Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite spiral ham recipe! There’s just something so special about a beautifully glazed spiral ham gracing the table during holiday gatherings. This recipe is not just about the ham; it’s about the memories made around it. I remember the first time I prepared this for a family dinner—it was a total showstopper! The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes perfectly, creating a crispy exterior that’s just bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, and trust me, the compliments you’ll receive will make all the effort worthwhile. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion, this spiral ham will definitely steal the spotlight and create delicious moments to cherish!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this spiral ham shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Make sure to have everything measured and ready before you start; it’ll make the process so much smoother! Trust me, nothing’s worse than scrambling around looking for an ingredient halfway through. Once you have all your ingredients lined up, you’ll be ready to create a masterpiece that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Prepare Spiral Ham
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing that gorgeous spiral ham! It’s really quite simple and totally rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece for your gathering.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven ensures that the ham cooks evenly and the glaze caramelizes beautifully. Don’t skip this part—your ham deserves it!
Prepare the Ham
Next, grab your fully cooked spiral ham and place it cut side down in a roasting pan. This helps keep the juices locked in, making the ham moist and tender. If your ham comes with a little plastic disk on the bottom, remove it—trust me, it’s not meant to be eaten! And remember, if you can, try to use a pan that fits snugly around the ham so it doesn’t dry out while baking.
Make the Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that delicious glaze! In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. The sweet and tangy scent will have your mouth watering—just wait until it hits the ham!
Apply the Glaze
Time to spread the love! Generously coat the ham with the glaze, making sure to get it into those lovely spiral cuts. This is where the flavor really builds up, so don’t be shy! You want every inch of that ham to be covered in this sweet goodness.
Baking the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting it every 30 minutes with the juices pooling in the bottom of the pan. The basting keeps it moist and enhances that glaze. A good rule of thumb is about 15 minutes of baking time per pound of ham, so adjust as needed based on your specific ham size.
Finishing Touches
In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let that glaze caramelize and get all crispy and delicious. Once it’s done, take the ham out and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is key—it allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice juicy and tender. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s ensure your spiral ham turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to make your cooking experience smooth and delicious:
- Choose the right ham: Always go for a fully cooked spiral ham. It saves you time and guarantees a juicy result. Plus, it’s super convenient!
- Let it sit: Before you pop that ham in the oven, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Baste generously: Don’t skip the basting! Basting every 30 minutes not only keeps your ham moist but also enhances the flavor of that gorgeous glaze.
- Adjust baking time: Remember, the cooking time can vary based on the size of your ham. Always refer to the package instructions if you’re unsure.
- Rest before slicing: After baking, let the ham rest for those 15 minutes. It’s hard to wait, but this step is crucial for juicy slices that won’t dry out!
With these tips, you’ll be a spiral ham pro in no time! Your guests will be raving about how delicious it is, and you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful spiral ham. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so actual numbers may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and amounts you use.
- Serving Size: 1 slice (3 ounces)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This spiral ham is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a hearty addition to your holiday table. Packed with flavor and protein, it’s sure to satisfy everyone! Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
How do I choose the right size ham?
Choosing the right size ham is crucial for a successful gathering! A good rule of thumb is to plan for about ¾ pound of ham per person if it’s the main dish. So, for a party of 12, you’ll want a ham that’s around 8-10 pounds. If you’re anticipating leftovers (and trust me, you’ll want some!), go for the higher end of that range! Also, consider whether your guests are big eaters or if there will be a variety of other dishes. Remember, a larger ham also means more delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day!
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! Making the glaze in advance is a fantastic time-saver. Just whip it up, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll keep for about a week. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir to mix everything back together. This way, all you have to do is spread it on the ham before baking, and you’re set! Just keep in mind that letting the glaze sit can sometimes deepen the flavors even more—what’s not to love about that?
What side dishes pair well with spiral ham?
When it comes to sides, you can’t go wrong with classic pairings! I love serving my spiral ham alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. A tangy coleslaw or fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the sweetness of the ham. Don’t forget about baked beans—they’re a perfect match! For something a bit more festive, a sweet potato casserole or cranberry sauce can add a lovely touch. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal and have everyone raving about the spread!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some of the key ingredients in this spiral ham recipe and a few handy substitutions you can make if needed. I want this dish to shine just the way you like it!
- Spiral Ham: Always opt for a fully cooked ham for the best results. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can find hams that are lower in sodium or sugar. Just make sure it’s spiral cut for easy serving!
- Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (about 1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) to mimic that rich flavor.
- Honey: For a vegan alternative, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will add a nice sweetness to the glaze!
- Dijon Mustard: If you’re not a fan of Dijon, you can use yellow mustard or even honey mustard for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can work in a pinch, although they will give a different tang.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices! If you don’t have ground cloves, you can skip them or use a pinch of allspice instead. Ground nutmeg is another great substitute for a warm spice flavor.
These substitutions won’t compromise the deliciousness of your ham, and they can help you use what you have at home. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store that delicious leftover spiral ham so you can enjoy it long after the big meal! First off, make sure to let the ham cool to room temperature before wrapping it up. This will help prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. I like to slice the ham into individual portions for easy reheating later on. Then, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can store it in an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 5 days in the fridge. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
When it comes time to reheat, the best way is to use the oven to maintain that delicious texture. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the slices in a baking dish and cover them with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re short on time, you can also pop them in the microwave—just be careful not to overdo it! A minute at a time on medium power should do the trick, but keep an eye on it to avoid rubbery ham. And there you have it—perfectly reheated spiral ham that tastes just as good as when it was fresh out of the oven!
Imprimer
Spiral Ham Recipes: 7 Secrets for a Memorable Feast
- Temps Total: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious spiral ham recipe for your holiday gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the spiral ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a fully cooked ham for best results.
- Adjust cooking time based on ham size.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice (3 ounces)
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: spiral ham recipes
