Cooking a spiral ham in the slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. Spiral hams are a popular choice for special occasions and holidays, and using a slow cooker makes it easy to cook a large ham without taking up space in the oven. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook a spiral ham in the slow cooker, along with some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious.
Choosing the Right Spiral Ham
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right spiral ham for your slow cooker. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: Make sure to choose a spiral ham that fits in your slow cooker. A 5-7 pound ham is a good size for most slow cookers.
- Type: You can choose from a variety of spiral ham flavors, such as honey-glazed, brown sugar, or smoked. Choose one that suits your taste preferences.
- Bone-in or boneless: Both bone-in and boneless spiral hams work well in the slow cooker. However, bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful.
Preparing the Spiral Ham
Once you have chosen your spiral ham, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Remove the packaging: Take the spiral ham out of its packaging and place it in the slow cooker.
- Trim excess fat: If your spiral ham has excess fat, trim it off before cooking. This will help the ham cook more evenly.
- Score the fat: Use a sharp knife to score the fat on the surface of the ham. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
Cooking the Spiral Ham
Now that your spiral ham is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Here’s a basic recipe to follow:
- Place the spiral ham in the slow cooker: Put the spiral ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- Add liquid: Pour 1-2 cups of liquid into the slow cooker. You can use pineapple juice, orange juice, or a mixture of brown sugar and mustard.
- Cook on low: Cook the spiral ham on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Baste the ham: Every hour or so, baste the ham with the juices from the slow cooker. This will help keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Glazing the Spiral Ham
A glaze can add a rich, caramelized flavor to your spiral ham. Here’s a simple glaze recipe:
- Mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
- Brush the glaze over the spiral ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your spiral ham even more delicious:
- Use a meat thermometer: Make sure the spiral ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Let it rest: Let the spiral ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute.
- Add some spice: You can add some spice to your spiral ham by sprinkling some cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg over the surface.
Variations
Here are a few variations you can try to make your spiral ham more interesting:
- Pineapple rings: Place pineapple rings on top of the spiral ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cherry sauce: Mix together some cherry jam and orange juice to create a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Bacon: Wrap some bacon slices around the spiral ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for your spiral ham:
- Serve with sides: Serve the spiral ham with some sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
- Make sandwiches: Slice the spiral ham thinly and make some sandwiches.
- Use in salads: Dice the spiral ham and use it in salads or wraps.
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, here are a few ideas for using them up:
- Freeze it: Freeze the leftover spiral ham for up to 3 months.
- Make soup: Use the leftover spiral ham to make a delicious soup.
- Make a casserole: Use the leftover spiral ham to make a casserole.
In conclusion, cooking a spiral ham in the slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering spiral ham that’s perfect for special occasions and holidays.
What is the best way to prepare a spiral ham for slow cooking?
To prepare a spiral ham for slow cooking, start by removing any packaging and netting from the ham. If your ham comes with a glaze packet, you can either use it according to the package instructions or discard it and use your own glaze recipe. Next, trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham, if needed. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat more evenly.
Place the spiral ham in the slow cooker, cutting it to fit if necessary. You can also place the ham on a rack or some foil balls to elevate it from the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help the air circulate under the ham and promote even cooking. Make sure to leave some space around the ham for the glaze to flow and the air to circulate.
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 temperature setting of your slow cooker. As a general guideline, 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 internal temperature of the ham 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 the temperature is below 140°F, cover the slow cooker and continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, then check the temperature again. Once the ham reaches the safe internal temperature, you can turn off the slow cooker and 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 enhance the flavor and create a complete meal. Some popular options include pineapple rings, cherry, brown sugar, mustard, and spices. You can also add some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the slow cooker, which will cook in the juices of the ham.
When adding other ingredients, make sure to arrange them around the ham in a single layer, allowing for air to circulate and the glaze to flow. You can also add some liquid to the slow cooker, such as pineapple juice or cola, to create a braising liquid that will add moisture and flavor to the ham and the accompanying ingredients.
How do I glaze a spiral ham in a slow cooker?
To glaze a spiral ham in a slow cooker, you can use a store-bought glaze packet or create your own glaze recipe using ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, and spices. If using a store-bought glaze packet, follow the package instructions for application. If making your own glaze, mix the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
Brush the glaze all over the spiral ham during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking. You can also baste the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes to create a sticky, caramelized crust. If the glaze becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or pineapple juice. Once the ham is glazed, cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the glaze is set and the ham is heated through.
Can I cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker on high?
Yes, you can cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker on the high setting, but it’s essential to monitor the temperature and the ham’s texture to avoid overcooking. Cooking on high will reduce the cooking time, but it may also cause the ham to dry out if it’s overcooked.
As a general guideline, a 5-7 pound spiral ham will take around 2-3 hours to cook on the high setting. Check the internal temperature of the ham after 2 hours, and if it reaches 140°F, turn off the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. If the temperature is below 140°F, cover the slow cooker and continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, then check the temperature again.
How do I store leftover spiral ham?
To store leftover spiral ham, let it cool completely to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store the leftover ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
When refrigerating the leftover ham, make sure to keep it at a temperature of 40°F or below. You can also store the ham in a covered container or zip-top bag to prevent drying out. When freezing the leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag or container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer at 0°F or below.