If you’ve ever wondered how to cook a spiral ham (I love the Kirkland brand), look no further. You only need a few tips and tricks to make sure your holiday ham stays juicy and tender. You can use the glaze packet that comes with it or make your own. Once you try this easy way to cook it, you won’t cook it any other way.
I always get a few emails from readers asking how to cook a spiral ham around Easter and Christmas.
They really want to know, “How do I keep my ham from drying out after it’s already been cooked and sliced?” I love cooking a fresh ham because the flavor is unbeatable, but sometimes it’s nice to just put one in the oven and know I only have to heat it up and eat it.
I usually pick up the Kirkland hams from Costco but this method will work with any spiral-sliced ham. Choose a Kirkland ham or another ham that comes with its own glaze. You can use that glaze instead of the recipe in this post. Do use the directions provided at the bottom of this post for heating it though, as it’s foolproof!.
Publix spiral sliced ham is a delicious and convenient holiday centrepiece With its thin slices and sweet glaze, this pre-cooked ham makes serving and eating simple But to get the absolute best results when cooking your Publix spiral sliced ham, there are some tips and tricks you should know.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know to cook your Publix spiral sliced ham perfectly every time
Getting Started with Your Publix Spiral Sliced Ham
When you first get your Publix spiral sliced ham home from the grocery store, there are a couple of things you need to do before cooking it.
First, remove all of the packaging and wrapping from the ham. You want to let it sit out at room temperature for at least an hour before cooking. This helps the ham come up to temperature slowly and evenly.
Next, prepare your roasting pan. Use a deep roasting pan and rack to elevate the ham off of the bottom of the pan. You can also line the bottom of the pan with foil for easy cleanup later.
Finally, preheat your oven to the temperature called for in your selected cooking method. More details on oven temperatures and timing are covered in the cooking methods section below.
Choosing Your Cooking Method
There are a few different ways you can cook your Publix spiral sliced ham. Choosing the right method comes down to factors like time constraints, flavor preferences, and desired texture.
Slow Roasted
This method produces an incredibly moist and tender ham, but does take quite a bit of time.
To slow roast, preheat your oven to 275°F. Place your ham cut-side down in the prepared roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Roast for approximately 18-20 minutes per pound. A 10-pound ham would take about 3-3 1/2 hours.
During cooking, baste the ham every 45 minutes or so with the juices that accumulate in the bottom of the pan. This prevents the exterior from drying out.
Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. You want the ham to reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
Oven Baked
For a slightly faster option, you can bake your Publix spiral sliced ham uncovered at a higher temperature.
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound. A 10-pound ham would take about 2 1/2 hours.
Brush the ham with glaze periodically throughout cooking. Test for doneness with a meat thermometer, removing from oven at 140°F.
This method may take a little less time, but can result in a slightly drier exterior. Be sure to brush with glaze often to help keep the ham moist.
Glazed and Baked
For the best flavor, you can cook your ham using a homemade or store-bought glaze. The sugar in the glaze caramelizes and forms a delicious crust.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts across the surface. This helps the glaze sink in. Brush ham all over with your glaze of choice.
Roast until thermometer reads 140°F, brushing with more glaze every 30 minutes or so. The whole process will take about 10-15 minutes per pound.
Using a glaze adds incredible flavor, but be careful not to let it burn. Lower heat if glaze starts getting too dark.
Quick Roasted
If you’re short on time, you can roast your Publix spiral sliced ham at a high temperature for a speedier dinner.
Preheat your oven as high as it will go, usually around 425°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cook for approximately 10 minutes per pound until thermometer reaches 140°F.
Brush with glaze periodically if desired. The high heat helps the ham cook much more quickly, but can lead to a drier texture. Be prepared to mop up any juices from the pan to serve with the ham.
Handling Leftovers
Leftover ham keeps well refrigerated for 3-5 days. Slices can be reheated in the microwave or a sauté pan. You can also use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, pasta dishes, and more.
For longer term storage, cooked ham will keep frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Publix spiral sliced ham is perfectly cooked, you have lots of delicious options for serving it. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
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Serve slices of ham with traditional side dishes like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread, and rolls.
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Pile slices on biscuits or rolls for an easy ham sandwich. Add cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a complete meal.
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Dice up leftover ham to mix into eggs for a hearty ham and cheese omelet.
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Toss diced ham into mac and cheese or pasta salad for a flavorful protein punch.
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Stack slices on crackers or party bread as an easy hors d’oeuvre. Top with spicy mustard for a kick.
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Use thick slices in place of deli meat in sandwiches and paninis. Grilled ham and cheese is amazing!
Now that you know all the tips and tricks for cooking Publix spiral sliced ham, you can serve up this tasty centrepiece with confidence. Follow our guide for tender, juicy ham worth celebrating. Enjoy!
How long to cook a spiral ham without drying it out
Another way to keep your spiral sliced ham from drying out is to reheat it “low and slow”. Your ham will be moist and tender if you keep it in the oven at 275°F for 12 to 15 minutes per pound and baste it every so often with any juices that collect. It is best to heat your ham slowly so that the outside slices don’t get dry before the middle is warm.
| Method | Approximate Bake Time | Cooking Temperature |
| Ham Only | 12-15 minutes per pound (454 g) Approximately 2 hours | 275°F (covered) / 135°C |
| Ham with Glaze | Step 1: 12-15 minutes per pound (454 g)Step 2: Add Glaze – 8-10 minutes (if needed) Approximately 2 hours, 10 minutes | 275°F (covered) / 135°C 425°F (covered) / 220°C |
An 8-pound spiral-sliced glazed ham is called for in this recipe. It needs to be in the oven for about 2 hours and 10 minutes. That may seem like a long time, but you can make the rest of your meal in that time since the prep time is less than 5 minutes.
If your ham is larger or smaller than 8 lbs, not to worry. Reheating a spiral-sliced ham should take about 12 to 15 minutes per pound, so just add or take away times based on that. If glazed, add about 10 minutes.
Use a digital meat thermometer and heat to an internal temperature of 140°F.
How much ham per person?
When you’re serving a spiral sliced ham, plan on approximately 1/2 lb per person if it’s boneless. A bone-in ham will be about 3/4 lb per person. That means you’d need at least a 6 lb boneless ham or a 9 lb bone-in ham to feed 12 people. I always add a couple of pounds just to be safe and so we have extra food.
How to Reheat a Fully Cooked Spiral Ham | Step by Step
How do you cook a spiral sliced ham at Publix?
To add more flavor to your Publix spiral sliced ham, try glazing it. Preheat your oven to 350F and place the ham in a roasting pan. Bake uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F, basting every 30 minutes with your chosen glaze.
How long do you cook a spiral sliced ham in the oven?
For a more flavorful option, try glazing your Publix spiral sliced ham. Preheat your oven to 350F and place the ham in a roasting pan. Bake uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F, basting every 30 minutes with your chosen glaze.
Can You reheat Publix spiral sliced ham?
If you’re short on time, you can reheat your Publix spiral sliced ham in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the oven, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and heat for 30 minutes at 350F. To reheat in the microwave, remove the aluminum foil and cover with plastic wrap.
How do you cook a Ham on a Publix Grill?
Grilling a Publix spiral ham is another great option for those who want to add a smoky flavor to their ham. To start, preheat your grill to 325°F. Place the ham on the grill, cut side down, and cover it with foil. Grill the ham for 12-13 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140-150°F.