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!.
The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family to celebrate, And there’s no better centerpiece for a holiday meal than a beautifully cooked spiral ham Walmart’s Our Finest brand offers high quality and affordable spiral hams that are perfect for feeding a crowd,
Cooking a spiral ham seems intimidating but it’s actually quite easy if you follow some simple steps In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook a juicy, flavorful Walmart Our Finest spiral ham
Selecting and Preparing the Ham
When shopping at Walmart, you’ll find the Our Finest spiral hams in the refrigerated meat section. They come in a variety of sizes from 7 to 15 pounds. Choose one that’s big enough to feed your guests with a little leftover. For reference, figure about 1⁄2 pound of boneless ham per person.
The Our Finest hams are already fully cooked so there’s no need to worry about undercooking them. You just need to reheat them properly to serving temperature. When you get home, start by removing all packaging and rinse the ham under cold water. Pat it dry completely with paper towels.
Now is the time to add a glaze or seasoning if you want to. A brown sugar glaze is classic but feel free to get creative. I like using a mixture of apricot jam, brown sugar, bourbon, and spices. Brush it evenly over the ham, getting into all the crevices.
Instead of a glaze, you can use a dry rub to cover the ham. It works well to mix brown sugar, salt, pepper, and spices like cinnamon. Apply it evenly, pressing so it adheres.
Baking in the Oven
The oven is the easiest way to cook a spiral ham. Simply preheat your oven to 275°F. Place the ham flat side down in a foil-lined roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of water or juice into the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham moist.
Wrap the entire ham loosely in foil, sealing it but leaving room for air flow. This traps in moisture and prevents the edges from overcooking.
Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound. For example, an 8 lb ham will take 96-120 minutes. Check the temperature after the first hour. Remove foil and brush with glaze periodically if using.
The ham is done when an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 140°F. If desired, remove foil and bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Allow the ham to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing into it. The rest time allows the juices to reabsorb for a moister ham.
Step-by-Step Smoker Method
While the oven is foolproof, smoking the ham imparts incredible flavor. If you have a smoker, here’s how to do it:
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Prepare the ham with glaze or rub as desired. Set up your smoker and preheat to 225-250°F using your choice of wood chips – I like apple.
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Place the ham directly on the racks. For even more flavor, add a pan of water or apple juice to the smoker. The moisture helps keep the ham from drying out.
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Smoke the ham for approximately 15 minutes per pound, until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. Time will vary based on size.
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Once it hits 130°F, brush with glaze if using. Increase heat to 300°F. Continue smoking until ham reaches 140°F.
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Remove ham and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.
No matter which cooking method you use, always rely on an instant read thermometer for doneness rather than time. It removes the guesswork and ensures a perfectly cooked ham.
Serving Suggestions
A spiral ham makes a gorgeous presentation served whole on a platter surrounded by garnishes. You can go all out decorating it with pineapple slices, cherries, fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Carve the ham by cutting slices perpendicular to the bone. Keep them thick for the best texture. Serve warm or at room temperature – spiral hams hold their heat very well.
In addition to carving board style, consider these creative ways to serve your cooked ham:
- Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls
- Dice for ham salad with pickles and mayo
- Thin slices on biscuits with redeye gravy
- Hash with potatoes and peppers
- Hearty 15 bean soup with ham bone
- Eggs Benedict topped with ham instead of Canadian bacon
The uses for leftover ham are endless! Slices keep well refrigerated for 5-7 days. It also freezes beautifully up to 2-3 months.
Choosing the Best Ham Glaze
While the Our Finest hams come with a standard brown sugar glaze, it’s easy to whip up your own signature version. A homemade glaze coats the ham in a glossy sweet sauce with so much more flavor.
Consider these tasty glaze ideas:
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Brown sugar and spices: Mix 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon mustard, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Simmer until thickened. The classic!
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Fruity: Combine 1/2 cup peach or apricot jam with 1/4 cup orange juice and a dash of hot sauce. Fruity and a little tangy.
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Spicy: Melt 1/2 cup brown sugar with 4 tablespoons adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo. Add cayenne pepper to taste. Sweet heat!
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Herbal: Stir together 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary leaves. Unique and aromatic.
Customize your own glaze to match the flavors you love. Brushing it on seals in moisture and gives so much added flavor with just one simple step.
Troubleshooting Ham Cooking Problems
Follow these tips to avoid any pitfalls when cooking your spiral ham:
Dry or tough ham: This happens when it’s overcooked. Always rely on a meat thermometer and don’t go by time alone. Remove from heat at 140°F. Also, letting it rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute.
Burned edges: Too much direct heat will cause the thin edges of a ham to burn. Covering with foil prevents this. You can also rotate the pan periodically for even cooking.
Bland flavor: Opt for a flavorful glaze and make sure to season the ham all over before cooking. Injecting with a brine is another good way to infuse flavor.
Too salty: Avoid over-salting if using a dry rub or brine. Read packaging to see if ham is already cured or salty before seasoning.
With the proper techniques, your Walmart Our Finest spiral ham will turn out juicy, tender and full of flavor. It makes the perfect centerpiece to gather family and friends around the holiday table.
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 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.
EASY Honey Baked Spiral Ham | The Recipe Rebel
FAQ
How long to cook a spiral ham from Walmart?
What is the best way to heat a fully cooked spiral ham?
How do you use the glaze packet that comes with the ham?