Honey-Baked Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare a honey-baked spiral ham? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the wonders of making a succulent honey-baked spiral ham in the slow cooker. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish!
Why Choose a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker to make your honey-baked spiral ham has numerous advantages. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a juicy and tender ham. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Simply set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other preparations or spend more time with your loved ones.
The Magic of Honey
Honey is nature’s sweet nectar and adds a delightful touch to any dish. When it comes to honey-baked spiral ham, the sweetness of honey perfectly complements the savory flavors of the ham. As the ham cooks in the slow cooker, the honey caramelizes, creating a heavenly glaze that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Preparation is Key
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare your ham properly. Make sure to remove any packaging and excess fat from the ham. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. This will also help the glaze adhere to the ham, creating a beautiful caramelized crust.
Slow Cooker Simplicity
Once your ham is prepared, it’s time to place it in the slow cooker. The slow cooker acts as a gentle incubator, ensuring that the ham cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Set the temperature to low and let it cook for several hours, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.
Glaze it to Perfection
No honey-baked spiral ham is complete without a tantalizing glaze. In a separate bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices of your choice. Brush this heavenly concoction over the ham, ensuring that it coats every nook and cranny. The slow cooker will work its magic, allowing the glaze to infuse into the ham, resulting in a sticky and delicious masterpiece.
The Waiting Game
Now comes the hardest part – waiting! As the ham cooks in the slow cooker, your kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of honey and spices. You can use this time to prepare other dishes or simply relax and savor the anticipation of the delicious meal that awaits.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
A: While this recipe specifically focuses on honey-baked spiral ham, you can certainly experiment with other meats. Pork loin or beef roast can be great alternatives that would benefit from slow cooking and a honey glaze.
Q: How long should I cook the ham in the slow cooker?
A: The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the temperature setting of your slow cooker. As a general guideline, plan for approximately 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. It’s always recommended to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Q: Can I add additional spices to the glaze?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the glaze by adding spices such as cloves, cinnamon, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Let your taste buds guide you and experiment with different flavor combinations.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. This can save you time and make the cooking process even more convenient.
Q: Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! A bone-in ham will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in hams may take slightly longer to cook.
Q: Can I use a pre-cooked ham?
A: Yes, you can use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter since the ham is already cooked. Aim to heat it through and allow the flavors to meld together.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Leftover honey-baked spiral ham can be frozen for future use. Slice the ham and store it in an airtight container or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply defrost and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: How can I serve the honey-baked spiral ham?
A: The possibilities are endless! You can serve the ham as the centerpiece of a festive holiday meal, slice it for sandwiches, or use it as a topping for salads and pizzas. Get creative and let your culinary imagination run wild!
In Conclusion
Preparing a honey-baked spiral ham in the slow cooker is a simple and rewarding culinary adventure. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and creates a tender and juicy ham that will leave your guests impressed. So, why wait? Grab your slow cooker, some honey, and get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Honey-Baked Spiral Ham in the Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 1 (8-pound) spiral-cut ham , or more as desired
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Apply cooking spray to the slow cooker insert and place the ham inside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until the sugar is melted and the ingredients are well combined, for about 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Pour water into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, pour the sauce over the ham. Cover the slow cooker.
- Cook the ham in the slow cooker on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Every hour, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom.
- Remove the ham from the slow cooker. Pour the juices from the bottom into a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water together, then pour it into the saucepan. Cook until the mixture thickens into a glaze, for about 6 to 8 minutes. Use the glaze to pour over the ham or as a gravy.
- If the lid doesn't fit over your ham, you can create an aluminum foil tent. This is particularly useful if you have an 8-pound ham that doesn't fit in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the ham in your oven. Create a tent with foil and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes per pound. Baste the
