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!.
Dearborn spiral hams are a holiday staple in many households. Their distinctive shape makes them ideal for glazing and they are precooked for convenience. But how long should you cook a precooked spiral ham to get it heated through while keeping it tender and juicy? Follow this complete guide for foolproof Dearborn spiral ham success.
What is a Dearborn Spiral Ham?
Dearborn hams are a specific brand of spiral sliced ham produced by Dearborn Brand, a meat company based in Michigan. They are cured smoked and fully cooked hams that have been spiral sliced to make serving easier. The hams are shaped into a compact spiral with the slices pinwheeled around the bone.
Dearborn spiral hams are available bone-in or boneless. They are sold precooked so they just need to be heated through before serving. The spiral cut allows more surface area for glazing with sweet or savory flavors.
Benefits of a Spiral Cut Ham
There are several advantages to choosing a spiral cut Dearborn ham
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Easy serving – The spiral slices make it simple to serve the ham. Just pull up on the bone and the slices lift off.
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Even heating – The spiral cut allows heat to penetrate evenly throughout the ham for thorough heating
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Glazing – With more exposed surface area, spiral hams are ideal for sweet or savory glazes. The glaze coats every slice.
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Visual appeal – The compact shape and pinwheel design make it an attractive centerpiece.
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Time saving – Since it is precooked, you avoid the lengthy process of simmering or baking an uncooked ham.
How Long to Cook a Dearborn Spiral Ham
Dearborn hams are already fully cooked when you purchase them. They just need to be heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F before serving.
The heating time depends on a few factors:
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Weight – A 7-10 lb ham takes about 2 hours, a 10-14 lb ham takes 3 hours.
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Oven Temperature – Cook at 325°F for best results.
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Cooking Method – Oven heating is faster than slow heating in a crockpot.
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Bone-in or Boneless – Boneless hams cook slightly faster.
Tips for Reheating Dearborn Hams
Follow these simple tips for reheating your Dearborn spiral ham perfectly:
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Bring ham to room temperature before cooking for even heating.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part. Cook until it reaches 130-140°F.
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Calculate 15-20 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven for bone-in hams.
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Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for the juices to absorb.
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Add a bit of liquid like apple juice or water to the baking pan to prevent drying out.
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Glaze the ham toward the end of cooking time so the glaze doesn’t burn.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cook a Spiral Ham
Follow these easy steps for reheating and glazing your Dearborn spiral ham to juicy perfection.
1. Remove Packaging
Unwrap ham and remove netting or string. Rinse if needed and pat dry.
2. Prepare Ham
Score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts to help glaze absorb. Stud with whole cloves if desired.
3. Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Have a large roasting pan ready to fit the ham.
4. Cook Ham
Place ham cut side down in the pan. Add 1 cup liquid like apple juice or water. Cook 15-20 minutes per pound.
5. Apply Glaze
Brush on your favorite glaze periodically during the last hour so it doesn’t burn.
6. Test Temperature
Check the internal temp in the thickest section. Cook until it reaches 130-140°F.
7. Rest and Slice
Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing spiral to allow juices to set.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Carve off slices as needed. Serve with your favorite holiday sides!
Dearborn Ham Glazing Ideas
One of the best parts of spiral hams is the glaze possibilities. Get creative with sweet, savory or spicy flavors.
Sweet Glazes:
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Brown sugar – Excellent classic option
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Maple syrup – Adds deep, rich sweetness
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Honey mustard – Sweet and tangy
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Cherry or apple preserves – Fruity flavor
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Orange marmalade – Bright citrus taste
Savory Glazes:
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Spicy mustard – Tangy with a kick
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Whole grain mustard – Robust, earthy flavor
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Barbecue sauce – Classic BBQ taste
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Chili sauce – Mildly spicy
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Soy sauce and brown sugar – Teriyaki inspired
Spice Blends:
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Brown sugar and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves
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Cider vinegar with cracked pepper
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Orange juice with cumin and chili powder
Get creative and make your own signature glaze! Brush it on periodically during the last hour of cooking time.
Dearborn Ham Cooking FAQs
How do I know when my Dearborn ham is fully cooked?
Use an instant read meat thermometer to test doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone. It’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 130-140°F.
Should I cover the ham while cooking?
It’s best to leave it uncovered in the oven so the glaze can develop properly. Adding a cup of liquid to the pan prevents drying out.
Can I speed up cooking with a higher oven temp?
It’s best to use a lower 325°F oven to ensure the ham heats evenly throughout without drying out. Higher temps risk burning the outside before the center is heated.
Should I let the cooked ham rest before slicing?
Yes, letting it rest for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you slice it.
Can I freeze any extra ham?
Absolutely! Leftover sliced ham stores well in the freezer for 2-3 months. Reheat frozen slices as needed in the microwave or oven.
Get Perfectly Cooked Spiral Ham Every Time
Cooking your Dearborn spiral ham may seem daunting but just follow this simple process:
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Calculate 15-20 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven.
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Heat to an internal temperature of 130-140°F.
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Apply sweet or savory glazes periodically during cooking.
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Allow to rest before slicing into perfect pinwheel pieces.
In just a few hours, you’ll have a beautiful juicy ham ready to grace your holiday table!
How to cook a spiral ham in the crockpot
If you want to use a crockpot, you can skip the foil and just put the ham in the pot after putting on the glaze. Cover and cook on low for four hours. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the ham with any juices that have collected, and do it again thirty minutes before the end of the time.
Make sure the ham you buy fits in your crockpot. If it doesn’t, you can use foil to cover the pot and then put the lid on top. This isn’t ideal but it’s definitely doable.
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.