Cody Casey
Spiral ham is a popular dish for holidays and special occasions, and it can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker. This method of cooking spiral ham is easy and convenient, freeing up oven space and resulting in tender, juicy meat. The crock pot technique involves coating the ham with a glaze of brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, and balsamic vinegar, and then pouring pineapple juice into the slow cooker. The ham is cooked on low heat for around 3 to 5 hours, with occasional basting, and it pairs well with side dishes like potatoes, vegetables, and cornbread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 3-5 hours |
| Temperature | Low heat |
| Ingredients | Ham, brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, balsamic vinegar, pineapple juice |
| Equipment | Crock pot, meat thermometer, saucepan, carving knife and fork, large wooden cutting board |
| Weight | 7-10 pounds |
| Sides | Scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, corn casserole, rolls, bread, salads |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot Spiral Ham recipes
Spiral hams are generally pre-cooked, making the process of preparing them in a crockpot even easier. Here are some recipes and tips for preparing a spiral ham in a crockpot.
Recipe 1: Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
This recipe is perfect for a festive holiday platter as the centerpiece of your feast. It is super quick to prep and involves placing the ham in a crockpot, pouring the glaze, and letting it cook. The glaze is prepared by combining honey, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the sugar is melted, pour water into the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the sauce, and cover the crockpot. The ham is then cooked on low for 6 to 8 hours, basting every hour.
Recipe 2: Crockpot Spiral Ham with Maple Glaze
This recipe is a favorite for holidays and special occasions. It requires only four ingredients and minimal prep work. The ingredients are spiral-cut ham, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice. The ham is placed in the crockpot, rubbed with brown sugar, and then drizzled with maple syrup and pineapple juice. The crockpot is then covered and the ham is cooked for 2-3 hours on low heat.
Recipe 3: Crockpot Spiral Ham with Pineapple Juice and Syrup
This recipe is simple and flavorful. The precooked ham is placed flat side down in the crockpot and smothered with brown sugar. Then, maple syrup and pineapple juice are poured over it. The ham is cooked on low for 3-4 hours, and a meat thermometer can be used to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Tips:
- Spiral hams are generally pre-cooked, so the purpose of cooking them in a crockpot is often to warm them up while adding flavor and making them tender.
- A bone-in ham is recommended over a boneless ham as the bone keeps the ham moist and adds flavor.
- If your ham is too big for your crockpot, you can cover the top of the crockpot insert with heavy-duty foil to create a tight seal.
- Leftover ham can be frozen and then reheated in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
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How to avoid drying out the ham
Spiral hams are generally pre-cooked, making the process of cooking them in a crock pot even easier. However, spiral-cut ham may dry out faster than a whole, uncut ham. Here are some tips to avoid drying out your ham:
Firstly, it is important to note that crock pots or slow cookers are great for cooking hams as they keep the meat moist and tasty. The slow cooker should be set to low, and the ham should be cooked for around 3-5 hours. The ham is already cooked, so you are simply heating it through to a safe temperature and allowing it to absorb the flavours of the glaze. Overcooking will lead to a tough, dry ham, so be sure not to overcook and serve as soon as the internal temperature of the ham is done. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ham is heated thoroughly. It will need to read around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Secondly, basting the ham during cooking will also help to keep it moist. You can baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the crock pot or slow cooker. You can also add other liquids to the crock pot, such as ginger ale, root beer, or pineapple juice, to add flavour and keep the ham moist.
Thirdly, choosing the right type of ham can help prevent drying out. A bone-in ham will maintain moisture better than a boneless ham, as the bone keeps the ham moist and adds flavour. A boneless ham is more processed and can have an unappealing texture.
Lastly, if you have leftover ham, you can reheat it in an air fryer, on the stove, in the oven, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker. To avoid drying out the ham, you can wrap it in foil when reheating in an air fryer, or add chicken broth, butter, or oil when reheating on the stove.
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What to do if the ham doesn't fit in the crockpot
Spiral hams are generally pre-cooked, making the process of preparing them in a crockpot simple and easy. However, one of the challenges of cooking ham in a crockpot is ensuring that it fits inside the pot. If your ham doesn't fit in the crockpot, there are several things you can do to adjust it. Firstly, you can try to cut off any uneven spots on the top or bottom of the ham to see if it will fit better. If the ham is still too big and the lid won't fit on the crockpot, you can cover the top of the slow cooker insert tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil. Make sure that the foil is sealed tightly to prevent steam from escaping. You can also try using a crockpot cooking bag and then covering it with foil and a dish towel to insulate.
