Cooking a Spiral Ham
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Additional Time
10 mins
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Servings
16 -20 servings
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Calories
580 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cooking a Spiral Ham
Description
Cooking a Spiral Ham involves preparing a bone-in, spiral cut ham between 7 and 10 pounds by first trimming and drying the meat to ensure proper fitting and flavor absorption. The ham is coated with a glaze made from melted butter and honey, seasoned with a blend of sugar, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, smoked paprika, and allspice. The slow cooker gently warms the ham on low for 3-4 hours maintaining moisture and flavor without drying out the meat.
Alternatively, the oven method roasts the ham at 275°F (135°C) covered with foil to retain juices, approximately 10-15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. This slow roasting is followed by applying the sugar glaze for extra sweetness and a caramelized finish. The process ensures tender slices infused with sweet and warming spices that complement the natural saltiness.
Serving this ham is suitable for large gatherings or holidays, providing flavorful slices without the need for complex preparation. The recipe notes variations for warming preferences and confirms the spice blend's gluten-free compatibility, helpful for dietary considerations.
The glaze's balance of sweetness and spice can be adjusted by modifying honey and sugar amounts, especially for larger hams. Properly fitting the ham in the cooking vessel and removing plastic parts from the bone are important preparation steps to ensure safety and optimal results.
Ingredients
- 7-10 pound ham remove from fridge 30-60 minutes before warming, pat dry with paper towels, bone-in, spiral cut
- 2-3 tablespoons butter melted
- 3-4 tablespoons honey
- 1-1 ½ cups sugar I used all-natural cane sugar, use a little more for larger hams.
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼-½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ground
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika regular may also be used
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
Warming Spiral Sliced Ham in Crockpot (other methods see notes)
- Trim ham (7-10 lb), especially if your ham is larger than 8 pounds, don’t worry you can still tuck those pieces into the slow cooker. Be sure to remove any plastic discs from ham bone and discard ham glaze mixture that comes with ham. Make sure the ham will fit with the lid on in the crockpot.
- Using paper towels, pat the ham dry before applying any glaze.
- Place ham (and pieces) into slow cooker, ensuring your lid will still fit, trim additional if needed. My last ham was 10.55 pounds and still fit my 7-quart crock pot.
- Combine melted butter (2-3 TBL) and honey (3-4 TBL) in a small bowl (use larger amounts for a larger ham). Massage all over ham, between slices as much as possible. Turn so that ham sits flat side down and cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. Do not cook on high, this will dry out your ham.If your lid doesn't fit, wrap crockpot in heavy duty aluminum foil and place cover on top. See notes if you prefer room temperature ham.
- After your ham is warmed through, preheat the broiler to HIGH or 475° F, and place a rack in the lower portion of the oven, making sure your ham and roaster will fit easily. For less mess, line a roasting pan with heavy duty aluminum foil.
- Combine sugar (1-1 ½ cups), seasoning salt (½-¾ tsp), onion powder (½-¾ tsp), garlic powder (¼-½ tsp), cinnamon (½-¾ tsp), nutmeg (½-¾ tsp), ginger (¼-½ tsp), cloves (¼-½ tsp), ¼-½ tsp smoked paprika, allspice (⅛-¼ tsp) in a small bowl. Split into two equal batches. Rub or pat half of the sugar mixture all over the top of the ham. If you have a larger ham, use the larger amounts.
- Broil ham for 2-3 minutes (watching closely), until bubbly and candied, remove from oven. Or preheat to 475° F (245° C) and watch closely.
- Add remaining sugar mixture to a small saucepan, pouring in 3 tablespoons of water or ham juices (I prefer ham juices for optimal flavor). I also add an additional splash 1-2 ounces) of bourbon or whisky to the glaze. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, boil for one minute, remove from heat.
- Pour or brush glaze over the ham and between slices, then caramelize at 475° or broil again for 1-2 minutes (again, watch to make sure it doesn’t burn). Remove from oven and allow ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Allow to sit 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving, do not cover, you don't want the crusty sugar glaze to soften.
Notes
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking and pat dry to improve glaze adherence.
- Trim the ham as needed to fit your slow cooker; leftover pieces can be tucked in and heated with the main ham.
- The honey-butter glaze is essential; massage it generously between slices for full flavor penetration.
- Choose the warming method that suits your kitchen equipment; oven roasting offers a traditional approach while slow cooking is convenient and maintains moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F for safe serving.
- Check that spices used are gluten-free if dietary restrictions apply.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16-20 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 580kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 2440mg | 102% |
| Potassium | 574mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 60IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.05mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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