Best Spiral Ham Recipe

Every Christmas I have the responsibility to cook a spiral ham for our family dinner. And over the years, I’ve perfected the process so that it turns out perfect every time.

This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are so flavorful that you’ll wonder why ham is often reserved for special occasions.

However, the true secret to cooking a spiral ham lies in its glaze. A homemade blend of citrus, honey, and a few simple ingredients transforms the savory ham into something extraordinary.

Trust me, your family will be more than impressed. In fact, now that our kids are grown adults, the ham is the first item to be packed in to-go containers at the end of the day so they can enjoy the leftovers in their own homes.

The Best Spiral Ham Glaze

When I first started hosting holiday dinners, I wanted to keep things simple. My glaze consisted of just brown sugar and orange juice – classic and straightforward. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that timing is crucial on when to apply the glaze.

In my younger years I added it too early in the cooking process. And by the time the ham was done, the glaze had overcooked. Instead of a beautifully shiny finish, the ham had a dark, crusty exterior that didn’t taste great or look appealing.

The next year, I adjusted my approach. I added pineapple juice to the glaze and even placed pineapple slices on top of the ham. This time, I waited until the last 30 minutes to apply the glaze and basted it every 10 minutes. While this improved the flavor, the pineapple slices overcooked and didn’t add as much flavor to the dish as I’d hoped for.

Through trial and error, I realized the glaze needed better balance. Sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors would compliment the ham best.

Adding honey for natural sweetness, Dijon mustard for tang, and ground cloves for warmth created the perfect glaze. The result is a spiral ham that’s moist, flavorful, and worthy to serve at any holiday dinner.

Choosing the Right Ham

The type of ham you choose can make a big difference. For this recipe, I recommend a fully cooked, bone-in ham. The bone helps keep the meat moist during cooking and adds extra flavor, even when reheating leftovers.

Whenever possible, opt for a spiral-sliced ham. The pre-cut slices allow the glaze to drip into the layers, flavoring each bite. Plus, it makes serving a breeze as there is no need to carve the ham yourself. Simply use the slices and cut the meat off at the bottom.

How Much Spiral Ham To Cook Per Person

If you’re serving a large group, estimate about ¾ pound per person for bone-in ham or ½ pound per person for boneless ham.

However, I usually buy a little extra to ensure we have leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles later in the week. Therefore, if I’m planning on feeding 12 people, I’ll get at the very least a 9-pound bone-in ham or at least a 6-pound boneless ham.

The Importance of Timing

Although you can safely served a pre-cooked spiral ham cold, many people prefer to reheat it and serve it warm. However, when cooking a ham, timing is everything – especially when it comes to the glaze.

Applying the glaze too early can lead to overcooking, causing it to burn or harden on the surface of the ham. To avoid this, wait until the last 30 minutes of reheating to add the glaze.

This timing allows the glaze to stick to the ham and develop a shiny, flavorful coating without overcooking. During this final stage, I like to reapply the glaze every 10 minutes to ensure even coverage and a rich, layered flavor.

The Best Spiral Ham Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 8–10 lb fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham
• 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup honey
• Juice and zest of ⅓ large orange
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep the Ham:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Place the ham face down in a roasting pan and add about half an inch of water to the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the ham moist as it cooks. Cover the pan with aluminum foil or a lid.

Bake the Ham:
Cook the ham for about 12–15 minutes per pound. For an 8–10 pound ham, this will take roughly 1 ½ hours.

Make the Glaze:
While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, orange juice, orange zest, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often.

How To Apply The Glaze

After the ham has cooked for its initial time, remove it from the oven and uncover it. Carefully place the ham with the cut side facing outward.

The method you use to apply the glaze depends on whether your ham is pre-sliced:

• For a spiral-sliced ham, use a spoon or baster to pour the glaze between the slices. This ensures every piece is coated without requiring much effort.
• For an unsliced ham, a brush works best. The bristles help work the glaze into the nooks and crannies of the ham’s surface, creating a flavorful crust.

Regardless of the method, reapplying the glaze every 10 minutes during the final baking stage is essential for building layers of flavor and creating that beautiful, glossy finish.

Finish Baking:
Return the ham to the oven and bake uncovered for another 30–45 minutes. Reapply the glaze every 10 minutes during this time.

Rest and Serve:
Once the ham is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, keeping the ham moist. Slice if necessary and serve warm with some of the pan drippings poured over each serving.

Leftovers and Storage

One of the best things about cooking a ham is the leftovers. Store any extra ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:

• Ham and Bean Soup
• Split Pea and Ham Soup
• Ham Salad Spread

I also have 22 Leftover Ham Recipes that you might enjoy here: My Favorite Leftover Ham Recipes

If you still have leftover ham that you won’t be able to use before it goes bad you can store it in the freezer. Just be sure to store the ham in an air-tight container and it will stay good for up to 2 months. Then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Cooking a spiral ham doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious centerpiece for your holiday meal that everyone will enjoy. This method has never let me down, and I’m confident it will become your go-to recipe too!

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.

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