Crock Pot Spiral Ham: Easy, Delicious, Tender

how to cook pre cooked spiral ham in crock pot

Spiral hams are generally pre-cooked, so preparing one in a crock pot is mainly about warming it up and adding flavour. Crock pots are a great way to save oven space, and they also ensure your ham stays moist and delicious. With only a few minutes of prep work, you can let the slow cooker do all the work.

Characteristics Values
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 3-5 hours
Temperature Low
Ingredients Pineapple juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey
Equipment Crock pot/slow cooker, meat thermometer, saucepan, aluminium foil, baking dish
Benefits Easy, frees up oven space, moist, juicy, tender, flavorful

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How to glaze a pre-cooked spiral ham in a crock pot

Spiral hams are usually pre-cooked, so all you need to do is warm it up and add flavour with the glaze.

First, spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the pre-cooked ham inside the slow cooker, flat side down. Then, cover the ham with a glaze of your choice. You can use brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, or pineapple juice. Pour any remaining juice into the bottom of the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with a lid or foil.

Cook the ham on low for 3 to 5 hours, until it's warm and tender. Baste the ham twice during the last hour of cooking. You can also flip the ham during the last hour. Once heated thoroughly, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes. If you want a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch and water together and pour it into the ham juice.

You can also broil the ham with extra brown sugar before serving to give it a caramelized look and taste.

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What to do if your spiral ham doesn't fit in the crock pot

If your spiral ham doesn't fit in the crock pot, there are several things you can try. Firstly, you can attempt to trim the ham or cut it into smaller pieces. You can cut off any uneven spots on the top or bottom of the ham to see if it will then fit in the crock pot with the lid closed. If the ham is still too big, you can try covering the top of the ham with foil and placing the lid over it as best you can. This creates a tight seal, steaming the ham.

If your crock pot has a large enough capacity, you could try using a smaller ham. A 7-8 pound spiral-sliced ham should fit in a 7+ quart slow cooker, although you may need to place the ham on its side to close the lid. A ham bigger than 9 pounds will likely not fit in a 6-quart slow cooker.

If your ham still doesn't fit in the crock pot and you're unable to modify it, you may need to resort to oven cooking. You can place the ham in the oven and cook it at 350-400 F for 15 minutes per pound.

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How to prevent your spiral ham from drying out in the crock pot

Spiral ham is a great dish to cook in a crock pot, especially during the holidays, as it frees up your oven space. However, cooking ham in a crock pot can be tricky as there is a risk of drying out the meat. Here are some tips to prevent your spiral ham from drying out in the crock pot:

Choose the Right Cooking Setting:

If you're using a crock pot or slow cooker, always cook your ham on a low heat setting. High heat can dry out the ham, making the outside tough and rubbery. Cooking on low heat ensures that the ham remains tender and juicy.

Add Liquid:

When cooking your ham in the crock pot, add a small amount of liquid to the pot. This could be water, juice, or broth. The liquid helps to create a moist environment, preventing the ham from drying out. It also infuses the ham with additional flavour.

Cover Tightly:

Make sure to cover your crock pot tightly with a lid or aluminium foil. A tight seal helps to trap moisture inside the pot, preventing the ham from drying out. If your ham is too large and the lid doesn't fit securely, use heavy-duty aluminium foil to cover the ham tightly before placing the lid on top.

Glaze the Ham:

Glazing the ham can also help prevent dryness. Coat the ham with a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, balsamic vinegar, or other ingredients of your choice. The glaze adds moisture and creates a delicious caramelized exterior. You can also add pineapple juice or apple cider to the crock pot to enhance the flavour and moisture.

Baste the Ham:

During the cooking process, baste the ham a couple of times in the last hour. Basting helps to redistribute the juices and glaze over the ham, ensuring that it stays moist and flavourful.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your spiral ham turns out juicy and tender, rather than dry and tough, when cooked in a crock pot.

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What to serve alongside your crock pot spiral ham

There are many options for what to serve alongside your crock pot spiral ham. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you could try a potato-based side dish such as cheesy potato casserole, crockpot potatoes, or dauphinoise potatoes.

If you're looking for something lighter, a simple side of green beans, corn, or carrots would pair well with the ham. You could also try a salad, such as a roasted tomato and mozzarella salad.

If you're serving the ham for a holiday dinner, you might want to make some homemade crescent rolls or empty tomb rolls to accompany the meal.

And don't forget, if you have any leftover ham, it can be stored in the fridge for three to four days or in the freezer for up to two months. Leftovers can be added to soups or used to make ham and cheese crepes or a ham and potato casserole.

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How to store leftover crock pot spiral ham

Spiral ham cooked in a crock pot is a delicious dish, and it's always good to have leftovers! Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover crock pot spiral ham:

Firstly, allow the ham to cool to room temperature. This is important to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety. Once cooled, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Make sure it is well covered and sealed. Place the wrapped ham in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. If you're using a container, ensure it has a tight-fitting lid.

Now, you can store the leftover ham in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and safe to consume for 3 to 5 days. If you're not planning to eat the ham within this timeframe, consider freezing it. Frozen ham can last for up to 6 months and is a great way to save money and use the ham later for another meal.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover ham, there are several reheating options. For smaller portions, you can simply place the ham in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through. If you have larger quantities, preheat your oven to 300°F to 325°F and place the ham in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminium foil and reheat for about 10-15 minutes per pound, ensuring the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.

Leftover ham is versatile and can be used in various dishes. You can add it to soups, casseroles, omelettes, sandwiches, or even make ham and cheese crepes! Enjoy your delicious leftover crock pot spiral ham!

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended to cook pre-cooked spiral ham in a crock pot for 3-5 hours on low heat, basting twice during the last hour of cooking.

Pre-cooked spiral ham should be cooked at a temperature of around 140°F.

Before placing the ham in the crock pot, spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

A glaze of brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, mustard, balsamic vinegar, and pineapple juice is recommended for crock pot spiral ham.

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