How to use an electric roaster oven to cook a sweet and sticky ham. This will make a holiday dinner that your guests will remember.
The irresistible smell of a ham roasting in the oven is sure to bring back happy holiday memories. One of the easiest and most popular holiday meals to make is ham. You can make it for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
My favorite recipe for special occasions is maple glazed ham in an electric roaster oven. The maple glaze adds just enough sweetness to bring out the spiral ham’s savory, smoky flavor.
Cooking a spiral ham in a roaster oven is one of the easiest ways to prepare this holiday favorite The moist, controlled environment of the roaster oven ensures your ham turns out tender and full of flavor every time.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through my proven step-by-step method for cooking picture-perfect spiral ham in a roaster oven. You’ll learn how to select the right size ham, prep it for the oven, master roaster oven cooking times, use a meat thermometer, and more.
Let’s dive in and discover how to make this impressive centerpiece shine at your next gathering!
Why Cook Spiral Ham in a Roaster Oven?
Roaster ovens provide even, moist heat distribution which is ideal for large cuts of meat like ham. This environment allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, sealing in juices and enhancing natural flavors.
Other benefits of using a roaster oven include
- Frees up oven space for side dishes
- Hams cook faster than in a regular oven
- Easy set-and-forget method with a meat thermometer
- Self-basting lids on many models keep ham moist
I recommend an 18-22 quart roaster oven for hams up to 15 pounds The cylindrical shape circulates hot air evenly around the ham for the best results,
Choosing the Right Spiral Ham
When selecting a store-bought spiral ham, there are a few things to look for:
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Fully cooked – Hams labeled “fully cooked” are ready to heat and eat. This saves time and effort.
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Bone-in – Bone-in hams have more flavor and retain moisture better. The bone prevents the meat from drying out.
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Spiral sliced – Look for hams sliced in a spiral pattern. The slices make serving much easier.
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Size – Allow 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound of ham per person. An 8 to 10 pound ham feeds 8 to 15.
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Glaze packet – Many hams include a sweet glaze packet. We’ll use this later for extra flavor.
Once you’ve selected the perfect spiral ham, it’s time to start prepping it for the roaster oven.
Preparing Your Spiral Ham
Properly preparing the ham prior to cooking ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor.
Follow these simple prep steps:
- If frozen, thaw completely in the fridge for 24 hours per 5 pounds.
- Remove packaging and discard any plastic or netting.
- Separate slices if stuck together.
- Place ham flat side down in a roasting pan.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate.
- Apply the glaze packet if your ham came with one. Massage it into the grooves.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of ham, avoiding the bone.
Your spiral ham is now ready for the roaster oven!
Cooking Your Spiral Ham in a Roaster Oven
With your ham fully prepped, it’s time to transfer it into the roaster oven to cook.
Follow these steps for roaster oven ham perfection:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F. This takes 15-20 minutes.
- Place ham flat side down on roasting rack. Centering it allows for optimal air circulation.
- Add 1 cup water to the roaster oven bottom to keep humidity high.
- Cover tightly with lid to seal in moisture. If needed, use foil.
- Cook approximately 18-20 minutes per pound, until thermometer reaches 140°F. An 8 lb. ham takes 2 1⁄2 hours.
- Glaze ham again after 2 hours, if desired. Brush on remaining glaze packet or homemade glaze.
- Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Using a meat thermometer is vital to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F. Checking temperature with instant read thermometers at regular intervals also prevents overcooking.
Testing Ham for Doneness
There are two easy ways to test spiral ham for doneness while roasting:
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Use a meat thermometer – Insert into thickest part of ham. It’s done at 140°F.
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Check for shrinking meat – Meat will pull away from the bone when fully cooked.
The ham should reach the target internal temperature in approximately 18-20 minutes per pound. For example, an 8 lb. ham takes around 2 1⁄2 hours at 325°F.
Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness testing. Visual checks are helpful but thermometers are foolproof.
Making a Sweet Glaze
Adding a glossy, flavorful glaze takes your spiral ham to the next level. While hams often come with a glaze packet, it’s easy to whip up homemade glazes too.
Here is my recipe for a maple brown sugar glaze:
- 1⁄2 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger or allspice
Simply combine the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow to come to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Brush half the glaze over the ham after 2 hours in the roaster oven. Use the rest to coat the ham during the last 30 minutes.
Adding another layer of glaze at the end allows it to caramelize slightly for a beautiful presentation.
Step-By-Step Spiral Ham Roasting Guide
For easy reference, here is a complete step-by-step overview of the spiral ham roasting process:
- Thaw ham completely if frozen
- Remove packaging and netting
- Place ham flat side down in roasting pan
- Score fat and apply glaze packet
- Insert meat thermometer, avoiding bone
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F
- Place ham on rack, centered in oven
- Add 1 cup water to roaster oven bottom
- Cover ham tightly with lid or foil
- Roast approximately 18-20 minutes per pound
- After 2 hours, brush with some glaze
- Continue roasting until 140°F internal temperature
- During last 30 minutes, coat with remaining glaze
- Allow ham to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing
Follow these simple steps, use a meat thermometer, and your roaster oven ham will turn out moist and full of flavor every time.
