Cooking a spiral cut ham with glaze is a great way to add some flavor and excitement to your holiday meals or special occasions. Spiral cut hams are already pre-cut, making them easy to serve and portion out, and adding a glaze takes them to the next level. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a spiral cut ham with glaze, including some tips and tricks to make it extra delicious.
Choosing the Right Ham
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about choosing the right ham. When it comes to spiral cut hams, you have a few options to choose from. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: Spiral cut hams come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 5-10 pounds. Choose a size that’s right for your gathering or event.
- Glazed or Un-Glazed: Some spiral cut hams come pre-glazed, while others do not. If you want to add your own glaze, make sure to choose an un-glazed ham.
- Bone-In or Boneless: Spiral cut hams can be either bone-in or boneless. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, but boneless hams are easier to slice.
Popular Types of Spiral Cut Hams
Here are a few popular types of spiral cut hams:
- Honey-Glazed Ham: A classic choice, honey-glazed hams are sweet and sticky.
- Brown Sugar Ham: Brown sugar hams are similar to honey-glazed hams, but with a richer flavor.
- Smoked Ham: Smoked hams have a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for those who like a little smokiness.
Cooking the Ham
Now that we’ve talked about choosing the right ham, let’s move on to cooking it. Here’s a basic recipe for cooking a spiral cut ham with glaze:
Ingredients:
- 1 spiral cut ham (5-10 pounds)
- 1/4 cup glaze (see below for glaze recipe)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham on a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan, cut side down.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
- In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Glaze Recipe:
Here’s a simple glaze recipe you can use for your spiral cut ham:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mix all the ingredients together until smooth, then brush over the ham during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your spiral cut ham with glaze extra delicious:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Don’t Overcook: Spiral cut hams are already pre-cooked, so be careful not to overcook them. This can make the ham dry and tough.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham more tender and flavorful.
- Use a Glaze with a High Sugar Content: A glaze with a high sugar content will caramelize and stick to the ham better, creating a crispy, sweet exterior.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking a spiral cut ham with glaze:
- Not Scoring the Ham: Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, creating a more flavorful ham.
- Not Using a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Overcooking the Ham: Spiral cut hams are already pre-cooked, so be careful not to overcook them. This can make the ham dry and tough.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for your spiral cut ham with glaze:
- Classic Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: Thinly slice the ham and serve on a bun with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
- Ham and Veggie Kabobs: Skewer chunks of ham, vegetables, and fruit for a healthy and easy snack.
- Ham and Cheese Quiche: Dice the ham and add it to a quiche filled with cheese, vegetables, and eggs.
Side Dish Ideas
Here are a few side dish ideas that go well with spiral cut ham with glaze:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes are a tasty and healthy side dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with ham.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing is a light and refreshing side dish.
Conclusion
Cooking a spiral cut ham with glaze is a delicious and easy way to add some flavor and excitement to your holiday meals or special occasions. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering ham that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re serving it as the main course or as a side dish, a spiral cut ham with glaze is sure to be a hit.
What is a spiral cut ham and how does it differ from other types of ham?
A spiral cut ham is a type of ham that has been cut in a spiral fashion, typically using a machine. This type of cut allows for easy serving and glazing, as the slices are already partially separated. Spiral cut hams are often preferred for their convenience and presentation.
Spiral cut hams differ from other types of ham in their cutting style. Other types of ham, such as bone-in or boneless hams, require slicing before serving. Spiral cut hams, on the other hand, can be served straight from the package, making them a popular choice for holidays and special occasions.
What type of glaze is best for a spiral cut ham?
The type of glaze best suited for a spiral cut ham depends on personal preference. Some popular glaze options include a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices, or a fruit-based glaze made with pineapple juice and cherries. A sweet and sticky glaze is often preferred, as it complements the salty flavor of the ham.
When choosing a glaze, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you prefer a sweet and tangy glaze, a mixture of brown sugar and mustard may be the way to go. If you prefer a fruitier glaze, a pineapple juice and cherry-based glaze may be more to your liking.
How do I prepare a spiral cut ham for glazing?
To prepare a spiral cut ham for glazing, start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a baking dish or roasting pan. Score the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
Next, prepare your glaze according to the recipe instructions. Brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines. You can also use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the ham, if preferred.
How long does it take to cook a spiral cut ham with glaze?
The cooking time for a spiral cut ham with glaze will depend on the size of the ham and the temperature of your oven. As a general rule, a spiral cut ham should be cooked at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes per pound. So, a 5-pound ham would take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to cook.
It’s also important to baste the ham with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare and 160°F (71°C) for medium.
Can I cook a spiral cut ham with glaze in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a spiral cut ham with glaze in a slow cooker. In fact, a slow cooker is a great way to cook a spiral cut ham, as it allows for low and slow cooking that helps to keep the meat moist and tender. To cook a spiral cut ham in a slow cooker, simply place the ham in the slow cooker and brush with the glaze.
Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You can also baste the ham with the pan juices every hour or so to keep it moist and promote even browning. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham and the temperature of your slow cooker.
How do I store leftover spiral cut ham?
Leftover spiral cut ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store in the refrigerator, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a covered container. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When storing leftover ham, it’s also a good idea to slice it thinly and store it in airtight containers. This will help to keep the meat fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can also use leftover ham in a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Can I make a spiral cut ham with glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a spiral cut ham with glaze ahead of time. In fact, making the glaze ahead of time can help to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify. To make the glaze ahead of time, simply prepare it according to the recipe instructions and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
You can also cook the ham ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, simply place the ham in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes per pound, or until heated through. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham and the temperature of your oven.