Spiral Ham

If you're looking to make the most classic Easter dinner this year, you can't get much more impressive than a glazed spiral ham. While this staple centerpiece may seem daunting, don't worry—with our top tips, you'll have a perfectly moist ham complete with a delicious homemade glaze ready to go in on time. Our homemade bourbon glaze is made from staple pantry ingredients in this recipe, but makes for the perfect tangy-sweet compliment to our moist ham. Pair this with our favorite Easter sides for a complete, classic dinner everyone will remember.

Baking a ham for the first time? Check out our top tips on perfecting this centerpiece.

How long should I cook my spiral ham?
Since spiral hams are already cooked, you’re really just warming it through, infusing it with flavor, and crisping the edges. To avoid drying it out, add water to the bottom of your roasting pan, place the ham on a baking rack above the water, and cover it with foil. You're going to want to bake until it’s 140° in the center (this should take 10 to 12 minutes per pound). Uncover it in the last 30 minutes when you’re glazing it, so those edges get caramelized.

Another option for an extra-moist ham is to cook it in a slow cooker. Simply cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, basting with the marinade every 45 minutes.

Glazing a spiral ham. 
Making your own glaze is super easy, and so much more delicious than a store-bought packet. Our recipe below uses only a handful of pantry ingredients and a mixing bowl. We think it’s bomb, but if you’re not a fan of bourbon, try this classic brown sugar glaze instead.

How to cut a spiral ham:
It might sound tough to cut into a bone-in ham, but it’s actually very easy. Just turn the ham on its bottom and cut around the bone. The ham on the outside will fall away in slices. Check out our guide on how to carve a ham for step-by-step instructions! 

Side ideas.
If you're serving this as the main to your holiday dinner, you can't go wrong with a classic potato side, from creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, or even mashed potato casserole. Paired with garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots, green beans almondine, and cheesy baked asparagus for the ultimate holiday spread. 

Got leftovers?
Leftover ham is basically refrigerator gold. Try making a legit croque madame for your next brunch, use it to amp up a batch of crescent rolls, or chop it up and throw it in your next batch of scalloped potatoes. And save that bone! It’s great for flavoring broths, soups, or a big pot of cooked greens. Still hungry? Here's our favorite leftover ham recipes.

Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below!