If you’re looking to create a show-stopping centerpiece for your next family gathering or holiday feast, learning how to cook a spiral ham is a delicious and surprisingly simple endeavor. The spiral ham’s pre-sliced, tender, and juicy perfection, combined with an optional flavorful glaze, makes it a favorite choice for any special occasion.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to prepare and cook a delicious spiral ham that will leave your guests coming back for seconds. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or just a Sunday dinner, follow along as we unlock the secrets to a mouthwatering spiral ham that’s sure to be the star of the meal.
Cooking holiday meals at home for friends and family is a cherished tradition we look forward to every year. Whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter, it is exciting to pull together a menu that we know everyone will rave over.
We hope this year is an experience not only about savoring delicious recipes but also about making memories and traditions. Happy Holidays!
If you are looking for resources to help navigate gluten-free cooking year-round, check out Gluten Free Spices, 15 Gluten-Free Pantry Essentials and our Is This Gluten-Free? guide.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 11 pound ham
- 2 cups water
There are various types of hams to choose from depending on your preferences and size of gathering. We highlight a spiral ham recipe, but you could also consider making a boneless ham, bone-in ham, smoked ham or honey baked ham.
How to Cook a Spiral Ham
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Add the roasting rack to the roasting pan.
Place the ham onto the roasting rack. Add the water to the pan. If you want to get more creative, use pineapple juice or orange juice instead. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 10-12 minutes per pound of ham.
If you choose to baste the ham do so 30 minutes prior to the end of the cooking time. Do not put the foil back onto the ham.
You can use any store-bought or homemade glaze for ham that is flavorful and contains a sweetener if the caramelized crust is desired. For simple and delicious glaze options, consider our pineapple ham glaze, or honey glaze for ham, both complement ham perfectly!
Serving Suggestions
When serving ham at holiday meals, you can create a well-rounded and delicious menu by including a variety of side dishes. Select any of the sides below or check out our Gluten Free Thanksgiving Menu, providing delicious menu ideas for your whole Thanksgiving meal.
- Potatoes: Creamy Mashed Potatoes to Pan Fried Sliced Potatoes and Red Potatoes In Crock Pot offer a classic and comforting side to complement the ham’s flavor. Don’t forget about the traditional Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes and Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes.
- Vegetables: Roasted carrots, brussels sprouts or radishes make a colorful and flavorful addition to the holiday spread. Air Fryer Asparagus and Sauteed Butternut Squash are two very popular veggie sides.
- Rolls: Soft and warm dinner rolls are perfect to pair alongside or use to make mini ham sandwiches. Our Gluten Free Dinner Rolls and Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins offer celiac-safe options without compromising flavor or texture.
- Deviled Eggs: Dairy Free Deviled Eggs are a popular and convenient appetizer or side for any gathering.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy Mac and Cheese can be a hit among kids and adults alike.
- Stuffing: A savory side that rounds out any holiday meal. For gluten-free versions, try Easy Cornbread Stuffing or Make-Ahead Stuffing.
Expert Tips
- Select the right size by choosing a spiral ham that is appropriately sized for your gathering. Typically, you’ll need 1/2 pound of ham per adult.
- Thaw if your ham is frozen by defrosting in the fridge up to a few days before the big day to allow it to thaw completely.
- Cover with foil to prevent the ham from drying out during the initial cooking phase. Once a glaze is added, the foil is no longer needed to allow for the glaze to caramelize.
- Choose the right pan if a roasting pan is not available. A large casserole dish, cast iron skillet, broiler pan, disposable aluminum roasting pan or Dutch oven pot are other options that can usually fit a spiral ham. Keep in mind that the choice of pan may impact the total cooking time so plan accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfectly cooked ham. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. Continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Allow the ham to rest after removing from the oven. Tent with the foil and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to distribute and ensures a moist ham.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ham internal temperature should reach 140°F before removed from the oven and left to rest. Typically, bone-in ham bakes for 10-12 minutes per pound of ham.
Aim for 6-8 ounces of ham per person as a general rule of thumb. Certain guests will opt for a larger serving while other guests may skip over the ham to enjoy other meats or fill up on holiday sides.
After cooking spiral ham and carving, you will be left with the ham bone, which contains a ton of flavor. It can be used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews and other dishes like sauces. Before using the ham bone, remove any excess meat and fat that may still be attached. Add to desired recipe as it simmers then remove the bone before serving.
Spiral hams are easier to cut because you can carve along the pre-sliced lines. Simply cut around the bone in the center then follow the lines and cut between them to create individual servings.
