Best Techniques: How to Cook a Spiral Cut Ham (with Glaze)!

Cooking a spiral cut ham can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy and tasty. Whether you choose the oven or the smoker method, you can decide which is best for your occasion. I’ve cooked both methods and will walk you through each step. Starting with a raw or fresh ham can be messy, but pre-smoked hams can be done in half the time and often come with a brown sugar glaze. You can use the provided glaze or make your own.

For holiday centerpieces, a spiral ham is a classic choice, especially for Easter or Christmas. This impressive main dish can be the highlight of your dinner. I recommend a homemade bourbon glaze for a tangy-sweet compliment to the moist ham. Follow these tips to ensure your ham is perfectly caramelized with edges that are ready to serve. Pair it with your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes or Scalloped Potatoes for a complete meal everyone will remember.

How to Cook a Spiral Cut Ham (with Glaze): Elevate Your Feast with This Easy Technique 🍖🌟

To cook a spiral ham, all you really need to do is heat and serve. Pre-smoked hams are already fully cooked, so you just need to warm it up. If you’re using the oven, set it to a low temperature and cover the ham with foil to keep it moist. For the smoker, maintain a steady heat and let the ham absorb the smoky flavor. This method is great for adding an extra layer of flavor. Don’t forget to baste the ham with the glaze periodically. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or any year-round celebration, a spiral cut ham is always a hit.

How to Cook a Spiral Cut Ham (with Glaze)

Where Can You Buy Spiral Cut Hams?

You can find spiral cut hams at many grocery stores such as Publix, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and Sam’s Club. These hams often go on sale during the holidays, making them quite cheap. I personally prefer the Smithfield and Kirkland brands, but honestly, they are all pretty good.

How Much Do Hams Usually Weigh?

Hams typically weigh between 8-12 pounds, depending on whether it’s a bone-in, whole, or half ham. Most spiral cut hams are bone-in and come in a half portion. A half spiral cut ham can easily feed around 10-15 people.

Should You Season Pre-Cooked Hams?

While you don’t have to season a pre-cooked ham because it’s already quite flavorful straight out of the package, adding a bit of bbq rub can really wake up the flavors. I prefer using my own BBQ dry rub, but you can also use any store bought one you like.

How Long Does It Take to Reheat a Spiral Cut Ham?

According to most package instructions, it takes about 12-15 minutes per pound at 275°F to reheat a ham. If you are glazing the ham, allow for an additional 10 minutes for the glaze to set at 425°F. The USDA recommends cooking a pre smoked ham to an internal temperature of 140°F.

How Do You Bake a Ham Without Drying It Out?

To bake a ham without drying it out, cover your spiral cut hams with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during re heating. You can also place a foil pan with water underneath the ham to create some steam inside the oven, keeping everything moist. Additionally, make sure you use a good instant read thermometer to monitor the temperatures. Avoid over cooking the ham past 140°F, as this will likely result in a dry ham.

What Side Goes Down When Cooking a Spiral Cut Ham?

When cooking a spiral cut ham, make sure the flat side goes down. This helps the ham to sit on an even surface, which prevents it from drying out. As you glaze the ham from the top, having it level ensures the glaze runs down the spirals evenly.

When Should I Glaze a Ham?

To get the perfect glaze on your ham, it is best to glaze it towards the end of the cook. Whether you are baking the ham in the oven or preparing a twice smoked ham on the smoker, the glaze should be added at the end. If you glaze your ham too early, the sugars could burn from the heat.

The package instructions for the oven baked method recommends turning the heat up high for the last 10 minutes to glaze and allow it to set. When I’m smoking a ham, I generally raise to medium heat and glaze for the last 30 minutes.

How to Reheat a Spiral Cut Ham in the Oven

To reheat a spiral cut ham, start by preheating your oven to 275°F. Carefully remove all the packaging materials and any plastic, so you are left with just the ham. Place it in a shallow roasting pan with the flat side down. If you like a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle a thin layer of bbq seasoning on all sides of the ham. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake it until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature after the first hour and then periodically to ensure you don’t overcook it.

Once the ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F. Follow the instructions on the packet to prepare the glaze. Typically, the ingredients include a powdered mix that contains honey and brown sugar. In a small sauce pot, add water and whisk in the powdered glaze mix. Bring it to a simmer. Then, brush or spoon the glaze over the top of the ham and in between the slices. Cook the ham for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. Allow it to rest for another 10 minutes before serving.

How to reheat a Spiral Cut Ham (with Glaze)

How to Reheat a Spiral Cut Ham on a Smoker

Most spiral cut hams you buy at the store are already smoked. If you choose to smoke them again, you create a double-smoked ham, which adds an extra layer of flavor to your holiday recipe. Start by removing the packaging and any plastic parts from the ham. I like to slather on some Dijon mustard as a flavor enhancer and a binder for the seasoning. I use my homemade bbq rub, but you can use any all-purpose bbq rub you prefer.

Set your smoker to 250°F and smoke the ham until it reaches 130°F. Once the ham hits 130°F, raise the temperature of the smoker to 350°F to add the glaze. This method gives the ham a rich, smoky flavor that’s perfect for any holiday meal.

