Delicious Spiral-Sliced Ham – A Holiday Favorite

Spiral-sliced ham is a delicious and convenient centerpiece for holiday meals and gatherings. With its impressive presentation and ease of serving, it’s no wonder why spiral-sliced ham has become so popular. In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at spiral-sliced ham – how it’s made different varieties, tips for cooking and serving, and where to buy the best spiral-sliced hams.

What is Spiral-Sliced Ham?

Spiral-sliced ham refers to ham that has been sliced vertically in a continuous spiral along the length of the ham. This method of slicing enables the ham to be portioned and served easily, as the slices remain together but can be individually separated. Spiral-sliced hams are a time-saving solution for serving a crowd, as guests can simply pull apart the number of slices they want.

Most spiral-sliced hams are fully cooked or cured, meaning they can be eaten cold right out of the package. However, many people still choose to gently heat up spiral-sliced ham before serving to enhance the flavor.

How Spiral Slicing Works

The specialized process for spiral slicing bone-in ham was developed in the 1950s by Earl Jones, founder of Jones Dairy Farm. Here’s an overview of how spiral-sliced ham is made:

• The ham is smoked or cured first. Spiral slicing works for both bone-in and boneless ham.

• Next, the ham is mounted on a stainless steel mandrel rod.

• A very sharp blade begins slicing the ham as the rod rotates, creating one long continuous slice in a spiral pattern

• The spacing between each slice can be adjusted based on desired thickness. Common slice widths are 1/8” or 1/4”.

• Once spiral cut, the ham is packaged either with or without a glaze.

The spiral cutting allows more of the ham’s exterior to be exposed, which helps it absorb any glazes or seasonings that are added. It also enables the ham to be portioned into individual slices easily.

Types of Spiral-Sliced Ham

There are a few different varieties of spiral-sliced ham available:

Bone-In

• This is a whole ham featuring the femur bone. It offers great bold ham flavor.

• Bone-in spiral hams are available in half or whole sizes, typically ranging from 7-15 pounds.

Boneless

• As the name suggests, the bone has been removed so this ham can be sliced thinner.

• Boneless hams tend to be more expensive per pound.

Pre-Glazed

• Many spiral-sliced hams come with a sweet glaze already coating the exterior.

• Popular glaze flavors include honey, brown sugar, maple, pineapple, and cherry.

Natural

• If you prefer to add your own glaze or seasoning, look for natural unglazed spiral hams.

• Unglazed hams offer versatility in recipes.

Other Specialty Types

• Smoked – Hams that are smoked over hardwood produce a rich, smoky flavor.

• Artisan Dry-Cured – Made using traditional dry-curing methods and no artificial ingredients.

• Heritage Breed – From rare, heirloom pig breeds like Berkshire or Red Wattle.

Why Choose Spiral-Sliced Ham?

There are many advantages to choosing a spiral-sliced ham:

• Convenience – With the slicing already done, you can skip a time-consuming step.

• Uniform Slices – The machine slicing creates thin, uniform slices perfect for sandwiches.

• Eye-Catching Presentation – The spiral design looks beautiful and festive on a serving platter.

• Easy to Separate – Guests can pull apart just the number of slices they want. Minimal carving skills required!

• Absorbs Flavor – The increased exposed surface area allows glazes or seasonings to permeate deeper.

• Cooks Evenly – Spiral slicing promotes more even, quicker cooking.

• Versatile – Delicious hot or cold, spiral-sliced ham can be eaten as is or used in other recipes.

For effortless holiday feasts, spiral-sliced ham delivers on convenience, visual appeal, and taste.

How to Cook Spiral-Sliced Ham

One of the benefits of choosing a spiral-sliced ham is that most are fully cooked and ready to eat as is. However, gently heating the ham can maximize its flavor. Here are serving suggestions:

• If reheating, cover the ham with foil and bake at 325°F until warm, about 10 minutes per pound.

• For added flavor, stud the ham slices with whole cloves before baking.

• Brush on a glaze the last 30 minutes if desired. A sweet glaze contrasts nicely with the salty ham.

• Allow 15-20 minutes of resting time before slicing for easiest carving.

• Slice across the grain for tenderest bites.

• Serve ham room temperature or slightly warm – not piping hot.

• Opt for gentle warming methods like baking or slow heating in a crockpot. Aggressive direct high heat can dry out the ham.

