Oh, the joy of holiday gatherings! There’s something truly magical about gathering around a beautifully glazed spiral ham, isn’t there? The moment you pull it out of the oven, that warm, sweet aroma envelops the entire room, making everyone’s mouths water in anticipation. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like serving a perfectly cooked spiral ham at your holiday table. It’s the centerpiece that brings everyone together, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received when I make this for friends and family. The best part? It’s not just delicious; it’s super easy to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Spiral Ham
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious spiral ham, and luckily, it’s simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 spiral ham (8-10 pounds): Look for a fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham for the best flavor and presentation.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This adds that sweet, caramelized crust that we all love.
- 1/2 cup honey: A touch of honey brings out the natural sweetness and adds a lovely glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: This gives your ham a subtle kick and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup apple juice: For a hint of fruity flavor and moisture, apple juice is a wonderful addition.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: These aromatic spices will elevate your ham with warm, festive notes.
That’s it! With these straightforward ingredients, you’ll create a spiral ham that’s not only mouthwatering but also unforgettable.
How to Prepare Spiral Ham
Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing that gorgeous spiral ham! You’ll want to start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This gives your ham the perfect environment to warm through and caramelize beautifully.
Next, place your spiral ham in a roasting pan, and make sure the cut side is facing down. This helps keep it juicy while it warms. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple juice, and ground cloves. Give it a good stir until it’s all blended into a lovely glaze. Trust me, this combination is heavenly!
Now, brush this mixture generously over the ham. Don’t be shy—get it into all those nooks and crannies! Once you’ve coated the ham, cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while it bakes, so it stays tender and succulent.
Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The key here is to check the internal temperature; you want it to reach 140°F (60°C). After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting it every 10 minutes for an extra layer of flavor. Oh, the smell will be incredible!
Once it’s beautifully caramelized and heated through, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Spiral Ham Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Amazing Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and spices creates a deliciously sweet and savory glaze.
- Perfect for Gatherings: With just one spiral ham, you can feed a crowd and impress your guests.
- Leftover Heaven: The leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for sandwiches or breakfast the next day!
- Festive Centerpiece: A beautifully glazed ham makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table.
Tips for Success with Spiral Ham
Alright, let’s make sure your spiral ham turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skip the basting step during the last 30 minutes. This helps build that gorgeous glaze and keeps the ham moist. You can even use a spoon to drizzle that sweet glaze back over the top if you don’t have a baster—no problem!
Also, keep an eye on the internal temperature. Using a meat thermometer is a game-changer! Once it hits 140°F (60°C), it’s ready to shine. And remember, letting it rest for those 15 minutes before slicing is crucial; it allows those delicious juices to settle back in, making each slice more flavorful and juicy.
Lastly, if you’re using a larger ham, adjust the baking time accordingly. Just keep checking that temperature, and you’ll be golden! Trust me, these little tips will elevate your ham game to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Spiral Ham
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious spiral ham, storing the leftovers properly is crucial to keep them tasting amazing! First things first, let the ham cool down to room temperature before you cover it up. I recommend wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container to keep all that moisture in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—perfect for those tasty ham sandwiches or adding to breakfast dishes!
When it’s time to reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a baking dish, and add a splash of apple juice or water to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You’ll be amazed at how delicious those leftovers can be!
Nutritional Information for Spiral Ham
When it comes to spiral ham, you can enjoy a hearty slice without too much guilt! Each serving (about 1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat (3 grams saturated), 15 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, it has around 8 grams of sugar and 800 milligrams of sodium. It’s a delicious option for your holiday feast that can satisfy your cravings while still being mindful of your nutrition!
FAQ about Spiral Ham
Got questions about making the perfect spiral ham? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a good spiral ham for its flavor and presentation, you can use a bone-in or boneless ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the weight and type.
How do I know when my spiral ham is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 140°F (60°C) for safe and delicious eating. So handy, right?
What should I do with leftovers?
Leftover spiral ham is a dream! You can slice it for sandwiches, add it to soups, or even toss it in scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast. Yum!
Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze and brush it on, then cover and refrigerate the ham until you’re ready to bake. Just allow extra time for cooking if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat spiral ham?
To keep it juicy, reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) with a splash of liquid, and cover with foil. It’ll taste just as good as the first time!
There you go! With these FAQs in mind, you’re all set to make a spectacular spiral ham that will leave everyone raving!
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Spiral Ham: 7 Secrets for the Perfect Holiday Feast
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious spiral ham recipe that is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 spiral ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the spiral ham in a roasting pan.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple juice, and ground cloves.
- Brush the mixture over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the ham is fully heated before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This recipe can be scaled for larger hams.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: spiral ham, holiday ham, baked ham
