Cooking a spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. Spiral sliced 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 your oven. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook a spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker, along with some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious.
Choosing the Right Spiral Sliced Ham
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right spiral sliced ham for your slow cooker. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: Make sure to choose a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. A 5-7 pound ham is a good size for most slow cookers.
- Glaze: Some spiral sliced hams come with a pre-applied glaze, while others do not. If you want a glazed ham, look for one that has a pre-applied glaze or plan to make your own glaze (more on that later).
- Bone-in or boneless: Both bone-in and boneless hams can be cooked in a slow cooker. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, but boneless hams are often easier to slice.
What to Look for When Buying a Spiral Sliced Ham
When buying a spiral sliced ham, look for the following:
- A ham that is labeled as “spiral sliced” or “pre-sliced”
- A ham that is made from high-quality pork
- A ham that has a good balance of fat and lean meat
- A ham that is free of added preservatives and artificial flavorings
Preparing the Slow Cooker
Before cooking the ham, make sure your slow cooker is clean and ready to go. Here are a few things to do to prepare your slow cooker:
- Clean the slow cooker: Wash the slow cooker with soap and water, and dry it thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of oil: Apply a small amount of oil to the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent the ham from sticking.
- Add some aromatics: Add some aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker for added flavor.
What to Add to the Slow Cooker for Extra Flavor
Here are some additional ingredients you can add to the slow cooker for extra flavor:
- Onions: Sliced or chopped onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the ham.
- Carrots: Sliced or chopped carrots add a pop of color and sweetness to the ham.
- Celery: Sliced or chopped celery adds a fresh and herbal flavor to the ham.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the ham.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh or dried herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, and cloves add a fragrant and aromatic flavor to the ham.
Cooking the Spiral Sliced Ham
Now it’s time to cook the spiral sliced ham. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker: Place the spiral sliced ham in the slow cooker, flat side down.
- Add some liquid: Add some liquid to the slow cooker such as pineapple juice, orange juice, or cola.
- Cook on low: Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Baste the ham: Baste the ham with the juices every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
Glazing the Ham
If you want a glazed ham, you can make your own glaze using a combination of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Here’s a simple recipe:
- Mix the glaze ingredients: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons mustard, and 1 teaspoon spices.
- Brush the glaze on the ham: Brush the glaze on the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Glaze Variations
Here are some variations on the basic glaze recipe:
- Honey mustard glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons mustard, and 1 teaspoon spices.
- Brown sugar and cola glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cola, and 1 teaspoon spices.
- Orange marmalade glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup orange marmalade, 2 tablespoons mustard, and 1 teaspoon spices.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Spiral Sliced Ham in a Slow Cooker
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when cooking spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 140°F.
- Don’t overcook the ham: Don’t overcook the ham, as it can become dry and tough.
- Let the ham rest: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Use the juices as a sauce: Use the juices from the slow cooker as a sauce to serve with the ham.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker:
- Not cooking the ham long enough: Not cooking the ham long enough can result in a ham that is not tender and flavorful.
- Overcooking the ham: Overcooking the ham can result in a ham that is dry and tough.
- Not basting the ham: Not basting the ham can result in a ham that is not moist and flavorful.
Conclusion
Cooking spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker is a delicious and easy way to prepare a tender and flavorful meal. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering ham that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker is a great option. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!
What are the benefits of cooking spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker?
Cooking spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker offers several benefits. For one, it’s incredibly easy and 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 helps to keep the ham moist and tender, as the low heat and moisture-rich environment of the slow cooker prevent it from drying out.
Another benefit of cooking spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker is that it’s a great way to free up oven space. If you’re hosting a large gathering or holiday meal, you may need to use your oven for multiple dishes. By cooking the ham in a slow cooker, you can reserve the oven for other dishes and still have a delicious, perfectly cooked ham.
How long does it take to cook spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the ham and the temperature of the slow cooker. Generally, a 5-7 pound spiral sliced ham will take around 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours to cook on high. It’s always a good idea to check the ham’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F.
It’s also important to note that you can cook the ham on low for a longer period of time if you prefer. Some people like to cook their ham on low for 8-10 hours, which can result in an even more tender and fall-apart texture. Just be sure to check the ham’s temperature periodically to avoid overcooking.
What type of glaze is best for spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker?
There are many different types of glazes that you can use for spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker. Some popular options include a brown sugar and mustard glaze, a honey and Dijon mustard glaze, or a pineapple and cherry glaze. You can also experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create your own unique glaze.
When choosing a glaze, consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for. If you want a sweet and sticky glaze, a brown sugar and honey-based glaze may be a good choice. If you prefer a tangier glaze, a mustard-based glaze could be the way to go. You can also add other ingredients like cloves, cinnamon, or citrus zest to give the glaze extra depth and complexity.
Can I cook a spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker without a glaze?
Yes, you can cook a spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker without a glaze. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker and add some liquid, such as chicken or vegetable broth, to the pot. You can also add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the pot for added flavor.
Keep in mind that cooking the ham without a glaze will result in a more subtle flavor profile. If you want to add some extra flavor to the ham, you can try rubbing it with some spices or herbs before cooking. You can also try adding some wood chips or chunks to the slow cooker for a smoky flavor.
How do I prevent the spiral sliced ham from drying out in the slow cooker?
To prevent the spiral sliced ham from drying out in the slow cooker, make sure to add enough liquid to the pot. You can use chicken or vegetable broth, or even some juice like pineapple or orange. You can also try adding some fat, like butter or oil, to the pot to help keep the ham moist.
Another way to prevent the ham from drying out is to cover the slow cooker with a lid. This will help to trap the moisture and heat inside the pot, ensuring that the ham stays tender and juicy. You can also try wrapping the ham in foil before cooking to help retain moisture.
Can I cook a frozen spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a frozen spiral sliced ham in a slow cooker. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A frozen ham will take longer to cook than a thawed ham, so plan on adding an extra 2-3 hours to the cooking time.
It’s also important to note that you should never cook a frozen ham at high temperatures, as this can cause the outside to cook too quickly and the inside to remain frozen. Instead, cook the ham on low for a longer period of time to ensure that it cooks evenly and safely.
How do I store leftover spiral sliced ham cooked in a slow cooker?
To store leftover spiral sliced 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 the ham, you can try wrapping it in foil and heating it in the oven or microwave. You can also try adding some liquid, like broth or juice, to the pot to help keep the ham moist. Just be sure to reheat the ham to an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure food safety.