Spiral ham is a holiday favorite that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether it’s for Christmas, Easter, or a special family dinner, cooking a spiral ham in the oven can be a stress-free experience with the right approach. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook a spiral ham that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
What Is Spiral Ham?
Spiral ham is a fully cooked ham that has been pre-sliced in a continuous spiral around the bone. This makes it easy to serve because the slices come off naturally without much carving effort. Available bone-in or boneless, spiral hams are usually sold pre-cooked and only need reheating, which simplifies the cooking process dramatically.
Preparing Your Spiral Ham for the Oven
Before you start cooking, remove all packaging, including the plastic disk often found on the underside of the bone. This disk must be discarded as it’s not edible.
Place the ham cut-side down in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish. Cover the ham tightly with foil to retain moisture during cooking. This step is crucial to avoid drying out the meat.
Oven Temperature and Cooking Time
The general rule for reheating spiral ham is to bake it at 275°F to 325°F. The exact temperature and time depend on the size of the ham:
– At 325°F, cook the ham for about 12 to 15 minutes per pound.
– At 275°F, estimate about 10 minutes per pound.
– For bone-in hams, cooking time may be slightly longer than boneless hams.
A 7- to 9-pound spiral ham typically takes 2 to 3 hours to heat through properly.
Checking for Doneness
Since spiral ham is pre-cooked, your goal is to heat it through without overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F in the thickest part.
Adding a Glaze for Extra Flavor
Glazing your spiral ham adds a beautiful sweet and savory finish. You can prepare a simple glaze while the ham cooks. A popular glaze includes brown sugar, honey, orange juice, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
How to Glaze Your Ham:
- About 20 to 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil.
- Brush or drizzle your glaze evenly over the ham.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered to let the glaze caramelize and form a slightly crispy coating.
Resting and Serving
Once the ham reaches 140°F and the glaze is set, remove it from the oven. Let the ham rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Before serving, spoon some of the pan juices over the ham for extra moisture and taste.
Tips for the Perfect Spiral Ham
– Always cover the ham with foil during most of the cooking process to prevent drying out.
– Use a roasting pan with a rack if possible, and add a little water or juice to the bottom of the pan to create steam and keep the ham moist.
– Choose a glaze that complements your meal – orange, honey, mustard, and brown sugar are classic options.
– Avoid overcooking by relying on a thermometer rather than just time estimates.
Cooking a spiral ham in the oven is straightforward and rewarding. With minimal prep and a delicious glaze, you’ll have a centerpiece that impresses every time.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy spiral ham!