To cook a spiral ham in the oven, follow these expert steps:
- Preparation:
- Remove all packaging and any plastic disk on the underside of the bone.
- Let the ham sit at room temperature for about an hour to help it bake evenly.
- Pat the ham dry with paper towels for better glaze adherence if glazing.
- Oven Temperature and Time:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (some recipes suggest 275°F for slower cooking, but 325°F is common for even heating).
- Place the ham cut side down in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish.
- Cover the ham tightly with foil to keep it moist.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone
- Glazing (Optional but Recommended):
- Prepare a glaze such as a mixture of brown sugar, juice (orange or pineapple), and Dijon mustard or try a more complex glaze with honey, soy sauce, and spices.
- Apply the glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the foil when glazing and bake uncovered to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a sticky crust.
- Baste the ham with the glaze every 15-30 minutes during this final phase
- Resting and Serving:
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Spoon any pan juices over the ham before serving for extra moisture and flavor
Summary of Key Points:
- Cook at 325°F for 12-15 minutes per pound.
- Cover with foil while heating to retain moisture.
- Heat until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Apply glaze in the last 20-30 minutes and bake uncovered.
- Rest ham before carving.
This method ensures your spiral ham is heated through without drying out and has a delicious caramelized glaze if used
