How to Cook a Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create a mouthwatering spiral ham in a slow cooker that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a juicy spiral ham, especially when it’s cooked to perfection with minimal effort.

And what better way to achieve this than with your trusty slow cooker?

Grab your slow cooker, let’s get cookin’!

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Tips for Picking Out the Perfect Spiral Ham

Alright, folks, let’s talk ham. When it comes to picking out the star of your slow cooker spiral ham feast, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Size Matters

First off, consider how many mouths you’re feeding. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you’ll obviously need a larger ham. But if it’s just you and a couple of friends, a smaller ham will do just fine.

Bone-In or Boneless

Next up, decide whether you want a bone-in or boneless ham. Bone-in hams tend to be a bit more flavorful and juicy, but boneless hams are easier to slice and serve. It’s all about personal preference!

Quality Counts

When it comes to ham, quality is key. Look for hams that are firm and well-shaped, with a nice pink color and a bit of marbling throughout. Avoid hams that are overly soft or slimy, as these could be signs of spoilage.

Check the Label

Take a peek at the label to see what kind of ham you’re dealing with. Some hams come pre-glazed or pre-seasoned, while others are more plain. Decide what works best for your taste buds and cooking style.

Spiral-Cut Convenience

And finally, consider opting for a spiral-cut ham for maximum convenience. Not only does it make slicing a breeze, but it also allows the glaze to penetrate every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to picking out the perfect spiral ham for your slow cooker masterpiece. So go ahead, hit up your local butcher or grocery store and get ready to ham it up!

Ingredients for Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker

Picture this: a succulent spiral-cut ham, brown sugar, honey, a splash of orange juice, a dollop of Dijon mustard, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of ground cloves for that extra pop of flavor.

That’s all you need to create magic in your slow cooker.

Oh, and don’t forget the optional pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for a festive touch. It’s a lineup that promises a symphony of sweet and savory goodness that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.

1 spiral-cut ham: Choose between bone-in or boneless, whichever floats your boat.

1 cup brown sugar: Sweet, caramel-y goodness to coat your ham with.

1/2 cup honey: Nature’s liquid gold, adding a luscious sweetness to every bite.

1/2 cup orange juice: A splash of citrus to brighten up the flavors.

1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness perfectly.

2 teaspoons ground cloves (optional): For those who like a hint of warm spice in their ham.

Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries (optional): Because who can resist that classic ham and pineapple combo?

With this lineup of ingredients, you’re well on your way to slow cooker success. Let’s get cooking!

Substitute Ingredients for Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker

So, you’re craving a mouthwatering spiral ham but find yourself short on a few ingredients? Fear not, because there are plenty of swaps and alternatives to keep your culinary adventure on track. Here’s a rundown!

Spiral-cut ham

Whether it’s bone-in or boneless, or even a different cut of ham altogether, feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.

Brown sugar

If your pantry is lacking this sweet staple, you can easily swap it out for maple syrup, molasses, or even a combination of white sugar and a touch of molasses for that rich flavor.

Honey

No honey? No problem. Agave nectar, maple syrup, or even a bit of brown sugar dissolved in warm water can stand in admirably.

Orange juice

Don’t have any OJ chilling in the fridge? Try apple juice, pineapple juice, or even a splash of chicken broth for added depth.

Dijon mustard

Out of Dijon? Grainy mustard or even regular mustard can step in to deliver that zesty punch.

Ground cloves (optional)

If cloves aren’t your jam, you can skip them altogether or experiment with other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice.

Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries (optional)

Can’t find any pineapple or cherries? Get playful with other fruit options like peaches, apricots, or even sliced apples for a unique twist.

With these versatile substitutions, you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste buds and pantry inventory.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and whip up a delicious slow cooker ham, no matter what ingredients we have on hand!

How to Make Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to embark on our slow cooker adventure. Picture this: your kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of sweet and savory goodness as your spiral ham cooks to perfection. Let’s make it happen!

Prepare the Slow Cooker

First things first, let’s set the stage for our culinary masterpiece. Line your trusty slow cooker with a liner or give it a quick spritz of non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup later.

Whip Up the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of ground cloves for that extra oomph. Give it a good whisk until everything’s nicely blended.

Get the Ham in the Game

Unwrap that beautiful spiral-cut ham and nestle it into the awaiting slow cooker, flat side down. If your ham is a bit of a tight fit, don’t sweat it—just give it a gentle trim to make it work.

Glaze Time

Pour that glorious glaze all over the ham, making sure every nook and cranny gets a generous coating. You can even break out a basting brush to ensure maximum flavor penetration.

Low and Slow

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Now, sit back and let the magic happen. Cook your ham for 4 to 6 hours, checking in occasionally to baste it with those delicious juices pooling at the bottom.

Bask in the Aroma

As your ham cooks away, your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly scent imaginable. Resist the urge to dive in early—good things come to those who wait.

Garnish and Serve

Once your ham is perfectly cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), carefully transfer it to a serving platter. For a touch of flair, garnish with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries if you have them on hand.