Roaster Oven Ham Recipe (Maple Glazed)
Now that you’re a pro at roasting spiral ham, give this delicious maple glazed ham recipe a try at your next gathering.
Maple Glazed Spiral Ham
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes per pound
Total Time: Varies based on weight
Ingredients:
- 5-8 lb. fully cooked spiral sliced bone-in ham
- 1⁄2 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup apple juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1⁄4 tsp ground ginger or allspice
Instructions:
- Prep ham according to guide above
- Make glaze – boil ingredients 2-3 minutes
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F
- Cook ham 18-20 minutes per lb. to 140°F
- After 2 hours, brush with some glaze
- Coat with remaining glaze last 30 minutes
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing
This sweet and sticky maple ham is sure to be a hit at your next holiday meal or gathering. The roaster oven allows you to free up oven space while ensuring tender, juicy results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about cooking spiral ham in a roaster oven? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What size roaster oven should I use?
For hams up to 15 pounds, use an 18-22 quart roaster oven. Larger capacity ovens can accommodate bigger hams if needed.
Should I cover the ham while it cooks?
Yes, keeping the ham covered retains moisture and prevents drying out. Use the lid or foil.
How long does a 10 lb. ham take to cook?
At 325°F, allow approximately 18-20 minutes per pound. So a 10 lb. ham takes 3 to 3 1⁄2 hours.
Can I use an oven bag instead of foil?
Oven bag manufacturers advise against using them in roaster ovens. The smaller space can cause melting. Stick to foil for best results.
My ham came with a glaze. When should I apply it?
Brush on some glaze halfway through cooking, then again in the last 30 minutes. This adds flavor and helps caramelize.
Is it safe to eat spiral ham cold?
Yes, fully cooked spiral ham stays safe when served chilled. Simply slice, cover, and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cooked ham freezes well for 2-3 months. Slice ham first, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in fridge before using.
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Spiral Ham
Now there’s no need to fret over cooking spiral ham ever again. With this complete guide, you have all the information needed to roast a juicy, tender holiday ham in your electric roaster oven.
Key takeaways include:
- Select a fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham
- Prep ham with scored fat and glaze
- Cook low and slow at 325°F
- Allow 18-20 minutes per pound
- Use a meat thermometer to 140°F
- Glaze ham twice for maximum flavor
Treat your guests to a beautiful, impressive maple glazed ham that they won’t soon forget! Here’s to your new favorite way to roast holiday ham.
Preparing and Heating the Ham
When cooking an electric roaster maple-glazed ham, it’s important to keep the ham warm all the way through so it doesn’t dry out. Here are some helpful tips:
- Tightly wrap the ham in foil to keep moisture inside.
- Heat slowly in a moist environment. As an electric roaster has less space than a regular oven, it keeps the meat moist while it cooks.
- Using a food thermometer to monitor the ham’s internal temperature
Some of the homemade maple glaze will be put on the ham when it’s 3/4 of the way done cooking and again when it’s almost done. You can also raise the heat and remove the lid from the ham in the last few minutes of cooking if you want the maple glaze to turn caramelized.
How To Cook a Maple Glazed Ham
Here are the easy step-by-step instructions for my maple glazed ham recipe:
- Put 2 to 4 cups of water in the bottom of the electric roaster to start. Add enough water to the roaster’s bottom to cover it by about 1/4 inch. Place the roasting rack inside.
- Cover a counter or work surface with several sheets of aluminum foil. Make sure the sheets overlap so the ham juices don’t leak out between them. Use heavy-duty foil. You want enough foil to completely cover the ham. Three sheets of regular-sized foil are likely to be enough. Two sheets of jumbo, extra-large foil will be enough.
- Carefully take the ham out of its packaging. If the packaging has juices that have built up, try to save those to pour back on the ham before roasting.
- Lay the ham on its side so that the cut side faces you. This is important so that when you pour the glaze on, some of it gets stuck between the ham slices and makes each bite taste even better.
- Wrap the foil around the ham, but don’t close the top. Place the ham in the roaster on the roasting rack.
- Next, put the thermometer probe in the middle of the ham. Try not to touch the bone with the probe.
- If you have any, pour the juice from the package over the ham. Make sure the foil is tight around the ham, but leave some space around the edges so you can open it later to pour the glaze on.
- Put the lid on the electric roaster and make sure it’s tight. You can still close the lid because the probe thermometer’s wire is thin and bendable. Turn on your electric roaster to 275 degrees F. Pick a timer to go off when the ham reaches 140 degrees F.
- When the oven gets to 275 degrees, it will take 15 to 20 minutes per pound of ham to cook all the way through. It takes a little more than two hours to heat through an eight-pound ham.
- Plan to serve the ham about thirty minutes before it’s ready. It’s okay to keep the ham warm for up to two hours, but it might get dry. Be sure to keep it covered.