Kitchen

[Q4u]

Mistake, my roaster is an 18 quart size.

[Sooner]

You aren't COOKING a spiral sliced ham; you are heating the ham. I wouldn't add water to it because steam is very hot and that might "cook"/heat it faster and make it release too much fat and liquid.

I always follow package directions but just cover the ham loosely with foil, and don't make it tight on the ham. I have also not used foil at all, putting the cut side of the ham down flat in the pan (for a half ham).

You want to get the meat hot enough to get the fat/juices running and going through the meat but not cook it so much that all of the fat and juices pour OUT of the ham. You sort of have to follow the times given, maybe heat it a bit more, but keep an eye on it near the end time. You can easily tell when it is moist and heated through just by peeking in at it and sort of pulling it apart a little.

[Ainhisg]

luvsbulldogs, I promise you that this method will net you a juicy, delicious spiral-sliced ham! Preheat your oven to 275 and use the lowest oven rack position. Use a turkey-sized oven bag, put a tablespoon of flour in it, shake it around, and place the bag in a roaster pan. Place your ham in the bag cut side down. Cut six 1/2 inch slits in the bag, close it per package instructions, and bake it at 275 for about 15 minutes per pound. At the minimum time, check to see if the internal meat (make sure you don't hit a bone) is at 140 degrees. If not, continue cooking until it is. Let it rest covered for 15 minutes, and then slice. And I have to say that Aldi Appleton spiral-sliced hams are one of the best ones out there!

[luvsbulldogs]

On 1/3/2015 Sooner said:

You aren't COOKING a spiral sliced ham; you are heating the ham. I wouldn't add water to it because steam is very hot and that might "cook"/heat it faster and make it release too much fat and liquid.

I always follow package directions but just cover the ham loosely with foil, and don't make it tight on the ham. I have also not used foil at all, putting the cut side of the ham down flat in the pan (for a half ham).

You want to get the meat hot enough to get the fat/juices running and going through the meat but not cook it so much that all of the fat and juices pour OUT of the ham. You sort of have to follow the times given, maybe heat it a bit more, but keep an eye on it near the end time. You can easily tell when it is moist and heated through just by peeking in at it and sort of pulling it apart a little.

I will definitely try wrapping the ham next time. I feel the cooking time was way too long. When I uncovered the ham all the juices had run out...thank goodness I did not place in water....and steam came pouring out of the ham. Also the slices were separated which I feel dried it out. DH wants to try again so I will definitely give it another go around.

[luvsbulldogs]

On 1/3/2015 Tgbtg said:

luvsbulldogs, I promise you that this method will net you a juicy, delicious spiral-sliced ham! Preheat your oven to 275 and use the lowest oven rack position. Use a turkey-sized oven bag, put a tablespoon of flour in it, shake it around, and place the bag in a roaster pan. Place your ham in the bag cut side down. Cut six 1/2 inch slits in the bag, close it per package instructions, and bake it at 275 for about 15 minutes per pound. At the minimum time, check to see if the internal meat (make sure you don't hit a bone) is at 140 degrees. If not, continue cooking until it is. Let it rest covered for 15 minutes, and then slice. And I have to say that Aldi Appleton spiral-sliced hams are one of the best ones out there!

Great idea....will give it a try.

[luvsbulldogs]

Thanks everyone you have all given me a lot of great ideas. I am not giving up and will be trying again. I have to remember that I am not cooking the ham but rather reheating it. Thanks again everyone!!!

[debcakes]

I think that Tgbtg's method sounds great. Bags cook things very well.

Here is the method that works for me. I put the spiral ham flat side down in my large slow cooker. Sometimes I have to trim them a bit but this year's ham fit perfectly. Pour a can of beer over it and set it on low. You may need 4 hrs. but since it is precooked, it doesn't make a lot of difference. Just before I serve it, I take it out and put it in the oven with the glaze for 10-15 min. The ham is super tender and delicious. I also have my oven free for other things. The liquid left in the slow cooker will make a wonderful stock for potato soup or other soup of your choice.

[DiAnne]

If we are having ham I always purchase a Honey Baked Ham. They are already cooked - no cooking necessary. Leave on counter to come to room temp. When sides come out of oven, turn off oven, slip ham platter into oven while putting everything else on table. That's it - 10 minutes tops.