The aroma of a roasting ham can instantly transport you to joyful holiday memories. Whether it’s for Easter, Christmas, or a special Sunday dinner, ham is a beloved centerpiece for any occasion. For a truly memorable meal, try cooking a maple glazed ham in an electric roaster oven. The sweet and sticky glaze enhances the savory, smoky flavor of the spiral cut ham, leaving your guests craving for more.
Why Opt for an Electric Roaster Oven?
An electric roaster oven is like a compact version of a regular oven, powered by electricity. I like to think of it as a blend of a Crock-Pot and a toaster oven. While it’s commonly used to roast Thanksgiving turkeys, it’s also incredibly useful for creating extra oven space during holiday feasts. By cooking your maple glazed ham in a roaster oven, you can free up your regular oven for other delectable dishes such as potatoes, rolls, cakes, pies, or roasted vegetables. The versatility of an electric roaster oven extends beyond holiday ham or turkey. You can use it to cook two whole chickens at once or prepare large quantities of baked potatoes, stews, chilis, ribs, roasts, sauces, hams, casseroles, pies, and more, making it the perfect companion for catering to large groups.
Choosing the Best Electric Roaster
For optimal results, I recommend the 22-Quart Oster Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid. With a capacity to cook a turkey up to 26 pounds, it’s a reliable choice. I’ve personally used this updated version for over five years, and it still performs flawlessly. Some models even come with removable serving dishes, which I find to be a great investment. They not only make serving at parties a breeze but are also available for separate purchase. Electric roasters typically range in price from $30 to $130, depending on size and quality. While an electric roaster can take up valuable kitchen space, storing it in its original cardboard box in the basement or another storage area can minimize clutter.
Selecting the Perfect Spiral Ham
When purchasing a ham for your maple glazed masterpiece, aim for a high-quality, fully cooked ham, also known as a city ham. Look for the words “fully cooked” on the packaging. Opt for a bone-in, spiral-sliced ham for easy serving and an attractive presentation. As a general guideline, plan for each person to consume approximately 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham. Some spiral hams come with a glaze packet; although this recipe includes a homemade glaze, you can incorporate the contents of the glaze packet for added flavor.
Mastering the Art of Food Thermometers
Cooking a large piece of meat like a maple glazed ham can be effortless with the help of a probe-style food thermometer. I personally recommend the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Ambidextrous Backlit Professional Digital Cooking Thermometer for accurate temperature readings. For an even more precise option, the ThermoWorks ChefAlarm, rated #1 by Cook’s Illustrated, won’t disappoint. To use a food thermometer effectively, insert the probe into the center of the ham, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. Set the alarm to alert you when the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can ensure that your spiral ham is cooked to perfection without compromising its juiciness.
Preparing and Heating the Ham to Perfection
The key to cooking a mouthwatering maple glazed ham in an electric roaster is to heat it thoroughly while keeping it moist. Follow these expert tips for impeccable results:
- Begin by tightly wrapping the ham in foil to retain its moisture.
- Heat the ham slowly in a moist environment. The compact space of the electric roaster oven helps to trap moisture, preventing the ham from drying out.
- Monitor the ham’s internal temperature using a food thermometer.
During the cooking process, apply a generous amount of the homemade maple glaze when the ham is about three-quarters done. Repeat the glazing process when the ham is almost finished. For an extra caramelized glaze, increase the heat and uncover the ham during the last few minutes of cooking.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Maple Glazed Ham
Now, let’s go through the simple step-by-step process of creating a masterpiece with your maple glazed ham:
- Pour 2-4 cups of water into the bottom of the electric roaster and place the roasting rack inside. Ensure that the water covers the bottom to a depth of about 1/4 inch.
- Lay down a few sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a countertop, overlapping them to prevent any juices from leaking out. You’ll need enough foil to completely envelop the ham.
- Carefully remove the ham from its packaging, trying to save any accumulated juices inside.
- Place the ham on its side, with the cut side facing you. This positioning allows the glaze to seep into the ham slices, enhancing the flavors.
- Wrap the ham tightly with the foil, leaving the top open, and place it on the roasting rack inside the electric roaster.
- Insert the thermometer probe into the center of the ham, avoiding contact with the bone.
- Pour any juices from the packaging onto the ham. Secure the foil to wrap the ham tightly, ensuring it’s loose enough to open later for glazing.
- Securely place the lid on the electric roaster, making sure it’s tightly sealed. The flexible wire of the probe thermometer allows for easy closure. Set the electric roaster to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and program the thermometer to alert you when the ham reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the electric roaster reaches 275 degrees, the ham will require approximately 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound to heat through. For an eight-pound ham, this means just over two hours of cooking time.
- Aim to finish cooking the ham about half an hour before serving. If you require additional warming time, keep the ham covered to prevent it from drying out.
- After cooking for about three-quarters of the estimated time or when the ham’s internal temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to apply the glaze. Remove the lid from the roaster, open the foil wrapping on top, and pour two-thirds of the glaze mixture over the ham, reserving the remaining third for later.
- Re-wrap the ham and replace the lid on the roaster.
- Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, use a pastry brush to apply the remaining glaze over the ham.
- Re-wrap the ham and continue heating it at 275 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For an optional final touch, open the foil and turn up the roaster to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the ham at this temperature with the lid on and the foil open for ten minutes. This step caramelizes the maple glaze and adds a crispy, dark crust to the outside of the ham. Keep in mind that it may slightly dry out the ham. I personally enjoy this crusty texture, but feel free to skip this step if you prefer a more tender finish.
Serving Your Maple Glazed Ham
Present your stunning maple glazed ham on a platter adorned with lettuce, grapes, or sliced oranges for a vibrant touch. Don’t let the precious maple syrup glaze go to waste; pour the liquid left behind in the foil over the ham to enhance its moisture, flavor, and shine. However, it’s advisable not to use all the liquid, as it may add excess sugar and salt to your holiday feast.
Enjoy the process of creating a showstopping maple glazed ham in an electric roaster oven! Witness the delight on your guests’ faces as they savor this timeless holiday dish. The best part? No one needs to know how easy it was to prepare!
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