Here’s everything you need to know about how to cook a spiral ham, which is a lot like cooking a copycat honey baked ham. It’s so easy that it almost cooks itself.
People like spiral ham for Easter and Christmas dinner with turkey and mashed or scalloped potatoes, but you can buy them all year long. They are already cooked, so all you have to do is heat them up and serve!
While you can buy spiral cut hams pre-sliced, learning how to cut your own ham into spirals at home is a cinch. With just a sharp knife, a steady hand, and our easy step-by-step instructions, you can create picture-perfect spiral portions ready for amazing oven-baked ham.
Benefits of Spiral Slicing Your Ham
Taking the time to spiral cut your own un-sliced ham offers several advantages:
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Creates even oval-shaped slices perfect for serving a crowd,
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Exposes more surface area for seasonings and glazes to penetrate into the meat.
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Allows ham to absorb more juices, keeping it incredibly moist.
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Cooks more quickly and evenly since heat can access inner areas
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Provides an impressive presentation with that iconic spiral design.
Select the Right Ham for Spiral Cutting
For the best results when spiral slicing, choose a cured and cooked bone-in half ham preferably between 8-12 pounds. Opt for an uncured artisanal ham from a trusted butcher for premium quality.
Avoid very irregular shaped hams or hams without sufficient fat marbling, as these won’t yield the prettiest spiral cuts.
Proper Technique for Cutting Spiral Ham Slices
Follow these simple steps for DIY spiral cut ham you’ll be proud to serve
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Place ham cut-side down on a large cutting board or work surface.
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Using a very sharp carving knife, slice around bone to release the main ham portion if needed.
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Starting on the bottom edge, cut diagonally up towards the bone creating an angled oval slice.
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Repeat angled slices working in a spiral pattern up to the top of the ham.
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Make the ovals 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick for ideal spiral cut ham slices.
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Trim or rearrange any uneven pieces after cutting to form a perfect spiral design.
Key Tips for Cutting the Perfect Spiral Ham
Follow these tips for the prettiest DIY spiral sliced ham results:
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Ensure knife stays sharp throughout the process for clean cuts.
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Work slowly with smooth, even strokes. Ragged cuts will mar the look.
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Keep ovals a consistent width as you work from bottom to top.
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Try not to cut all the way through to the bone. Leave about 1 inch.
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Let sliced ham rest 5 minutes before separating pieces so spiral stays intact.
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Save bone and trimmings for soups, beans, stock.
How to Bake a Spiral Cut Ham
Once your ham is beautifully spiral sliced, baking it to perfection is easy:
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Season ham all over with a dry rub, then coat with glaze.
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Cook approximately 12-15 minutes per pound at 325°F until 140°F internal temperature.
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Add more glaze last 30 minutes if desired, basting frequently.
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Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
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Let rest 15 minutes before lifting slices out in spiral order.
Serving Suggestions for Spiral Cut Ham
A few ideas for complimenting your impressive spiral cut baked ham:
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Offer a selection of mustards, chutneys, pickles for spreading onto slices.
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Drizzle ham with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
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Pair with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, roasted veggies or potato gratin.
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Stuff ham slices into biscuits, rolls or sandwiches for hearty leftovers.
With these simple instructions for DIY spiral slicing, you can present a stunning centerpiece ham worthy of any celebration. Give this special touch a try for your next important dinner or holiday meal. Your guests will be impressed!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cutting a Spiral Ham
For more details on how to perfectly slice your own raw ham into spirals at home, see answers to these common FAQs:
What kind of knife do you use to spiral slice ham?
A long, very sharp carving or chef’s knife with a thin, pointed blade works best. Look for a knife capable of making precise, thin cuts.
Should you let sliced ham rest before cooking?
Yes, it’s best to let the spiral cut ham rest at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before lifting off the slices. This helps the spiral pattern stay intact.
How thin should spiral cut ham slices be?
Aim for a 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thickness per slice. Thinner than 1⁄4 inch may tear or fall apart. Thicker than 1⁄2 inch makes very large portions.
Can you make spiral cuts in a boneless ham?
While it is possible to spiral cut a boneless roast, you won’t get that classic visible spiral look. Bone-in is best for dramatic presentation.
What is the best way to freeze and store spiral cut ham?
Tightly wrap all the separated spiral slices together in plastic wrap then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
How do you prevent the ham from drying out after slicing?
Be sure to cook at a low 325°F and use a meat thermometer for doneness. Tent with foil if browning occurs before ham reaches 140°F internally.
What side dishes go well with spiral cut ham?
Delicate flavors like roasted asparagus, glazed carrots, sweet potatoes, or a fresh green salad balance the salty ham nicely. Or try macaroni and cheese or potato gratin.
Mastering the art of spiral cutting your own ham can take your holiday meals from basic to beautiful. Impress your family and guests with your impressive DIY ham this season.
How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham
Most spiral cut hams weigh between 8 and 11 pounds, and they are already cooked (check the package to make sure). This means when you’re cooking a ham, you just want to heat it through. Low-temperature cooking is best for this because the outside won’t dry out before the inside gets hot.
To cook a spiral ham without it drying out make sure you use a meat thermometer to reach 140°F and do not overcook it. I usually remove it around 135°F and keep an eye on the thermometer to ensure it reaches 140°F.
There is no set amount of time for cooking a Spiral Ham. Allow 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. I have cooked this ham both with and without covering it with foil. Uncovered will give a slightly crisper exterior and need closer to the longer cooking time. Covered will need closer to the shorter cooking time.
If cooking covered with foil, remove the foil once the glaze is added for the last 20 minutes.
If your ham is almost done, take it out of the oven and let it cool down a bit so it doesn’t cook any longer. Once slightly cooled, cover with foil and don’t cut until ready to serve.
The shape of your ham can change the amount of time it takes to cook. A bigger, rounder ham may need more time than a flatter ham.
You should add the glaze at the end of the cooking time if you don’t want it to burn, like when you make a copycat honey baked ham. I always toss out the glaze that comes with my ham and opt for an easy homemade glaze!.
Simply brush it on during the last 20 minutes. I sometimes heat the oven up or broil it for a few minutes to make the glaze really sticky.
Our Favorite Glaze Recipes:
How to Cook a Spiral Ham in the Crock Pot
For a perfectly tender spiral ham recipe, you can also make Crock Pot Ham. Just add a little water or apple juice, glaze it, and cook it on the lowest setting.
Do not forget that the spiral ham is already cooked; you are just reheating it and adding the glaze or seasonings to it.