If you’ve ever wanted to know what to do when cooking a spiral ham (I like the Kirkland line), then look for the answer. This is not difficult at all, and you’ll only need to know some tips and tricks to keep your holiday ham soft and succulent! Whether you use the glaze packet that comes with it or make your own, you can cook your Ham differently after trying this simple method.
Each Christmas or Easter season arrives, I am flooded with emails from people who want to know how you prepare a spiral Ham.
They ask, “How do I prevent my ham from drying out if it’s already been cooked and sliced?” Although I like cooking fresh pork ham (the flavor is too good to be rivaled), Sometimes it’s good to throw it in the oven, knowing that all I need to do is cook the Ham and then eat it.
I typically purchase Kirkland Hams from Costco, but this technique can work with any spiral-sliced ham. If you decide to use the Kirkland Ham or any other with the glaze of your choice, you are welcome to use this glaze instead of this recipe article. However, follow the post’s final paragraph instructions to cook the glaze since it’s safe!
Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham
The first thing to discuss is what kind of Ham you could have picked up in the supermarket.
There is the classic Spiral-Cut Ham, also called Bone-in. It typically comes in a vibrant foil wrapper. It also comes with an emulsifying glaze that you mix and then heat. They are generally precooked hams, which require heating them. A precooked ham is an option this year!
- A half-ham is only one-half of a Ham. After you cut it, it turns into a spiral-cut Ham!
- It is possible to find hams named “City Hams” that contain moisture to ensure they won’t get dry.
- Country Ham is cured extremely salty Ham. Making red-eye gravy, collard greens, or the first step of grits and shrimp is great.
- Hams that are not cooked can be found, as well as fresh Hams. These are not cured, so they’re not in the precooked ham category.
- Boneless hams are available cut in slices or uncut. They are ideal if you’re serving a sandwich bar or need some slices of Ham.
How do you prepare a ham spiral in the slow cooker?
If you’d prefer to cook this dish in your crockpot, eliminate the foil and put the Ham into the crockpot after applying the glaze. It should cook on low for approximately four hours. Baste the Ham with any remaining juices at the halfway point of the cooking process and then again, around one hour before turning off the heat.
It is important to find a ham that fits into the cooker! If it isn’t, you could wrap the crockpot in aluminum foil and place the lid over it. It’s not ideal, but you can certainly make it work.
More Ham Glaze Ideas
- The recipe for ham glaze at the bottom of this article is one that I most frequently use. It requires half a cup of jam, one cup of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of mustard. This adds such flavor to the Ham and is so easy to make. It is also possible to make a few splashes of Bourbon! Also, you can substitute cranberry sauce for jam to make the Christmas ham.
- You can try a different version of the simple recipe to replace the jam with one teaspoon of juice from oranges. (The Bourbon can be used in this as well)!
- If you ever find yourself in a bind, the Ham glaze recipe uses equally sized amounts of brown sugar and maple syrup, followed by Dijon mustard as desired. It’s as easy and tasty!
- If you like sweet tastes spiced with a smoky flavor, consider mixing chopped chipotle chili peppers in adobo with one of these glazes for ham recipes. It’s excellent to start with around 2 tablespoons of pepper and add depending on the taste.
How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham
The hams that are spiral cut weigh between 8 and 11 pounds. They are already cooked (ensure the package states already cooked). When making a ham for cooking, you want to warm it up. An excellent way to accomplish this is to cook the Ham at lower temperatures so that the exterior doesn’t dry before heating the interior.
To cook a spiral ham and avoid drying it out, use a meat thermometer so it can be at 140 degrees F. Be careful not to cook it too long. I generally remove it at about 135degF. I will also check your thermometer to ensure that it is at 140degF.
What time to cook a Spiral Ham will vary based on the size. However, I recommend cooking an average of 12 to 15 minutes for each pound at 325°F. This Ham has been cooked using and without foil. The Ham cooked without foil will have a crisp exterior and require close to the cooking duration. The cover will need more time to cook. Duration.
If the cooking is covered by foil, remove it after the glaze has been added during the last 20 minutes.
If the Ham has been cooked earlier, take it off the oven and rest for a few minutes so it doesn’t cook too long. When it has cooled, wrap it with foil. Don’t slice until you are ready to serve.
The Ham’s shape impacts the cooking timing; for instance, a rounder ham could require more cooking time than smaller hams.
How to Store Spiral Ham
If you’ve got leftover Ham, wrap it in a tight package and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. I want to slice the Ham away from the bone and store the slices in an airtight container. It’s simple to take a couple of slices and create Ham and Swiss sliders or leftover cheese and ham quiche.
The prepared spiral ham is at least 2 months. Split the leftover Ham into the freezer that can be sized to fit a gallon. If you’re craving Ham for Hamner or want to make a breakfast ham and cheese casserole, remove a bag from the freezer and let it thaw before putting it back in. You’ll be able to utilize it in no time!
RECIPE FAQS
How can you cook Ham in sHamals without drying the Ham out?
The most effective way to warrant that it doesn’t dry the Ham is to be careful not to overheat it. Most hams have already been cooked; therefore, you must cook up to 140 degrees before serving. Cook under cover to begin to drain all the liquid. The bone-in meat tends to be less moist than bone-free.
What is the time to cook an entire cooked spiral ham?
Cover the pan with a lid and cook at 300°F for 10 minutes for each 1 pound. Cook at 425°, unattended for 30 to 45 minutes. Apply the glaze three to four times.
Should a ham spiral be covered during baking?
Yes. It will benefit the water by keeping it moist and not drying out.
Are you adding water when you cook a ham spiral?
Pour some broth or water into the pot’s base so it doesn’t get stuck when the Ham touches the pan. Additionally, this adds moisture.
