Cooking a precooked spiral ham might sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the easiest and most rewarding dishes you can prepare. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, a precooked spiral ham offers convenience, flavor, and a beautiful presentation with its perfectly sliced layers. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to cook a precooked spiral ham to juicy, tender perfection.
What Is a Precooked Spiral Ham?
A precooked spiral ham is a fully cooked ham that has been sliced in a spiral pattern around the bone. This means it’s ready to eat right out of the package but benefits from gentle reheating to bring out its flavor and warmth. The spiral cuts make serving easy, as the slices naturally separate when heated.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Your Precooked Spiral Ham
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). This moderate temperature allows the ham to warm evenly without drying out.
2. Prepare the Ham
– Remove all packaging, including any plastic wrap and the plastic disk that sometimes covers the bone on the underside of the ham.
– Place the ham cut side down on a wire rack inside a shallow roasting pan or baking dish.
– Add a little liquid to the pan, such as water, chicken broth, or fruit juice (pineapple or orange juice works wonderfully). This helps keep the ham moist during cooking.
3. Cover and Heat
– Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
– Bake the ham for about 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the ham.
4. Glazing the Ham (Optional but Recommended)
About 20-30 minutes before the ham is done:
– Remove the foil.
– Brush your favorite glaze over the ham, making sure to get some glaze between the spiral slices for maximum flavor.
– Return the ham to the oven uncovered.
– Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) to caramelize the glaze and add a beautiful color and flavor to the ham.
– Baste the ham with glaze every 10-15 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
Easy and Delicious Glaze Ideas
A glaze transforms your ham from simple to spectacular. Here are some popular glaze ingredients you can mix and match:
– Brown sugar
– Honey or maple syrup
– Dijon mustard
– Pineapple or orange juice
– Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or allspice
For example, a classic glaze might combine brown sugar, orange juice, and Dijon mustard, simmered until thickened. Brush this over the ham before the final baking stage.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Spiral Ham
– Don’t skip the foil cover at first: Keeping the ham covered during the initial heating phase locks in moisture.
– Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure the ham is heated through but not dried out.
– Rest before serving: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every slice juicy.
– Baste often during glazing: Repeatedly brushing the glaze while baking ensures a rich, flavorful crust.
– Remove plastic disks: These are heat-sensitive and must be discarded before cooking.
Serving and Storing Leftovers
Once your ham is cooked and rested, slice along the spiral cuts and serve with your favorite sides. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and used in sandwiches, salads, or soups.
Cooking a precooked spiral ham is straightforward and rewarding. With these simple steps, your ham will be the star of any meal-juicy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed.
Enjoy your delicious ham feast!