No it is not, but a glaze does add a nice flavor while helping to keep ham tender and moist. If a sweet glaze doesn’t sound appetizing, then consider basting with vegetable or chicken stock to maintain moisture.
Holiday Cooking Tips
- Plan Ahead: Start by planning your menu well in advance, considering dietary preferences or specific dietary needs. Make a shopping list then head to the store for ingredients a few days before the holidays.
- Organize Your Kitchen: To help the process, make sure your kitchen is clean and all necessary tools and equipment are available. This will save you a ton of time during meal prep.
- Look at the Menu: Many holiday dishes can be made partially or fully prepared in advance. Prep any ingredients, sauces or even some items like casseroles ahead of time to ease the amount of cooking on the big day.
- Time Management: Creating a cooking schedule, detailing when each dish needs to go into the oven can be helpful to some. This helps to ensure that everything is ready to serve at the same time.
- Delegate: Make it a family day by inviting help into the kitchen. Family members or guests can assist with tasks like setting the table, washing dishes or even preparing some of the no-bake dishes.
- Be Safe: To guarantee perfectly baked ham and other proteins, use a meat thermometer. This will eliminate the guesswork and ensure you safely provide meat cooked to the ideal internal temperature.
- Clean as you go: Keep your workspace clean by washing dishes or filling the dishwasher as you work. It will make post-meal cleanup much more manageable.
- Relax: Remember that the holidays are a time to celebrate and be with loved ones. Don’t stress about perfection. Enjoy the process and look forward to spending time with the company you are cooking for!
Storage Instructions
To ensure the safety and quality of leftover spiral ham, allow the ham to cool down at room temperature for no more than two hours after cooked. If the spiral ham has not been fully carved, then consider slicing into smaller pieces before storing. Separating the meat from the bone can make it easier to store and reheat.
Place any leftovers in an airtight container, Ziploc bag or tightly warp with aluminum foil. Label the package with the date to help keep track of how long it has been stored.
When stored in the fridge, it is best to consume spiral ham within 3-4 days. Freeze ham for up to 3 months if looking to store for an extended period.
When reheating, do so in the microwave, on the stovetop or in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Be cautious not to overheat as this can dry out the meat. This is also why we recommend using the oven to reheat as it keeps the ham moist, and tender compared to when reheated in the microwave.
Kids in the Kitchen
- Spiral hams typically come in a foil package with tags and netting. Be sure to remove all of the packing and discard before cooking ham. Some hams also come with a glaze packet so be on the lookout when unwrapping the ham.
- Basting means to add a liquid, glaze or sauce to meat. It helps keep the meat super tender and delicious. For this ham recipe, you can use the glaze packet that came with the ham or make a homemade version. If using the packet, be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it is celiac safe.
- A 11-pound bone-in spiral ham cooks for about 2 hours. This gives you plenty of time to help in the kitchen by washing dishes, setting the table or helping to make side dishes. Ask what you can do to help get ready for the holiday meal.
More Holiday Recipes
- Whole Beef Tenderloin
- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken & Vegetables
- Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Old Fashioned Sage Dressing
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Gluten Free Oreo Truffles (Easy, No-Bake Dessert)
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Grinch Punch
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
How To Cook A Spiral Ham
Equipment
- roasting rack
Ingredients
- 11 pound ham
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Add the roasting rack to the roasting pan.11 pound ham, 2 cups water
- Bake the ham. Place the ham onto the roasting rack. Add the water to the pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 10-12 minutes per pound of ham.
- Baste the ham (optional). If you choose the baste the ham do so 30 minutes prior to the end of the cooking time. Do not put the foil pack onto the ham.
Notes
- Select the right size by choosing a spiral ham that is appropriately sized for your gathering. Typically, you’ll need 1/2 pound of ham per adult.
- Thaw if your ham is frozen by defrosting in the fridge up to a few days before the big day to allow it to thaw completely.
- Cover with foil to prevent the ham from drying out during the initial cooking phase. Once a glaze is added, the foil is no longer needed to allow for the glaze to caramelize.
- Choose the right pan if a roasting pan is not available. A large casserole dish, cast iron skillet, broiler pan, disposable aluminum roasting pan or Dutch oven pot are other options that can usually fit a spiral ham. Keep in mind that the choice of pan may impact the total cooking time so plan accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfectly cooked ham. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. Continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Allow the ham to rest after removed from the oven. Tent with the foil and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to distribute and ensure a moist ham.
Nutrition
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