Slice and Devour

Now comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Let your ham rest for a few minutes to lock in those juicy flavors, then slice it up and serve alongside your favorite sides. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to slow cooker success. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

How to Store and Reheat Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker Recipe

Alright, so you’ve indulged in your delicious slow cooker spiral ham feast, but now you’re left with some tasty leftovers. No worries—let’s make sure they stay just as mouthwatering for round two!

Storing

First off, once your ham has cooled down a bit, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’ve got more than you can handle in that time frame, consider freezing it. Just wrap it well in foil or freezer-safe bags, and it’ll keep its flavor for a few months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover ham, there are a couple of ways to reheat it. The microwave is the quickest option—just slice off what you need, place it on a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and zap it in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through. If you’ve got a bit more time, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat to 325°F (165°C), place the ham slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover it with foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated to your liking.

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your slow cooker spiral ham long after the initial feast. Now, who’s up for round two?

Freezing and Reheating Leftover Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker Recipe

Alright, let’s talk leftovers. You’ve had your fill of that delicious spiral ham, but there’s still plenty left to go around. The good news? You can absolutely freeze it for later! Here’s how:

Freezing

Once your ham has cooled down, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Pop it in the freezer, and it’ll stay fresh for up to a few months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen ham, there are a couple of options for reheating. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave. Just unwrap it from the foil, place it on a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and zap it in 30-second intervals until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven. Preheat to 325°F (165°C), place the ham slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover it with foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated to your liking.

With these simple tips, you can enjoy your delicious spiral ham long after the initial feast. So go ahead, freeze those leftovers with confidence, knowing that a tasty meal awaits you whenever you’re ready!

Perfect Pairings for Your Spiral Ham in a Slow Cooker Feast!

Alright, let’s talk about the ultimate ham squad—side dishes! Because let’s be real, a fantastic spiral ham deserves some equally fantastic accompaniments. Here are a few tried-and-true pairings that’ll take your meal from good to great:

Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, scalloped potatoes are a natural match for ham. Plus, they’re a breeze to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

My TWICE BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE recipe would be delicious with this spiral ham!

Roasted Vegetables

Whether it’s carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, roasting your veggies brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely contrast to the savory ham.

My PARMESAN GARLIC BAKED ASPARAGUS recipe would be delicious paired with this spiral ham!

Green Bean Casserole

A classic for a reason, green bean casserole brings that perfect combination of crunch, creaminess, and nostalgia to the table. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, which is always a win in my book.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Speaking of classics, sweet potato casserole is like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you go for the classic marshmallow topping or something a bit more gourmet, it’s sure to be a hit.

Dinner Rolls

Don’t forget the carbs! Soft, pillowy dinner rolls are the perfect vehicle for mopping up all those delicious juices from your ham. Plus, who can resist a warm, buttery roll straight from the oven?

Cranberry Sauce

A little sweet, a little tart, cranberry sauce adds a burst of color and flavor to your plate. It’s the perfect foil to the rich, savory ham and adds a lovely pop of freshness.

Here is my delicious ZESTY HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE recipe!

Salad

And finally, let’s not forget to balance out all that richness with a crisp, refreshing salad. Whether it’s a simple green salad with vinaigrette or something a bit more elaborate, a salad is always a welcome addition to the table.

With these perfect pairings by your side, your spiral ham feast is sure to be a resounding success. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your guests with a meal they won’t soon forget!

Check out my Side Dishes for more pairing recipes!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham Bone

Alright, folks, it’s time to get creative with that leftover ham bone from this spiral ham in a slow cooker recipe.

Sure, it may not look like much, but trust me, it’s a flavor powerhouse just waiting to be unleashed. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Homemade Ham Stock

First things first, let’s turn that ham bone into liquid gold—aka homemade ham stock. Simply place the bone in a large pot, cover it with water, and throw in some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery. Let it simmer away for a few hours, then strain out the solids and voila—you’ve got yourself a rich, flavorful stock that’s perfect for soups, stews, and more.

Split Pea Soup

Speaking of soups, why not whip up a batch of hearty split pea soup? Throw that ham bone into the pot along with some split peas, carrots, onions, and a few herbs and spices. Let it simmer until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded together, then dig in for a cozy, comforting meal that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Beans and Greens

Another classic way to use up that ham bone is in a pot of beans and greens. Whether you go for black-eyed peas, navy beans, or cannellini beans, that ham bone will add a depth of flavor that can’t be beat. Just toss it in the pot along with your beans, some chopped greens like kale or collard greens, and a few seasonings, and let it simmer until everything is tender and delicious.

Ham and Potato Hash

Craving something a bit more hearty? Whip up a batch of ham and potato hash. Dice up some potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, throw them in a skillet with a bit of oil, and sauté until they’re golden and crispy. Then, add in some diced ham and that leftover ham bone for an extra punch of flavor. Serve it up with a fried egg on top for the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish.

Ham Bone Broth Rice

This is a delicious way to infuse rice with flavor. Simply simmer the ham bone in water until a broth forms. Remove the bone and then cook rice in the flavorful broth. Serve as a side dish or use it as a base for stir-fries or grain bowls.

With these creative ideas, you’ll never look at a leftover ham bone the same way again. So go ahead, get cooking, and let your culinary imagination run wild!