Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham: A Tender, Flavorful Holiday Classic

A Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham is the centerpiece of many holiday feasts and special occasions. Its tender, juicy meat and sweet, caramelized glaze make it an irresistible dish that both looks and tastes incredible. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special gathering, this easy-to-make yet impressive dish is sure to steal the spotlight.

What makes a spiral ham so special is the pre-sliced spiral cut, which makes it easy to serve. The glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. The best part? It’s relatively hands-off, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the oven. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so popular, the ingredients you’ll need, and how to make it from start to finish.

Why Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham is So Popular

Spiral ham is a favorite because of its tenderness and convenience. The spiral cut allows for easy slicing, making it perfect for serving large groups. The flavor is rich and savory, and the glazing process imparts a sticky sweetness that elevates the ham’s taste.

One of the reasons for its popularity is the convenience factor—spiral hams are typically pre-cooked, which means you’re essentially reheating and glazing them, rather than cooking them from scratch. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday meals or large gatherings, where you want something impressive yet simple to prepare.

Furthermore, spiral ham is versatile. It can be served as the main course, with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad, but it can also be used in sandwiches, soups, or salads after the event, ensuring no leftovers go to waste.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham

To make the Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that combine to create a mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Spiral-Cut Ham: The Star of the Dish

A spiral-cut ham is the foundation of this recipe. It’s usually pre-cooked and pre-sliced, making it easy to serve and allowing the glaze to penetrate each slice. You can choose a bone-in or boneless ham, though a bone-in spiral ham is generally preferred for its additional flavor.

Measurement for Ham:

• 1 (8-10 pound) spiral-cut ham, bone-in or boneless (pre-cooked)

2. Brown Sugar: For Sweetness

Brown sugar is used to create the glaze for the ham. It adds sweetness and helps caramelize during baking, creating a sticky, delicious coating that enhances the natural flavor of the ham.

Measurement for Brown Sugar:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

3. Honey: For a Smooth, Luscious Glaze

Honey adds a rich sweetness to the glaze while making it smooth and velvety. It helps bind the glaze ingredients together and ensures the ham has a beautiful sheen when it’s finished.

Measurement for Honey:

• ¼ cup honey

4. Dijon Mustard: For a Touch of Tang

Dijon mustard balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey with a slight tang. It also adds depth to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor.

Measurement for Dijon Mustard:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

5. Apple Cider Vinegar: For Acidity and Balance

Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the glaze. It cuts through the richness of the ham, creating a more harmonious flavor profile.

Measurement for Apple Cider Vinegar:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

6. Ground Cloves: For Warmth and Spice

Ground cloves add warmth and depth to the glaze, giving it that classic holiday spice. Be sure not to overdo it, as cloves have a strong flavor.

Measurement for Ground Cloves:

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

7. Orange Juice or Pineapple Juice: For Brightness

Adding orange juice or pineapple juice to the glaze brings a burst of citrusy brightness that cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity to the flavor.

Measurement for Orange Juice:

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (or pineapple juice)

8. Water: For Glaze Consistency

Water is used to thin out the glaze and help it cover the ham more evenly as it cooks.

Measurement for Water:

• ¼ cup water

How to Make Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham

Making the Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham is simple and requires only a few steps. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the ideal temperature for slow-roasting the ham, ensuring it stays moist while the glaze caramelizes.

2. Prepare the Ham

• Place the spiral-cut ham on a large roasting pan, flat-side down. If your ham is bone-in, make sure the cut sides are facing up so the glaze can soak into the slices.
• Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out while it cooks.

3. Make the Glaze

• In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, orange juice, and water.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.

4. Bake the Ham

• Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The key is to heat the ham through without overcooking it.
• Every 30 minutes, spoon the glaze over the ham to ensure it gets a nice, even coating. You can use a brush to apply the glaze to the ham slices.

5. Caramelize the Glaze

• After the ham has cooked through, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the final 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will help the glaze caramelize and form a delicious crust on the outside of the ham.
• Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the glaze. If necessary, cover the ham with foil during this step to prevent it from getting too dark.

6. Rest and Carve

• Once the ham is finished, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice.
• Slice the ham between the spiral cuts, serving it with the caramelized glaze spooned over the top.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. The sticky glaze pairs beautifully with these sides, making it a complete and delicious meal.

Why Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham is Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday Dinners: Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, spiral ham is a festive and flavorful centerpiece that will impress your guests.
• Family Gatherings: This recipe is ideal for large family meals since it’s easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Leftovers: Spiral ham makes for great leftovers. Use it in sandwiches, soups, or salads, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
• Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any special event, a perfectly baked spiral ham can make the occasion feel extra special.

Conclusion

The Perfect Oven-Baked Spiral Ham is an elegant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for holiday meals, special occasions, and family gatherings. The combination of tender, juicy turkey with a sticky, sweet glaze makes it a delicious and memorable dish. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create a beautiful centerpiece for your next meal.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting, satisfying flavors of a perfectly baked spiral ham!

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FAQs

1. Can I use a boneless spiral ham?

Yes, you can use a boneless spiral ham. The cooking time will be shorter, but the process is similar. Just ensure that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze up to a week ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it before using.

3. Can I make the ham ahead of time?

Spiral ham is best served fresh, but you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it in the oven. If reheating, cover it with foil and warm it at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

4. Can I freeze spiral ham leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover spiral ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. Can I add different spices to the glaze?

Yes, you can experiment with other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of cayenne pepper to add a unique flavor profile to the glaze.

6. Can I make the ham without a glaze?

Yes, you can roast the spiral ham without the glaze, though the glaze adds a lot of flavor and a beautiful finish to the dish.

7. How do I carve a spiral ham?

Carve a spiral ham by slicing between the spiral cuts. Use a sharp knife to cut along the natural lines of the ham, and make sure to carve evenly to get the most out of your slices.

8. How can I ensure my ham stays moist?

Basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes and covering it with foil while it bakes will help keep the ham moist. Let it rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

9. Can I add fruit to the glaze?

Yes, you can add fruit to the glaze, such as orange or pineapple juice, for a more tropical flavor. This will complement the sweetness of the ham.

10. What should I serve with spiral ham?

Spiral ham pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or sweet potato casserole. It also works great with bread rolls or cornbread.