When I decided to make this spiral ham for a family celebration, I knew I was stepping into a culinary adventure. The first time I made it, I was a little nervous. Would it be dry? Would the glaze be too sweet? Spoiler alert: I nailed it, thanks to some careful attention! The aroma filled my kitchen, and when it was finally time to slice into it, the tasty and juicy pieces practically fell apart. One surprise was how much flavor the glaze added! Next time, I might just double the glaze — it was that good!

Spiral Ham

Spiral ham is a show-stopping centerpiece that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or really any time you want to impress without the fuss! This savory delight is easy to prepare, and the sweet glaze adds a touch of magic. We’ll walk you through every step so that you can serve up a ham that will leave your guests asking for seconds!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course holiday feast, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham about 8-10 lbs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup for a twist!
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for that delightful crunch!

Instructions

 

• Prepping the Ham: First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Now, take your fabulous spiral ham and place it, cut side down, in a roasting pan. This will keep it moist while it cooks – nobody likes a dry ham!
• Making the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, toss together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until everything is well combined — this is where the magic happens! If you want that extra crunch, mix in the chopped nuts here.
• Glazing Time: Spoon half of your glorious glaze over the ham, allowing it to seep between the slices. Reserve the other half for later—they really love to bask in that flavor!
• Cover and Bake: Cover the entire roasting pan with aluminum foil. This will prevent the ham from drying out in the oven. Into the oven it goes! Bake it for about 1.5 hours (that’s 15 minutes per pound).
• Finishing Touch: Now, here’s the best part! After the cooking time, take off the foil and brush on the rest of your glaze. Pop it back in the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes. This will caramelize the glaze and create that beautiful, sticky crust we all love!
• Carving and Serving: Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This keeps it juicy! Use a sharp knife to cut between the slices for serving. Drizzle some leftover juices from the pan over, and voilà!

Keyword baked ham, easy ham recipe, holiday ham recipe, spiral ham

Nutrition Facts

5 Tips for This Recipe

• Pick the Right Ham: Make sure it’s a fully cooked ham to save time!
• Don’t Skip the Glaze: The glaze makes all the difference, so don’t skimp on it!
• Rest before Carving: Letting it rest will keep it juicy and tender.
• Experiment! Feel free to mix in your favorite flavors into the glaze.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: An internal temperature of 140°F ensures it’s perfectly warm and safe.

5 FAQs for This Recipe

• Can I use a different type of ham? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pre-cooked.
• How do I know when the ham is done? Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.
• What can I serve with spiral ham? It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls.
• Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes! Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to go.
• How do I store leftovers? Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days!

5 Storage Tips

• Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container.
• For longer storage, consider freezing it in freezer-safe bags.
• Make sure you label your containers with the date to track freshness.
• Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or casseroles.
• Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, whip up a delicious ham soup!

5 Common Cooking Mistakes

• Not letting the ham rest before slicing — it’s a must!
• Skipping the glaze — it’s essential for flavor!
• Overcooking the ham — stick to the recommended time and check your temp.
• Forgetting to cover the ham initially, leading to a dry result.
• Not following measurements with the glaze — too much sugar can make it overly sweet!

Final Thoughts

Making spiral ham is truly a joy! It’s a beautiful dish that brings everyone together around the table, smiling and enjoying every bite. My little adventure in the kitchen turned into a heartwarming affair as we savored each slice.

Remember, practice makes perfect — don’t worry if it’s not flawless the first time! You can tweak the recipe to fit your taste, and before you know it, you’re a pro at making this stunning centerpiece.

So, gather your loved ones, roll up those sleeves, and let’s create some delicious memories together with this spiral ham recipe! Happy cooking!