What is how to cook spiral ham?

Here's information on how to cook a spiral ham:

Cooking a Spiral Ham

Spiral hams are pre-cooked, so your goal is to warm them through and add flavor. Overcooking will dry them out.

Preparation

1. Thawing: If frozen, thaw the ham in the refrigerator for several days (allow 4-5 hours per pound). For faster thawing, you can submerge the ham (in its original packaging) in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
2. Temperature: Take the ham out of the refrigerator 1-2 hours before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.

Cooking Methods

• Oven Baking: This is the most common method.

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Prepare the ham: Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. You can line the pan with foil for easier cleanup. Add about 1/2 inch of water or broth to the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham moist.
  3. Cover the ham: Cover the ham tightly with foil. This prevents it from drying out during the long cooking time.
  4. Bake: Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (without touching the bone) to check the temperature. See more details about checking the Internal%20Temperature.
  5. Glaze (optional): In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil, brush with your desired glaze (see below), and increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Slow Cooker: A good option for smaller hams or when oven space is limited.

  1. Size: Ensure the ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker. You may need to cut it.
  2. Placement: Place the ham cut-side down.
  3. Liquid: Add 1/2-1 cup of liquid (broth, juice, soda) to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Cook: Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until heated through.
  5. Glaze: You can apply a glaze during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, if desired. Ensure the glaze ingredients will combine in slow cooker.

Glazes

A glaze adds flavor and visual appeal. Some popular glaze options include:

• Brown Sugar and Mustard: Combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of vinegar.
• Maple Syrup: Mix maple syrup with Dijon mustard and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Pineapple: Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and ginger. See more about Pineapple%20Recipes.
• Honey: Mix honey with soy sauce and ginger.

Apply the glaze generously during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to allow it to caramelize. Be careful not to burn the glaze.

Serving

Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful ham. Spiral hams are already sliced, making serving easy. You can carve around the bone to release the slices. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. See more Serving%20Options.

Important Considerations

• Don't overcook: Spiral hams are pre-cooked. Overcooking dries them out. Rely on a meat thermometer and cook only until heated through.
• Moisture: Use water or broth in the pan and cover the ham to retain moisture.
• Glaze: Add the glaze during the last part of the cooking time to prevent burning. Look Glaze%20Burning%20Prevention.
• Resting: Let the ham rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.