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I’ve made this baked spiral ham so many times, and it always turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving a classic comfort meal, this recipe is a guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Easy Baked Spiral Ham Recipe
A perfectly baked spiral ham is a simple dish that’s perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any family gathering. This recipe is so simple and makes a beautifully caramelized, ham every time.
Of course, the best part of making this recipe is using leftover ham for meals the next day, like this holiday sliders recipe or this air fryer potato casserole. As a meal, or as leftovers, you are going to love making this easy ham recipe!
Ingredients for a Juicy Spiral Ham
- Spiral-cut ham– Pre-cooked and ready to bake.
- Brown sugar– Adds caramelization and sweetness.
- Honey– Provides a rich, sticky glaze.
- Dijon mustard– Balances the sweetness with a slight tang.
- Pineapple Juice– Enhances the flavor and adds a little sweetness.
- Ground Cloves– Adds a warm seasonal smell and flavor to the ham.
- Unsalted Butter– Helps adds moisture to the glaze.
Variations:
- Simple and Sweet: Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Make it citrus: Substitute orange juice with a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Sweet and Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze.
- Bourbon Glazed: Replace pineapple juice with bourbon for a deep, rich taste.
How to Cook a Spiral Ham in the Oven
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Place the spiral ham cut side down in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.
STEP 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, cloves, and melted butter. Let it get to a slow boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
STEP 3: Brush half of the glaze over the ham, covering it evenly. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake on the lowest rack in the oven, for 10-12 minutes per pound, about 1 1/2 -2 hours, until warmed through.
STEP 4: Remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and bake for another 12-15 minutes, uncovered, to allow the glaze to caramelize.
STEP 5: Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Spiral Ham
- Cover loosely with foil: This helps prevent the ham from drying out and the top from burning while baking.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). This will help prevent ham from overcooking and drying out.
- Baste: Baste or pour juices over the ham every 20 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
FAQ’S
A spiral ham takes 10-12 minutes per pound at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Cooking time for a 10-pound ham will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours.
Yes, by covering it loosely with foil, it helps prevent it from drying out or burning on top.
Absolutely! You can bake the ham a day in advance and reheat it at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To reheat, microwave in 30 second intervals. I prefer to reheat in the skillet, with a little bit of butter, on low heat. This gives the ham a crispy texture, while the microwave makes it softer.
More Holiday Recipes
Spiral Ham
Equipment
- Roasting Pan
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 10 pound spiral ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Place the spiral ham cut side down in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, cloves, and melted butter. Let it get to a slow boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham, covering it evenly. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake on the lowest rack in the oven, for 10-12 minutes per pound, about 1 1/2 -2 hours, until warmed through.
- Remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and bake for another 12-15 minutes, uncovered, to allow the glaze to caramelize. Once the ham reaches internal temperature of 140 degrees F, remove from oven.
- Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Cover loosely with foil: This helps prevent the ham from drying out and the top from burning while baking.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). This will help prevent ham from overcooking and drying out.
- Baste: Baste or pour juices over the ham every 20 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This ham and the glaze are a perfect match together! And the leftovers are just as delicious!