Cooking a fully cooked smoked spiral ham is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor and tenderness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a casual gathering, a smoked spiral ham is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook a fully cooked smoked spiral ham, including preparation, cooking methods, and serving suggestions.
Understanding Your Smoked Spiral Ham
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of a fully cooked smoked spiral ham. These hams are pre-cooked and smoked to perfection, which means they’re ready to eat straight out of the package. However, to enhance the flavor and texture, it’s recommended to heat them up before serving.
A fully cooked smoked spiral ham typically comes with a glaze packet or a brown sugar crust. The glaze packet is designed to be applied during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, while the brown sugar crust is already applied to the ham. Both options add a sweet and sticky flavor to the ham.
Choosing the Right Size and Type
When selecting a fully cooked smoked spiral ham, consider the number of guests you’re serving and the type of ham you prefer. Smoked spiral hams come in various sizes, ranging from 5-20 pounds. For a small gathering, a 5-7 pound ham is sufficient, while a larger gathering may require a 10-15 pound ham.
There are also different types of smoked spiral hams, including:
- Bone-in hams: These hams have a bone in the center, which can make them more challenging to slice.
- Boneless hams: These hams are easier to slice and serve.
- Honey-glazed hams: These hams have a sweet honey glaze applied to the surface.
- Brown sugar hams: These hams have a brown sugar crust applied to the surface.
Preparation and Cooking Methods
Now that you’ve selected your smoked spiral ham, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Here are the steps to follow:
Preparation
- Remove the ham from the packaging and place it on a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan.
- If your ham comes with a glaze packet, set it aside for later use.
- If your ham has a brown sugar crust, you can skip this step.
Cooking Methods
There are several ways to cook a fully cooked smoked spiral ham, including:
- Oven heating: This is the most common method, which involves heating the ham in a preheated oven.
- Grilling: This method adds a smoky flavor to the ham and can be done on a gas or charcoal grill.
- Slow cooker: This method is perfect for a hands-off approach, where you can cook the ham in a slow cooker while you’re busy with other tasks.
Oven Heating
To cook your smoked spiral ham in the oven, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham on a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan, cut side down.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake the ham for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- If your ham comes with a glaze packet, apply the glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Grilling
To cook your smoked spiral ham on the grill, follow these steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium-low heat.
- Place the ham on a large piece of aluminum foil, cut side down.
- Close the grill lid and cook the ham for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- If your ham comes with a glaze packet, apply the glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Slow Cooker
To cook your smoked spiral ham in a slow cooker, follow these steps:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, cut side down.
- Add 1-2 cups of liquid, such as pineapple juice or cola, to the slow cooker.
- Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- If your ham comes with a glaze packet, apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Once your smoked spiral ham is cooked, it’s time to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Slice the ham thinly and serve it with a side of pineapple rings and cherries.
- Serve the ham with a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss.
- Offer a selection of crackers and breads, such as crostini and baguette slices.
- Create a ham bar with a variety of toppings, such as mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles.
Ham Glaze Recipes
If you want to create your own ham glaze, here are two recipes you can try:
- Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.
- Pineapple Ham Glaze: Mix together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
Conclusion
Cooking a fully cooked smoked spiral ham is a simple process that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor and tenderness. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to please your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a casual gathering, a smoked spiral ham is a great choice. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of a fully cooked smoked spiral ham!
What is a fully cooked smoked spiral ham?
A fully cooked smoked spiral ham is a type of cured ham that has been pre-cooked and smoked to perfection. It is typically made from pork leg meat that has been cured with a blend of spices, salt, and sugar, then smoked to give it a rich, savory flavor. The spiral cut allows for easy slicing and serving.
Fully cooked smoked spiral hams are convenient because they can be served straight from the package, or they can be heated up in the oven or on the stovetop to add a bit of caramelized glaze. They are a popular choice for holidays and special occasions, but they can also be enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or as part of a buffet.
How do I cook a fully cooked smoked spiral ham?
To cook a fully cooked smoked spiral ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a baking dish or roasting pan, and add a bit of liquid to the pan, such as pineapple juice or cola. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
You can also add a glaze to the ham during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. A simple glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and spices can add a rich, caramelized flavor to the ham. Just brush the glaze over the ham and return it to the oven to finish cooking.
Can I cook a fully cooked smoked spiral ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a fully cooked smoked spiral ham in a slow cooker. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker and add a bit of liquid, such as pineapple juice or cola. Cook the ham on low for about 4-6 hours, or until it is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
One of the benefits of cooking a fully cooked smoked spiral ham in a slow cooker is that it allows the ham to stay moist and tender. The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker help to keep the ham juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for serving to a crowd.
How do I glaze a fully cooked smoked spiral ham?
To glaze a fully cooked smoked spiral ham, you will need a bit of sugar, mustard, and spices. You can use a pre-made glaze, or you can make your own by mixing together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, and return the ham to the oven to finish cooking.
The glaze will caramelize and stick to the ham, adding a rich, sweet flavor. You can also add other ingredients to the glaze, such as pineapple juice or honey, to give it a bit of extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar and spices to taste.
Can I serve a fully cooked smoked spiral ham at room temperature?
Yes, you can serve a fully cooked smoked spiral ham at room temperature. In fact, this is a great way to serve the ham, especially if you are hosting a buffet or party. Simply slice the ham and arrange it on a platter or serving dish, and serve it alongside your favorite sides and condiments.
One of the benefits of serving a fully cooked smoked spiral ham at room temperature is that it allows the flavors to meld together and the ham to stay moist. The ham will also be easier to slice and serve, making it perfect for a crowd.
How do I store leftover fully cooked smoked spiral ham?
To store leftover fully cooked smoked spiral ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it within two hours of serving. The ham will keep for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator, or it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When storing leftover ham, be sure to keep it at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. You can also freeze the ham in airtight containers or freezer bags to keep it fresh for longer.
Can I freeze a fully cooked smoked spiral ham?
Yes, you can freeze a fully cooked smoked spiral ham. In fact, freezing is a great way to keep the ham fresh for longer. Simply wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The ham will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When freezing a fully cooked smoked spiral ham, be sure to label the package with the date and contents, and store it at 0°F (-18°C) or below. You can also freeze individual slices of ham for up to 2 months, making it easy to grab a quick snack or add to a meal.