There’s just something magical about holiday gatherings, isn’t there? The laughter, the warmth, and of course, the food! And when it comes to the centerpiece of those festive meals, nothing beats a beautifully glazed spiral ham. This delicious spiral ham recipe is not only a showstopper but also incredibly simple to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Trust me, the sweet and savory glaze, with hints of honey and Dijon, complements the perfectly moist ham in a way that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it feeds a crowd, making it a fantastic choice for any celebration. Let’s dive into making this holiday favorite that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients List
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
How to Prepare Spiral Ham
Getting your spiral ham ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be the star of the show at your next holiday gathering! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering masterpiece in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 325°F (165°C). This step is super important because a properly preheated oven ensures that your ham cooks evenly and gets that gorgeous caramelized glaze we all love. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Prepare the Ham
Now, grab your fully cooked spiral ham and place it cut side down in a roasting pan. This helps keep all those flavorful juices locked in while it bakes. Plus, it makes for easier slicing later on—what’s not to love?
Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves. Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. The aroma of that glaze is going to make your mouth water!
Apply the Glaze
Once your glaze is ready, spread it evenly over the ham, making sure to get in all those delicious nooks and crannies. Cover the ham snugly with foil to keep it moist as it bakes, which is key for that tender texture.
Bake the Ham
Now, pop the ham into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Don’t forget to baste it every 30 minutes with the juices that collect in the pan. This will keep it flavorful and juicy—yum!
Final Touches
In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize. That’s when the magic happens! After baking, let your ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is packed with flavor. Your guests won’t be able to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The sweet and savory glaze creates a mouthwatering caramelized crust that elevates the taste of the ham to new heights.
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, this recipe allows you to enjoy a stress-free cooking experience, perfect for busy holiday preparations.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields enough delicious ham to serve 12 people, making it ideal for family gatherings and festive celebrations.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry, so it’s budget-friendly too!
- Versatile Dish: Spiral ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, giving you endless meal options.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare the glaze ahead of time, so you’re one step closer to a fabulous meal when the big day arrives!
- Leftover Delights: The leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even a savory breakfast hash!
Tips for Success
To ensure your spiral ham turns out perfectly delicious, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
- Choose the Right Size: When selecting your ham, aim for one that’s around 8-10 pounds. This size is ideal for feeding a crowd while still fitting comfortably in your roasting pan.
- Check for Fully Cooked: Make sure to choose a fully cooked spiral ham. This will save you time and ensure that you only need to heat it through, allowing the glaze to shine!
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the size of your ham. As a general rule, plan for about 10–12 minutes per pound. If your ham is on the larger side, give it a little extra time, but be careful not to dry it out.
- Basting is Key: Don’t skip basting every 30 minutes! This keeps the ham moist and infuses it with flavor. Use a baster or a spoon to drizzle those delicious juices back over the top.
- Resting Time Matters: Allowing your ham to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking is crucial. This step helps the juices redistribute, making each slice juicy and flavorful.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to tweak the glaze to suit your taste! Adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cayenne can give it a unique twist.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a spiral ham that not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely divine. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delicious spiral ham recipe. Keep in mind that these values are approximate, as they can vary based on the specific brand of ingredients used and the size of the ham:
- Serving Size: 1 slice (3 ounces)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 18g
This tasty ham not only packs a flavorful punch but also provides a good amount of protein, making it a satisfying main dish for your holiday meals. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect spiral ham? No worries! Here are some common queries I’ve come across, along with my answers to help you nail this recipe:
How do I adjust cooking time for a larger ham?
If your ham is larger than 10 pounds, you’ll want to plan for about 10–12 minutes per pound. Just keep an eye on it! Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 140°F (60°C) to be heated through.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the glaze ingredients a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using, and you’ll be all set when it’s time to prep your ham.
What’s the best way to store leftover ham?
After your feast, let any leftover ham cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even breakfast hash!
Can I freeze leftover spiral ham?
Yes, you can! Just slice it or store it in portions, then wrap tightly and place in the freezer. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and it’ll be ready for another delicious meal.
Are there any variations I can try with the glaze?
Oh, definitely! You can mix things up by adding a splash of orange juice or maple syrup for a different sweetness. A dash of cayenne can give it a spicy kick too! Feel free to experiment with flavors to find your favorite!
What should I serve with spiral ham?
Spiral ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a refreshing salad. You can even serve it with some warm bread or rolls to soak up all that delicious glaze!
Hopefully, this clears up any questions you have about spiral ham recipes! If you have more, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover spiral ham properly is key to enjoying those delicious flavors for days to come! After your festive meal, let any leftover ham cool completely before wrapping it up. I like to use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it nice and airtight. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it in a sealed container or wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out.
If you find yourself with more ham than you can eat, don’t worry—ham freezes beautifully! Slice it into portions or keep it whole, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. No need to rush; just let it come back to life slowly!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it gently to keep that fabulous texture intact. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), and place the sliced ham in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, then cover it with foil to lock in the steam. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This way, you’ll have tender, juicy ham that tastes just as good as the first time around!
Enjoy those scrumptious leftovers, and don’t hesitate to get creative with them in sandwiches or casseroles! Happy feasting!
Drucken
Spiral Ham Recipes: 7 Irresistible Tips for Perfect Flavor
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A delicious spiral ham recipe for your holiday gatherings.
Zutaten
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the spiral ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a fully cooked ham for best results.
- Adjust cooking time based on ham size.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 2 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice (3 ounces)
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 12g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: spiral ham recipes
