
How do I store leftover spiral ham cooked in a slow cooker?
To store leftover spiral ham cooked in a slow cooker, let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. You can store the ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
When reheating leftover spiral ham, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure food safety. You can reheat the ham in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave. If reheating in the slow cooker, add some liquid to the slow cooker to keep the ham moist.
Can I cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker ahead of time. In fact, cooking the ham ahead of time can make it easier to serve. Simply cook the ham in the slow cooker as desired, then let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
When cooking a spiral ham ahead of time, make sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 140°F before serving. You can reheat the ham in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave. If reheating in the slow cooker, add some liquid to the slow cooker to keep the ham moist.