Introduction
One of the holiday season’s classic dishes is a succulent spiral cut ham. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to enjoy a delicious meal, cooking a spiral cut ham is a flavorful and relatively easy process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare and cook a mouth-watering spiral cut ham that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 spiral cut ham (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ham
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
2. Making the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
- Set the glaze aside to cool slightly.
3. Glazing the Ham
- Using a brush, generously coat the ham with the glaze, making sure to get in between the slices.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake the ham for about 10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
4. Serving the Ham
- Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter and brush it with any remaining glaze.
- Serve the spiral cut ham warm, garnished with fresh herbs or fruit if desired.
Tips and Tricks:
- Choose the right ham: Whether you prefer a bone-in or boneless ham, make sure it’s spiral-cut for easy serving.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your ham is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Baste the ham: For extra flavor, baste the ham with the glaze every 20-30 minutes while it’s cooking.
- Add citrus: For a tangy twist, add orange or lemon zest to the glaze.
- Leftovers: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, soups, salads, and casseroles.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cook a spiral cut ham, you can impress your family and friends with a delicious holiday meal. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and tender ham that will be the highlight of any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a classic comfort food, cooking a spiral cut ham is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
