Cooking a delicious spiral ham for a holiday meal or family gathering can seem intimidating. Many wonder if it’s possible to cook a spiral ham in a Dutch oven and achieve perfect results. The good news is that a Dutch oven is an excellent vessel for cooking spiral ham!
In this complete guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook a juicy, flavorful spiral ham in a Dutch oven. We’ll cover
- Benefits of using a Dutch oven
- Choosing the right size spiral ham
- Preparing the ham and Dutch oven
- Step-by-step cooking instructions
- Making a sweet glaze
- Serving suggestions
- Storing and reheating leftovers
Why Cook Spiral Ham in a Dutch Oven?
A Dutch oven is a thick, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid. This construction makes it ideal for cooking spiral ham for several reasons:
- The thick walls retain heat, ensuring even cooking. No hot or cold spots!
- The tight lid locks in moisture. Your ham will turn out incredibly juicy and tender.
- The enclosed environment means you don’t have to baste. Set it and forget it!
- Dutch ovens can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. Very versatile.
Cooking spiral ham in a Dutch oven gives you juicy, flavorful results every time with less effort.
Choosing the Right Size Spiral Ham
When selecting a spiral ham to cook in your Dutch oven, size matters. You want to choose one that will fit comfortably with the lid on.
For a 6-quart Dutch oven, look for a 4 to 5 pound boneless spiral ham. An 8-quart Dutch oven can accommodate a ham up to 7 pounds.
Keep the size of your pot in mind. You don’t want to try cramming an oversized ham in your Dutch oven.
Preparing the Ham and Dutch Oven
Before cooking a little prep work helps ensure perfect results
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Let the ham sit out: Remove ham from packaging and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly.
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Score the fat: Use a sharp knife to cut a diamond pattern in the top fat cap. This helps the glaze penetrate.
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Add liquid: Place ham in pot, fat side up. Add 1 cup of water, apple juice, ginger ale, etc. This keeps the bottom from drying out.
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Cover tightly: Put the lid on your Dutch oven and seal tightly. This locks in moisture.
That’s all the prep work needed! Now you’re ready to start cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect Dutch oven spiral ham:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. This low, even heat is ideal for gentle warming.
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Place Dutch oven in oven. Let the ham cook for about 10-15 minutes per pound. Check temperature periodically.
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Cook until 140°F internal temp. Use a meat thermometer to test. Cook times vary based on size.
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Mix up your glaze. While ham cooks, whisk together your desired glaze ingredients.
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Brush on glaze. Once ham reaches 140°F, remove from oven and brush with glaze.
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Increase heat to 425°F. Return ham to oven and cook until glaze is caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
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Let rest before slicing. Allow ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
It’s that easy! Low and slow warming followed by a quick glaze.
Making a Sweet Glaze
While the spiral ham cooks, you can prepare a simple and delicious glaze. Here are two options:
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Maple Mustard Glaze
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Brush over ham once it reaches 140°F internal temperature.
The glaze adds a lovely glossy sheen and balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Serving Suggestions
A spiral ham cooked in a Dutch oven needs no complicated side dishes. Here are some easy pairings:
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Scalloped potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
- Fruit salad
Simple sides allow the flavor of the ham to take center stage. A spiral ham cooked in a Dutch oven makes an easy, elegant entrée.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Here are some tips:
- Allow ham to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store sliced ham in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, pasta dishes, and more!
- Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
A cooked spiral ham keeps well for several days. Get creative with leftovers!
FAQs
Should I baste my ham while it cooks?
No basting is needed! The tight seal of the Dutch oven lid locks in moisture. Opening the pot leads to heat loss.
Can I cook an uncooked fresh ham in a Dutch oven?
No, only cook fully cooked hams. An uncooked ham would take much longer cooking time.
What if my ham won’t fit in my pot?
Choose a smaller ham or use a larger Dutch oven. It’s important for the lid to seal tightly.
Do I really need a meat thermometer?
Yes! It’s the only way to accurately determine doneness and food safety. Instant-read thermometers are inexpensive.
Make Delicious Dutch Oven Spiral Ham
Cooking spiral ham in a Dutch oven results in a flavorful, juicy entrée with very little effort. The key steps are choosing the right size ham, adding liquid to the pot, sealing the lid tightly, and cooking low and slow.
Finished off under the broiler with a sweet glaze, spiral ham cooked in a Dutch oven makes for an elegant and memorable meal. Give this method a try for your next holiday dinner!