There’s just something magical about a beautifully glazed spiral ham gracing the table during holiday gatherings. The way the sweet and tangy glaze seeps into the tender, juicy meat is simply irresistible! I remember my family’s tradition of making spiral ham every Christmas, filling the house with an aroma that makes your mouth water. This recipe is my go-to because it blends brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard to create a flavor explosion that everyone loves. Trust me, once you try this spiral ham, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations too. So, let’s get cooking and make some memorable moments around the table!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to a fantastic spiral ham that everyone will rave about! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 spiral-cut ham (8-10 pounds): Choose a quality ham for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This adds that delightful sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 cup honey: For a luscious, sticky glaze that complements the savory ham perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: This gives a nice tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to enhance all those rich flavors.
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, and you’ll be on your way to a show-stopping dish!
How to Prepare Spiral Ham
Preparing a spiral ham is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor.
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures an even cook and helps the glaze caramelize perfectly.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan: Take your spiral-cut ham and place it, cut side down, in a large roasting pan. This helps keep it juicy and prevents drying out.
- Make the glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until it’s well blended and glossy.
- Brush the glaze: Generously brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into those lovely spiral slices. This is where the magic happens!
- Cover and bake: Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, and bake it for 1.5 to 2 hours. Remember to baste it every 30 minutes with the pan juices for extra flavor.
- Uncover for caramelization: After the initial baking time, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This will give you that beautiful caramelized finish.
- Let it rest: Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.
And there you have it! A show-stopping spiral ham that’s ready to impress your guests. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spiral ham recipe is truly a winner, and here’s why I think you’ll absolutely love it:
- Incredible flavor: The sweet and tangy glaze creates a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Effortless preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a stunning centerpiece without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Versatile dish: Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers—this ham fits any occasion.
- Leftover magic: Spiral ham makes the best sandwiches and can be enjoyed warm or cold, so you won’t waste a bite!
- Impressive presentation: The beautiful spiral cuts make it look fancy, even though it’s super easy to prepare!
Trust me, you’ll be thrilled with how this recipe turns out every time!
Tips for Success
Getting the perfect spiral ham is all about a few key tips that make a world of difference. Here are my go-to secrets:
- Don’t skip the basting: Basting every 30 minutes with those delicious pan juices is essential for keeping the ham moist and flavorful. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra effort!
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked ham, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures it’s heated through without drying out.
- Let it rest: Give your ham a solid 15 minutes to rest after baking. This helps the juices settle so every slice is juicy and tender.
- Experiment with glazes: Feel free to play around with your glaze ingredients! Adding some spices or even a splash of orange juice can take it to the next level!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of your next holiday gathering with the best spiral ham ever!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fantastic ways to switch up your spiral ham and make it even more exciting! Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Maple Mustard Glaze: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a beautifully rich and sweet twist. It adds an incredible depth of flavor!
- Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze: Mix in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the brown sugar glaze for a kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Pineapple Upside Down: Top your ham with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries before baking. It not only looks stunning but adds a tropical sweetness!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to your glaze for a fragrant herbal note that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your ham with roasted veggies or a creamy potato casserole to create a comforting and festive meal that everyone will love!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and let your taste buds lead the way! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover spiral ham properly is key to enjoying it later! Once it’s cooled down, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can place it in an airtight container. It’s best to keep it in the refrigerator, where it should stay tasty for up to 5 days. If you want to hold onto it a bit longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy servings later!
When it’s time to reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a baking dish, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover it with foil, and heat it for about 15-20 minutes per pound. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) to keep it delicious!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional information for your spiral ham can be super helpful, especially if you’re watching your intake. Here’s an estimate per serving (about 3 ounces):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious spiral ham while keeping these numbers in mind!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect spiral ham? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that often pop up:
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While spiral ham is my favorite for its tenderness and flavor, you can use a boneless ham or a regular cut. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when my ham is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for perfectly warmed ham. Don’t skip this step!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before brushing it on your ham.
What sides pair well with spiral ham?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! I love serving roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. They all complement the flavors of the ham beautifully!
How should I store leftovers?
Wrap your leftover spiral ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. It’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, perfect for sandwiches or snacks!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this spiral ham recipe a try! It has a way of bringing everyone together, making memories around the table. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—share your experiences in the comments below! And if you enjoyed it, don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking, and may your gatherings be filled with joy and deliciousness!
Print
Spiral Ham: 7 Secrets to an Irresistibly Juicy Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A delicious spiral ham recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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, and apple cider vinegar.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to get in between the slices.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes for a caramelized finish.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This ham can be served warm or cold.
- Great for sandwiches or as a main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: spiral ham, holiday ham, baked ham
