Spiral hams are a staple of many holiday meals, and for good reason. They’re easy to serve, delicious, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One popular method for cooking a spiral ham is slow cooking, which allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of slow cooking a spiral ham, provide tips and tricks for getting the best results, and offer some delicious recipe ideas to try.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking a Spiral Ham
Slow cooking a spiral ham offers several benefits, including:
- Tender and juicy meat: Slow cooking allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
- Easy to prepare: Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, add your desired seasonings and glaze, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Convenient: Slow cooking is a great way to prepare a meal when you’re short on time. Simply prepare the ham in the morning, and it will be ready to serve by the evening.
- Cost-effective: Spiral hams are often less expensive than other types of ham, making them a cost-effective option for holiday meals.
Choosing the Right Spiral Ham
When choosing a spiral ham, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Choose a ham that is the right size for your slow cooker. A good rule of thumb is to choose a ham that is about 1-2 pounds smaller than the capacity of your slow cooker.
- Type: There are several types of spiral hams available, including bone-in and boneless. Bone-in hams are often more flavorful, but boneless hams are easier to slice.
- Glaze: Some spiral hams come with a glaze already applied. If you prefer a different type of glaze, you can always add your own.
Basic Slow Cooker Spiral Ham Recipe
Here is a basic recipe for slow cooking a spiral ham:
Ingredients:
- 1 spiral ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the spiral ham in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground black pepper.
- Brush the mixture evenly over the ham.
- Cook the ham on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, baste the ham with the juices from the slow cooker.
Variations on the Basic Recipe
Here are a few variations on the basic recipe:
- Pineapple-Brown Sugar Glaze: Add 1/4 cup pineapple juice and 1/4 cup brown sugar to the glaze mixture.
- Mustard-Herb Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the glaze mixture.
- Spicy Glaze: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to the glaze mixture.
Tips and Tricks for Slow Cooking a Spiral Ham
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when slow cooking a spiral ham:
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer will help you ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature (140°F).
- Don’t overcook: Spiral hams are already cooked, so you don’t need to cook them for a long time. Overcooking can result in a dry, tough ham.
- Let it rest: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and the ham to stay tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when slow cooking a spiral ham:
- Not using a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer will help you ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Overcooking: Spiral hams are already cooked, so you don’t need to cook them for a long time. Overcooking can result in a dry, tough ham.
- Not letting it rest: Letting the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing will help the juices redistribute and the ham to stay tender.
Delicious Recipe Ideas to Try
Here are a few delicious recipe ideas to try:
- Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham: Add 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup Dijon mustard to the glaze mixture.
- Brown Sugar-Mustard Spiral Ham: Add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the glaze mixture.
- Pineapple-Spiced Spiral Ham: Add 1/4 cup pineapple juice and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the glaze mixture.
Side Dish Ideas
Here are a few side dish ideas that go well with slow-cooked spiral ham:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes are a delicious side dish that pairs well with spiral ham.
- Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with spiral ham.
- Green beans: Green beans are a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with spiral ham.
Conclusion
Slow cooking a spiral ham is a delicious and easy way to prepare a holiday classic. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a tender and flavorful ham that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a basic recipe or want to try something new, there are many delicious recipe ideas to try. So next time you’re planning a holiday meal, consider slow cooking a spiral ham. Your guests are sure to love it.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Slow Cooker Spiral Ham | 1 spiral ham, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper | 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high |
| Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham | 1 spiral ham, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper | 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high |
| Brown Sugar-Mustard Spiral Ham | 1 spiral ham, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper | 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high |
Note: The cooking times listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the size and type of spiral ham you use.
What is the best way to choose a spiral ham for slow cooking?
When choosing a spiral ham for slow cooking, look for a ham that is labeled as “fully cooked” or “pre-cooked.” This type of ham has already been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C), making it safe to eat after slow cooking. You can also choose a bone-in or boneless ham, depending on your preference. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, but boneless hams are often easier to slice.
It’s also important to consider the size of the ham. A larger ham may take longer to cook, so make sure you have enough time to cook it before serving. You can also choose a ham with a glaze or without a glaze, depending on your preference. Some hams come with a pre-applied glaze, while others may require you to apply a glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I prepare a spiral ham for slow cooking?
To prepare a spiral ham for slow cooking, start by removing the ham from its packaging and placing it in the slow cooker. If your ham comes with a glaze, you can apply it according to the package instructions. If not, you can create your own glaze using a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Apply the glaze to the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
Next, add any additional ingredients you like to the slow cooker, such as pineapple rings or cherry sauce. You can also add some aromatics like onions and cloves to the slow cooker for extra flavor. Finally, cover the slow cooker and set it to the low setting. Cook the ham for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
What is the best temperature for slow cooking a spiral ham?
The best temperature for slow cooking a spiral ham is on the low setting, which is usually around 275-300°F (135-150°C). This temperature allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. Cooking the ham on the low setting also helps to prevent it from drying out, which can happen if it’s cooked too quickly.
It’s also important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature. The internal temperature of the ham should reach at least 140°F (60°C) to ensure food safety. You can insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any fat or bone.
How long does it take to slow cook a spiral ham?
The cooking time for a spiral ham will depend on its size and the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, a 5-pound (2.3 kg) ham will take around 4-6 hours to cook on the low setting. A larger ham may take longer to cook, so make sure you have enough time to cook it before serving.
It’s also important to check the ham’s internal temperature regularly to ensure it reaches a safe temperature. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and adjust the cooking time as needed. Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the spiral ham?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the spiral ham to add extra flavor and moisture. Some popular ingredients to add include pineapple rings, cherry sauce, and brown sugar. You can also add some aromatics like onions and cloves to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
When adding other ingredients, make sure they’re not overlapping the ham or blocking the air circulation in the slow cooker. You can arrange the ingredients around the ham in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching the sides of the slow cooker. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the ingredients from burning.
How do I glaze a spiral ham during slow cooking?
To glaze a spiral ham during slow cooking, start by preparing your glaze according to the recipe. You can use a pre-made glaze or create your own using a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Once the glaze is prepared, brush it evenly over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
You can also apply the glaze in a thicker layer during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, depending on your preference. This will help create a caramelized crust on the ham’s surface. Make sure to check the ham’s internal temperature regularly to ensure it reaches a safe temperature, even with the glaze applied.
How do I store leftover spiral ham after slow cooking?
To store leftover spiral ham after slow cooking, let it cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. You can store the ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
When reheating the leftover ham, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the ham in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave, depending on your preference. Always check the ham’s internal temperature before serving to ensure it’s safe to eat.