Spiral sliced ham is a holiday favorite and a perfect centerpiece for any special meal. Since it’s already pre-cooked and sliced, cooking it is all about warming it through without drying it out and adding a delicious glaze for that extra flavor punch. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook a spiral sliced ham perfectly, this guide will walk you through every step with easy-to-follow tips and tasty glaze ideas.
What Is a Spiral Sliced Ham?
A spiral sliced ham is a fully cooked ham that has been cut in a continuous spiral around the bone. This makes it incredibly easy to serve because the slices naturally fall apart, whether served warm or cold. Typically weighing between 8 and 11 pounds, spiral hams are convenient and popular for holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, but they’re great any time of year.
Preparing Your Spiral Ham for Cooking
Before you start cooking, take these simple steps:
– Remove all packaging, including any plastic wrap and the small plastic disk that often covers the bone on the underside of the ham.
– Place the ham cut side down in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish. This helps retain moisture during cooking.
– Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out while heating.
How Long and at What Temperature Should You Cook a Spiral Ham?
Because spiral hams are pre-cooked, your goal is to warm the ham through to an internal temperature of 140°F without overcooking it.
– Preheat your oven to 275°F to 325°F. Many experts recommend 325°F for a good balance of warming speed and moisture retention.
– Cook the ham for about 12-15 minutes per pound at 325°F or about 10 minutes per pound if cooking at a slightly lower temperature like 275°F.
– Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 140°F. Remove the ham when it reaches this temperature to avoid drying out.
Adding a Glaze for Extra Flavor
A glaze is the secret to turning a simple spiral ham into a show-stopping dish. Here’s how to do it right:
– Prepare your glaze while the ham is cooking. Popular glaze ingredients include brown sugar, honey, orange or pineapple juice, mustard, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
– About 20 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and brush the glaze all over the ham. Return it to the oven uncovered so the glaze can caramelize and become sticky.
– For an extra glossy finish, you can broil the ham for a couple of minutes after glazing, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Simple Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
– 2/3 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup orange or pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Mix and brush over the ham during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you prefer slow cooking or want to free up your oven:
– Slow Cooker: Place the spiral ham in the crock pot with a little water or apple juice, add your glaze, and cook on low. This method gently warms the ham and infuses it with flavor.
– Roaster Oven: Similar to the oven method, but can be more convenient for large gatherings.
Serving and Storing Your Spiral Ham
– Once the ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. This resting time allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
– Spiral hams are easy to slice since they are pre-cut. Serve with the glaze drizzled on top or on the side.
– Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes like ham and eggs.
Tips to Avoid Dry Ham
– Don’t overcook: Heating to 140°F is enough since the ham is already cooked.
– Keep it covered while warming to retain moisture.
– Use a meat thermometer to monitor temperature precisely.
– Add glaze towards the end to prevent burning and dryness.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked spiral sliced ham with your favorite sides for a delicious and stress-free meal!
A juicy, flavorful spiral sliced ham is easy to achieve with the right temperature, timing, and glaze. Follow these tips and your guests will be asking for seconds!