How to Cook a Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker: The MouthWatering Guide
How to Cook a Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker?
To cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker, start by spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Place a boneless fully cooked spiral ham (4-7 lbs) inside the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp dijon mustard, 1/2 cup apricot jam or maple syrup, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar.
Pour this mixture over the ham.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
If the ham is too large for the slow cooker, wrap it in foil and place it in the slow cooker with a towel on top to retain heat.
This recipe was first published in 2014 and has been simplified for busy lives.
It can be used for any occasion and is best served with sides like potatoes, vegetables, cornbread, or stuffing.
Key Points:
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray
- Place boneless fully cooked spiral ham in slow cooker
- Whisk together dijon mustard, apricot jam/maple syrup, and brown sugar
- Pour mixture over the ham
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours
- If ham is too large, wrap in foil and place in slow cooker with towel on top to retain heat
Did You Know?
1. Contrary to popular belief, a spiral ham is not made from a specific type of pig – rather, the term “spiral” refers to the way the ham is cut, allowing for easier serving.
2. Did you know that slow cooking a spiral ham can actually result in a juicier and more tender piece of meat? The slow cooker helps to retain the ham’s natural flavors and moisture, resulting in a deliciously succulent dish.
3. Spiral hams can be easily customized with different glazes and seasonings to suit different tastes. From traditional honey glazes to unique combinations like maple syrup and Dijon mustard, the options are endless!
4. When cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker, it is recommended to wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil to help trap the steam and ensure that the meat remains moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
5. Spiral hams are not just a delicious main course – they can also be utilized in a wide variety of recipes. Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, omelets, salads, or even in soups and stews, providing a versatile ingredient for many other meals.
Recipe For Slow Cooker Spiral Ham
Cooking a Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker
Cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to prepare this popular meat dish. The recipe calls for a fully cooked boneless spiral ham, which is typically available in weights ranging from 4 to 7 pounds. This makes it suitable for a Sunday lunch or a regular family dinner.
To begin, you’ll need to prepare the ham by spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the ham inside the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably without being too large. If the ham is too big for the slow cooker, don’t worry. You can wrap it in foil and place it in the slow cooker with a towel on top to help retain the heat.
Next, whisk together 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup of apricot jam or maple syrup, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar in a small bowl. This mixture will serve as the glaze for the ham, adding a sweet and savory flavor.
Pour the glaze mixture generously over the ham, ensuring every inch of the spiral slices is coated. This will help create a tasty outer layer as the ham cooks.
After covering the slow cooker, set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the boneless spiral ham. The boneless variety tends to have a shorter cooking time compared to a bone-in ham.
Using Cider To Cook The Ham
Adding cider to the slow cooker can elevate the flavors of the ham and make it even more delicious. As the ham cooks, the cider will infuse into the meat, adding a subtle sweetness and enhanced tenderness.
If you choose to use cider, simply pour it into the slow cooker along with the ham and glaze mixture. The amount of cider needed will depend on the size of your slow cooker and personal preference. It is recommended to start with 1-2 cups of cider and adjust as needed to maintain the desired level of moisture throughout the cooking process.
The cider will create a moist cooking environment, preventing the ham from drying out and ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
Creating A Crunchy Outer Layer With Honey, Mustard, And Brown Sugar
One of the highlights of this slow cooker spiral ham recipe is the crunchy outer layer that develops during the cooking process. This layer is achieved with a combination of honey, mustard, and brown sugar.
As the ham cooks, the glaze mixture made from the honey, mustard, and brown sugar caramelizes, resulting in a crispy and flavorful coating. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors enhances the overall taste of the ham.
To achieve this crunchy outer layer, generously coat the ham with the honey-mustard-brown sugar mixture before placing it in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover all the spiral slices to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
This crunchy outer layer is what sets this slow cooker spiral ham apart and makes it so irresistible.
- The combination of honey, mustard, and brown sugar creates a caramelized glaze.
- The glaze results in a crispy and flavorful coating.
- It adds sweet, tangy, and savory flavors to the ham.
- Generously coat the ham with the glaze mixture.
