How to Cook a Delicious Ham

8. Cooking Variations

Slow cookers are also a convenient and easy way to prepare a ham. Cover the bottom of the cooker with brown sugar then place the ham, cut side down, on top of the sugar. Rub brown sugar over the exposed areas of the ham and cover. An eight-pound spiral ham should fit nicely into a seven-quart cooker, but you can trim if needed. Simmer on low for four to five hours. You can also use a smoker to prepare a flavorful ham as well. Use a dry rub of your choice. Load the ham on the middle rack of the smoker, and cook at 225 degrees for about two and a half hours, basting every 30 to 45 minutes with an acidic liquid such as apple cider or orange juice. Smoking a ham takes about 20 minutes per pound for a pre-cooked ham.