Homemade Glaze for Spiral Cut Ham

You can use the glaze packet that comes with the ham, but it often lacks in flavor and isn’t thick enough. My orange maple bourbon glaze recipe is a favorite, featuring brown sugar, orange juice, maple syrup, and a touch of bourbon. For added depth, I also include cinnamon and cayenne. If you prefer, you can skip the alcohol.

To make the glaze, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and boil. Then, reduce to low heat and cook, simmering until the glaze is reduced by half and has thickened. Once off the heat, it will cool and thicken more. You can also thicken it by whisking in a tablespoon of powdered sugar. Brush the glaze onto the ham, getting it between the slices. Place the ham in a foil pan. Once the ham reaches 140°F, remove it and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This glaze pairs well with dishes like Brown Butter Lobster Ravioli Sauce.

Sides dishes that go well with ham.

Cottage Cheese Avocado Toast

Best Chopped Italian Sandwich

Hamburger Rice Soup Recipe

Final Thoughts

Cooking a spiral cut ham with a homemade glaze brings out the best flavor whether you use an oven or a smoker. Personally, I prefer the smoker for the rich smoke flavor it adds, but an oven can also give excellent results. The key is to follow a good recipe and use a tasty glaze. This method ensures your ham is juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for any occasion.

Equipment Needed

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The even heat distribution and precise temperature control of my oven have consistently delivered perfectly cooked meals.

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I’ve relied on the durable and versatile aluminum foil to keep my dishes moist and flavorful, making it an indispensable kitchen staple.

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Investing in a reliable thermometer has been a game-changer, allowing me to achieve perfectly cooked meats and baked goods every time.

🌟 Ingredients for the Perfect Glaze 🌟

To create a mouthwatering spiral cut ham, follow these simple yet essential steps:

📌 Step 1: Gather Ingredients

  • Key Ingredients for Ham: Start with a spiral cut ham 🐷.
  • Binder: Use 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard 🥄 to help the spices adhere.

📌 Step 2: Prepare the Binder

  • All-Purpose BBQ Rub: Apply your favorite all-purpose bbq rub or a homemade spice mix 🌿.

📌 Step 3: Mix the Glaze

  • Glaze Mixture: Combine:
    • 1/2 cup of orange juice 🍊
    • 1/4 cup of maple 🍁
    • 1/4 cup of bourbon 🥃
    • 1/4 cup of brown sugar 🍬
  • Spices: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne for that delicious warmth and spice 🌶️.

📌 Step 4: Apply the Glaze

  • Brush Over: Generously brush the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets between the slices for maximum flavor 🍖.

🔑 Final Note: The combination of orange and maple with a hint of bourbon results in a rich, flavorful coating that enhances the natural taste of the ham. This homemade glaze is truly superior to store-bought options and will undoubtedly make your spiral cut ham the star of any meal 🌟.

Enjoy the perfect glazed ham! 🍽️

Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Recipe 🍽️

Step 1️⃣: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 275°F.

Step 2️⃣: Season the Ham

Season the spiral cut ham with BBQ rub and use Dijon mustard as a binder to help the rub stick. 🧂

Step 3️⃣: Prepare for Baking

Cover the ham with foil and place it on a baking tray. 🔲

Step 4️⃣: Bake the Ham

Bake the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. 🌡️

Step 5️⃣: Prepare the Glaze

While the ham is baking, combine all glaze ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes until it has thickened. If needed, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency. 🍯

Step 6️⃣: Glaze the Ham

Once the ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Brush the glaze onto the ham, ensuring an even coating on the top and sides. 🔄

Step 7️⃣: Finish Baking

Place the ham back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes at 425°F.

Step 8️⃣: Rest and Serve

After removing the ham, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the additional glaze if desired. 🔪

Enjoy your delicious oven-baked ham! 😋

Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoked Recipe 🍖

Step 1️⃣: Preheat Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 250°F.

Step 2️⃣: Prepare the Ham

Apply Dijon mustard as a binder to the ham and cover it with BBQ rub. 🧂

Step 3️⃣: Smoking Process

Smoke the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. 🌡️

Step 4️⃣: Prepare the Glaze

Combine all glaze ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes until it has thickened. If needed, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency. 🍯

Step 5️⃣: Glazing the Ham

When the ham reaches 130°F, brush the glaze onto it, ensuring an even coating on the top and sides. Continue to smoke the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.

Step 6️⃣: Rest and Serve

Remove the ham from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the additional glaze if desired. 🔪

Enjoy your delicious smoked ham! 😋

FAQS

Do you put glaze on ham before or after cooking?

When cooking a spiral cut ham, it’s best to apply the glaze in the final hour or 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents the sugars in the glaze from burning. To make the glaze, combine the ingredients into a paste and then apply it to the ham. The heat in your oven will do the rest, ensuring the ham is perfectly glazed and delicious.

Do you put glaze on ham before or after cooking?

To reheat a spiral-sliced ham with glaze, start by preheating your conventional oven to 325 °F. Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat the ham for about 10 minutes per pound. If you prefer, you can also warm individual slices in a skillet or microwave. Remember, apply the glaze in the last part of the heating process to avoid burning the sugars.

Best Way to Keep a Spiral Ham Moist

When you bake a spiral cut ham, the key to preventing it from drying out is to cover it with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture during the cooking process. Additionally, placing a foil pan filled with water underneath the ham in the oven creates steam, which keeps the ham moist. For reheating, follow the same steps to ensure the ham remains juicy and flavorful.

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