If you’re planning a family dinner, a holiday meal or a special occasion, spiral ham could be the best centerpiece to make your spread perfect. Spiral ham is easy to cook, tastes delicious and looks wonderful on the table. The meat is already cooked and spiral cut, so it only needs heating. However, if you’re wondering how to cook it the right way, this article will guide you through some easy steps to cook a spiral ham perfectly.
How To Cook a Spiral Ham:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the packaging from the ham and discard any plastic that may have covered the bone.
2. Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place the ham in a roasting pan with the flat (cut) side facing down. If using a disposable aluminum foil pan, double up the pan for strength and stability.
3. Cover the Ham: Cover the ham with a lid or foil and add ½ cup of water to the bottom of the pan. This will prevent the moisture from escaping and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
4. Place the Pan in the Oven: Place the roasting pan with the ham on the middle rack of the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes per pound.
5. Glaze the Ham: When there are 20-30 minutes remaining, remove the foil from the ham and use a brush to apply the glaze on the surface of the meat. Continue to bake it for the remaining 20-30 minutes in the oven, until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
6. Rest the Ham: Once the ham has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving it. Resting allows the meat to absorb the juices and flavors, making it more tender and succulent.
7. Carve and Serve: Once the ham has rested, carve it into slices and serve on a platter.
FAQs:
1. How long should I cook a spiral ham?
The cooking time for a spiral ham is approximately 10-15 minutes per pound in a preheated oven at 325°F. For example, a 5-pound spiral ham should be cooked for approximately 50-75 minutes.
2. Do I need to baste a spiral ham?
No. Spiral hams are already precooked and have enough fat to keep them moist and juicy. You can add a glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add flavor and color to the ham.
3. What is a good glaze for a spiral ham?
A good glaze for a spiral ham includes brown sugar, honey, mustard, and cloves. However, you can also experiment with other sauces and flavors that you like.
4. Do I need to cover the ham when cooking?
Yes. Covering the ham when cooking helps to retain moisture and keeps the meat tender and juicy. It also prevents the glaze from burning.
5. How do I know if the spiral ham is cooked?
The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Once it has reached this temperature, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest before carving and serving.
In conclusion, cooking spiral ham is an easy and delicious way to add flavor to your meal. Follow the steps mentioned above, and you’ll have a juicy and flavorful ham on the table. Don’t forget to add your favorite side dishes, make some good company, and enjoy your meal!
