Spiral ham is truly the star of any festive table! Its convenience and incredible flavor make it a top choice for family gatherings, from holiday dinners to special celebrations. I love how the spiral cuts allow for easy serving and ensure that every slice is infused with the glorious glaze that seeps into the meat. The combination of sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and a hint of spice creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible! I fondly remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the smell wafting through the house was enough to get everyone excited before dinner even started! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why spiral ham is a beloved tradition. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delicious memory in the making!
Ingredients List
- 1 spiral cut ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
How to Prepare Spiral Ham
Preparing spiral ham is a straightforward process that results in a show-stopping centerpiece for your table. Let’s dive into the steps to ensure your ham is perfectly glazed and succulent!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). It’s crucial to get that heat going so your ham cooks evenly.
- Next, grab your spiral cut ham and place it in a roasting pan with the cut side facing down. This keeps the juices locked in and helps the glaze to drip down into the meat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. This sweet and tangy mixture is what makes the ham sing!
- Now, it’s time to brush that glorious glaze all over your ham. Don’t be shy—get it into those spirals! This is where the flavor really begins to develop.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to keep it moist while it bakes.
- Bake your ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours. I recommend basting it with the glaze every 30 minutes. This will keep everything juicy and flavorful!
- For the last 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful crust. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Once it’s done, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This step is vital because it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is just perfect.
And there you have it! Each step is simple, and the results are undeniably delicious. Enjoy your beautifully prepared spiral ham!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to spiral ham, you might be wondering about its nutritional profile. Here’s the typical breakdown per serving (about 3 oz) to give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brand of ham and ingredients used. It’s always good to enjoy this delicious dish in moderation, especially with those festive gatherings in mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why this spiral ham recipe is a must-try! First off, it’s super easy to prepare, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. The flavor? Absolutely divine! The combination of sweet honey and brown sugar, with a hint of spice, creates a glaze that makes each bite a flavor explosion.
This dish is perfect for gatherings, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner with friends. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Trust me, everyone will be raving about your ham, and you’ll love how simple it is to pull off this impressive centerpiece. You’ll definitely want to add this one to your recipe rotation!
Tips for Success
Getting your spiral ham just right can really elevate your meal, so here are some of my go-to tips! First, make sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes while it’s baking. This not only keeps the meat juicy but also helps the glaze caramelize beautifully, creating that mouthwatering outer layer.
Another key is to cover it with aluminum foil for most of the baking time. This keeps moisture in, preventing the ham from drying out. But don’t forget to remove the foil for the last 20 minutes to let that glaze get nice and brown!
Lastly, let your ham rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This step is crucial, as it gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a show-stopping spiral ham that everyone will love!
Variations
One of the best things about spiral ham is how versatile it is! You can easily switch up the flavor profile with just a few simple tweaks. For a tropical twist, try adding pineapple slices on top of the ham before baking. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the glaze perfectly and adds a lovely burst of flavor!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicier, consider mixing some crushed red pepper flakes into the glaze. This adds a delightful kick that balances the sweetness beautifully. You can also experiment with different glazes—like a maple syrup and brown sugar combo for a rich, decadent taste or even a bourbon glaze for a sophisticated touch. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own unique flair to the table. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover spiral ham properly is key to keeping it delicious for days to come! Once the ham has cooled, slice it into manageable pieces and place them in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge, where it can last for up to five days—though I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s just too good!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the slices in a baking dish and cover them with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to revive that glorious glaze, brush a bit more over the top before reheating. This way, you’ll get that same fantastic flavor and tenderness as when it was first baked. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
How do I adjust cooking time for a larger ham?
If your spiral ham is larger than 10 pounds, you’ll want to add about 15-20 minutes of baking time for each additional pound. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 140°F (60°C) to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I store unglazed ham?
Absolutely! If you have leftover unglazed spiral ham, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It can last up to a week, but once it’s glazed, try to use it within five days for the best flavor.
What’s the best way to serve spiral ham?
Spiral ham is fantastic served warm, but it’s just as delicious cold! I love slicing it thin for sandwiches or pairing it with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. You can also serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an impressive feast!
Can I freeze leftover ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftover spiral ham! Just make sure to slice it first, then wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Spiral Ham: 7 Irresistible Secrets for a Flavorful Feast
- Temps Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 10-12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious spiral ham recipe, perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingrédients
- 1 spiral cut ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Brush the mixture over the ham.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove foil for the last 20 minutes to brown the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Ham can be served hot or cold.
- Try adding pineapple slices for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 3 oz
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: spiral ham, baked ham, holiday ham