- Cover all the spiral slices for even distribution of flavors.
- The crunchy outer layer is the highlight of this recipe.
Simplified Recipe Perfect For Busy Lives
Originally published in 2014, this recipe offers a simplified approach to cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker, perfect for those with busy lifestyles. The goal is to provide individuals and families with an easy and delicious dish that requires minimal time in the kitchen.
The simplicity of this recipe lies in its few ingredients and straightforward instructions. With just four main ingredients – a boneless spiral ham, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apricot jam or maple syrup – unnecessary complexity is eliminated.
To further streamline the process, the preparation and cooking time have been optimized. The ham only requires a few minutes of preparation before it can be left to cook in the slow cooker. Depending on your desired tenderness, the ham can be cooked for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
No matter if you’re a busy professional or a multitasking parent, this simplified recipe allows you to indulge in a mouthwatering spiral ham with minimal effort.
- Simple and efficient recipe for cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker
- Requires only four main ingredients: boneless spiral ham, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apricot jam/maple syrup
- Optimal cooking times of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Perfect for individuals and families with busy schedules
Versatile Slow Cooker Method For Any Occasion
While spiral hams are often associated with winter holidays or Christmas feasts, this slow cooker method is versatile and can be used for any occasion throughout the year.
The convenience of the slow cooker allows you to prepare a delicious ham without needing to heat up the oven or spend hours monitoring a stovetop. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even outdoor events such as picnics or barbecues.
By adjusting the cooking time and choosing different glaze variations, you can tailor the flavor profile of the ham to suit different occasions and personal preferences. Swap out the apricot jam for maple syrup or experiment with other flavors like pineapple or mustard-based glazes.
The slow cooker method ensures that the ham remains moist and tender, regardless of the time of year or the occasion. It’s a foolproof way to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones.
- Versatile slow cooker method for cooking spiral hams
- Ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, and outdoor events
- Can customize the flavor profile with different glaze variations
- Moist and tender ham guaranteed with the slow cooker method
Recommendations For Serving And Side Dishes
Once the spiral ham is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve it alongside some delectable side dishes. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a well-rounded meal to accompany the succulent ham.
Consider serving the ham with options such as:
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Cornbread
- Stuffing
These sides will complement the flavors of the ham and enhance the overall dining experience.
For a touch of freshness, you can also add a crisp salad or a tangy coleslaw to the table. These lighter options will balance the richness of the ham and provide a contrast in textures.
The leftovers from the slow cooker spiral ham can be used in various ways for future meals. They can be:
- Sliced and used in sandwiches
- Added to omelets or frittatas
- Incorporated into pasta dishes or casseroles
Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply preparing a delicious family meal, the slow cooker spiral ham will always be a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and mouthwatering flavors make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a spiral ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely put a spiral ham in a slow cooker. To do so, start by spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Then, place the ham inside the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, apricot jam, and brown sugar. Pour this flavorful mixture over the top of the ham and cover the slow cooker. Allow the ham to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooker will help infuse the ham with the delicious flavors, resulting in a tender and tasty dish.
Can you heat a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker?
It is not recommended to heat leftovers in a slow cooker according to the USDA. However, if you are looking to heat up a fully cooked ham, you can use your slow cooker. Just ensure there is enough water or broth in the liner to cover the bottom, and make sure the ham reaches a minimum temperature of 140°F for safe consumption.
Do you cook ham on low or high in a slow cooker?
When preparing a ham in a slow cooker, it is recommended to cook it on low for optimal results. The low setting allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a moist and tender ham that is infused with all the delicious spices and seasonings. Cooking a ham on low in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours will ensure that it reaches the desired level of doneness and tenderness, leaving you with a delectable dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Does ham dry out in slow cooker?
When it comes to slow cooking ham, it is important to be mindful of the potential risk of it drying out. While the slow cooker allows for a tender and juicy outcome, removing the lid too often can cause the heat to escape, requiring additional cooking time. However, it is not advisable to cook ham on high heat in the slow cooker as it greatly increases the likelihood of it drying out.