Another factor to consider when cooking ham in a crockpot is the weight and size of the ham. A ham bigger than 9 pounds will likely not fit in a 6-quart slow cooker. If you're using a large, oval-sized crockpot, a ham weighing around 7-10 pounds is recommended. The shape of the ham also matters; some hams may be too wide or long to fit in the crockpot, even if they don't exceed the weight limit. It's important to choose a ham that fits snugly inside the crockpot with the lid closed.
If you're unable to find a ham that fits perfectly in your crockpot, there are a few workarounds you can try. One option is to trim a piece off your ham to make it fit. You can also try using a triple layer of heavy-duty foil to cover the slow cooker with a tight seal, and then resting the lid on top of the foil. Be cautious when removing the foil, as very hot steam may escape. Additionally, you can try cooking the ham without the lid for a portion of the cooking time, allowing it to cook down and shrink, and then placing the lid on after it has reduced in size.
It's worth noting that spiral hams are particularly well-suited for crockpots because they are easy to slice and maintain moisture. Bone-in hams are also preferable, as the bone adds flavour and helps keep the meat moist. By following these tips and tricks, you can successfully cook a delicious ham in your crockpot, even if it doesn't fit perfectly inside.
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What to serve with crockpot ham
A crockpot ham is a great dish to serve during the holidays, and it goes well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your crockpot ham:
Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. You can make easy twice-baked potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, funeral potatoes, or a potato and ham casserole with your leftover ham. Scalloped potatoes are another great option, as are roasted potatoes with herbs and spices.
Vegetables
Green beans are a popular choice to serve with ham, and you can make a green bean casserole or simply roast them with bacon and cheese. Maple-glazed carrots are another tasty option, as is a fresh bean salad.
Breads
Cornbread is a delicious side dish that will complement your crockpot ham nicely. You could also serve rolls or bread, such as Lion House rolls or Easter resurrection rolls.
Salads
A winter salad, such as an apple cranberry spinach salad, will add a fresh and healthy element to your meal. A simple tomato and mozzarella salad is another option.
Desserts
While not a side dish, don't forget that your crockpot ham will free up your oven for baking desserts!
Leftovers
Finally, don't forget about leftovers! Crockpot ham is a great way to ensure you have plenty of delicious ham to enjoy in the days following your holiday celebration. You can easily reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
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How to store leftover ham
Ham is a delicious dish, especially when cooked in a crockpot. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover ham to keep it fresh and tasty:
Refrigerating Leftover Ham
If you plan on consuming your leftover ham within 3-5 days, it is best to refrigerate it. Proper storage is crucial to prevent moisture loss, maintain flavour, and prevent harmful bacteria growth. Use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers, and ensure your refrigerator temperature is between 34°F and 40°F (1°C-4°C). For optimal safety, store ham on a lower shelf or in a meat drawer.
Freezing Leftover Ham
If you have a large amount of leftover ham or don't plan on consuming it within a few days, freezing is a great option. According to the USDA, cooked leftover ham can be safely stored in the freezer for up to two months. Aim for a freezing temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. Wrap your ham in freezer-safe plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminium foil before placing it in a resealable freezer bag.
Storing Ham on the Bone
Storing ham on the bone can help keep it juicy. Wrap the bone and ham in a seasoned cloth, such as a clean tea towel or a large piece of calico fabric. Rinse the cloth in a solution of two cups of white vinegar and two litres of water, then allow it to dry before wrapping the ham and storing it in the fridge.
Tips for Using Leftover Ham
Leftover ham can be a versatile ingredient. It can be added to soups, casseroles, omelettes, grilled cheese sandwiches, or scrambled eggs. You can also freeze the ham bone with some meat attached to make soup at a later date. Remember to always check the freshness of your ham by considering its appearance, texture, and smell before consuming it.
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Frequently asked questions
First, spray your crock pot with cooking spray. Then, place the ham flat side down in the crock pot. Next, rub brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, and balsamic vinegar all over the ham. Pour pineapple juice into the crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 3-5 hours.
A ham that's 7-8 pounds should fit in a 7-8 quart crock pot. If your ham is bigger than 9 pounds, it may not fit in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Try trimming the ham or cutting it into smaller pieces. You can also cover the top of the ham with foil and place the lid over it as best you can. If your ham still doesn't fit, you'll need to cook it in the oven.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. When it reads at least 140°F, your ham is ready.
Classic holiday sides include scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, corn casserole, mac and cheese, rolls or bread, and salads.
