How to cook spiral ham

As the holiday season approaches, many people find themselves faced with the delightful task of preparing a festive meal. Among the most popular centerpieces is spiral ham, a delicious and convenient option that allows you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the best way to cook it to achieve that perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, you may be left wondering how to get started. Fear not, for in this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to cook a spiral ham that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills.

To cook spiral ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes per pound until heated through. For a glazed finish, remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush with your favorite glaze, and allow it to caramelize.

To elaborate, cooking a spiral ham is both simple and straightforward. First, make sure your spiral ham is fully thawed if it was frozen; this can take a day or two in the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Next, place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan; this orientation helps retain moisture during cooking. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Now, calculate the cooking time based on the weight of your ham; the general rule is to bake it for approximately 10 to 15 minutes per pound. For instance, a 10-pound ham will need about 1.5 to 2.5 hours in the oven. About 30 minutes before the ham is finished baking, remove the foil to allow the surface to caramelize nicely. This is also the time to apply your favorite glaze–be it a honey-brown sugar concoction or a spiced fruit glaze. Brush it generously over the surface every 10 minutes, which will help achieve a beautiful, glossy finish.

Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) (most pre-cooked spiral hams only need to be heated), remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and flavorful slices. Serve your beautifully cooked spiral ham alongside your favorite holiday sides, and enjoy the compliments!