• Leftovers will keep for 7 days refrigerated and 2-3 months frozen.

Following proper heating and handling methods will keep spiral-sliced ham moist, flavorful and safe to eat.

How Much Spiral-Sliced Ham to Buy

Estimating how much spiral-sliced ham to purchase for your gathering depends on a few factors:

• Number of guests – Allow approximately 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.

• Meal occasion – Guests tend to eat more at a special holiday dinner than a casual brunch.

• Other foods served – If the meal includes lighter starters and side dishes, you may need more ham.

• Leftovers wanted – Buying a larger size ham ensures plenty of leftovers.

• Serving style – Thin party-style slices stretch further than thicker dinner cuts.

• Type of ham – Bone-in hams yield less edible meat than boneless.

To help gauge amounts, here are some common spiral ham sizes along with recommended guest counts:

• 7-8 lbs (half) – 8 to 12 guests
• 12-15 lbs (whole) – 15 to 30 guests
• 18-22 lbs (extra large) – 30 to 50 guests

Buying too much is better than not having enough. Extras can be frozen in slices or chunks for future meals and sandwiches.

Tips for Carving Spiral-Sliced Ham

While spiral hams are pre-sliced, a few carving tips will keep the ham looking appetizing and minimize waste:

• Place ham on a cutting board with a well to catch juices.

• Carefully cut along the spiral seam to release a slice.

• Pull slices gently apart one at a time as you serve guests.

• Cut perpendicular across the grain for most tender, savory bites.

• Trim any dried out end pieces before arranging artfully on a platter.

• Cut a few thicker slices from the ham’s center to layer attractively.

• Garnish platter with fresh herb sprigs, pineapples, cherries, or citrus slices.

With its impressive presentation and ease of serving in tidy portions, spiral-sliced ham makes carving a breeze.

Where to Buy Premium Spiral-Sliced Ham

When selecting a spiral-sliced ham, quality matters. Seek out high-end artisanal producers known for their premium meats. Here are two top choices for outstanding spiral-sliced hams:

Dearborn Brand

Founded in 1948 in Chicago, the Dearborn Brand produces award-winning gourmet meats. Their famous glazed spiral-sliced ham is a customer favorite.

• Hams slow-cooked for up to 24 hours and smoked with hardwood chips
• Signature sweet glaze features honey, brown sugar, and spices
• Hams available bone-in or boneless, half or whole
• Delicious served hot or cold

Dakin Farm

Vermont’s Dakin Farm smokes their spiral hams over hardwood for incredible flavor. They sell premium bone-in hams in a variety of sizes.

• Hand-selected from heritage-breed Berkshire pigs
• Cob-smoking method gives ham rich, authentic taste
• Spiral-sliced for easy serving in uniform slices
• Glazed with pure Vermont maple syrup
• Ships vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness

Both of these specialty purveyors produce exceptional spiral-sliced hams worthy of your holiday table.

Spiral-Sliced Ham Recipes

Beyond enjoying spiral ham “as is”, the pre-sliced meat also lends itself nicely to recipes. Here are some favorite ways to use up leftover ham:

• Sandwiches – Stacking sliced ham on bread or rolls makes for an easy, tasty sandwich. Add cheese, pickles, mustard, or mayo.

• Omelets or Frittatas – Diced ham mixed into egg dishes adds flavor and protein.

• Quiches – Fold chunks of ham into a savory custard quiche baked in a pie crust.

• Soups – Ham bone, ham hocks, or meat shreds can flavor bean, pea, or potato soups.

• Pasta Dishes – Toss cubes of ham into macaroni and cheese, baked ziti, or pasta salad.

• Casseroles – Combine ham, vegetables, cream sauce, cheese, and rice or pasta for a hearty all-in-one meal.

• Potatoes – Ham and scalloped or twice-baked potatoes are a satisfying match.

• Pizza – Sliced ham makes a delectable topping on pizza.

With its versatility in recipes, spiral-sliced ham will keep your menu exciting.

Spiral-Sliced Ham for Easy Holiday Hosting

When holiday hosting duties call, spiral-sliced ham can make preparations and mealtime much simpler. With its elegant spiral design, carved-up convenience, and scrumptious smoked flavor, this specialty ham is sure to become your new go-to entree. Look for premium artisanal hams and follow proper reheating methods for the juiciest results. Give guests the gift of beautiful rosy slices this season with no carving hassles!