Ah, spiral ham! It’s the star of every holiday table, isn’t it? There’s just something magical about that perfectly spiral-cut ham, glistening with a sweet glaze, bringing everyone together. I remember the first time I made it for my family gathering; the aroma filled the house, and I couldn’t wait to see their faces when they took the first bite. This recipe is my absolute favorite because it’s not just delicious—it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free choice for any holiday celebration. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!
Ingredients List
- 1 spiral-cut ham (8-10 pounds) – Make sure to choose a quality ham; it’s the heart of the dish!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – This adds that lovely sweetness and caramelization.
- 1 cup honey – It’s all about that sticky goodness that clings to every slice.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard – This gives a nice tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – This adds brightness and depth to the glaze.
How to Prepare Spiral Ham
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your spiral ham cooks evenly all the way through. No one wants a cold center, right? So, let that oven warm up while you get everything else ready!
Prepare the Ham
Now, grab that beautiful spiral ham and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down. This helps keep the juices from running out while it bakes. Make sure you have a pan that’s large enough to catch any drippings—trust me, those drippings are gold!
Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. You’re looking for a thick, sticky glaze that will coat the ham beautifully. If it feels too thick, you can add a splash of water to get it to the right consistency!
Apply the Glaze
Here comes the fun part! Brush that luscious glaze generously over the surface of the ham, making sure to get in between the slices. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor, so don’t be shy! The glaze will caramelize while baking, creating that mouthwatering finish.
Baking Process
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to help keep it moist while it bakes. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. But don’t forget to baste it every 30 minutes with the pan juices! This step is key to keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Caramelizing the Ham
After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil. This is when the magic happens! Let it bake for an additional 30 minutes uncovered. This will give you that beautiful caramelized finish that’s just irresistible. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s glistening and golden brown!
Resting and Slicing
Once it’s out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This is so important because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping each slice juicy and delicious. Trust me, your guests (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation that doesn’t require culinary expertise—perfect for everyone!
- Deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that complements the savory ham beautifully.
- Impressive enough to be the centerpiece of any holiday gathering.
- Feeds a crowd, making it great for family get-togethers or festive parties.
- Leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches, ensuring the goodness lasts beyond the meal.
- The aroma while it bakes fills your home with warmth and comfort.
Tips for Success
To get the most out of your spiral ham, here are a few pro tips! First, when selecting your ham, look for one with a nice layer of fat; it helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the glaze—try adding a dash of orange juice or some cloves for a unique twist! Always baste your ham regularly; this keeps it juicy and enhances flavor. And if you want to kick it up a notch, throw in some pineapples or cherries during the last half-hour of baking for a stunning presentation and taste! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for a serving size of 3 ounces of spiral ham:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
How do I store leftover spiral ham?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you have a lot left, you can also freeze portions for later enjoyment.
What’s the best way to reheat spiral ham?
The best way to reheat it is in the oven at 325°F (163°C). Cover it with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally to keep it moist.
Can I serve spiral ham cold?
Absolutely! Spiral ham is delicious served cold, making it perfect for sandwiches or a quick snack.
What are some great sides to serve with spiral ham?
Pair it with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Can I glaze the ham ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze in advance and brush it on just before baking for a flavorful boost.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious leftover spiral ham, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze individual portions. Just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven to maintain that juicy flavor and texture. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), cover the ham with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes per pound, basting it occasionally to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!
Z nadrukami
Spiral Ham: 5 Secrets for a Perfect Holiday Feast
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 10-12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Halal
Opis
A delicious spiral ham recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Składniki
- 1 spiral-cut ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the spiral ham in a roasting pan.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to get in between the slices.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes for a caramelized finish.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This ham can be served warm or cold.
- Great for sandwiches or as a main dish.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 3 ounces
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 1200mg
- Kwasy: 14g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 12g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: spiral ham, holiday ham, baked ham
