If you’re on the hunt for a showstopping centerpiece that’s easy to prepare but guaranteed to spark joy at any gathering, look no further than spiral ham! Juicy, richly seasoned, and glistening with a sticky-sweet glaze, this beloved classic strikes the perfect balance between savory depth and festive sweetness. Whether you’re gathering family for a holiday dinner or planning an impressive spread for Sunday brunch, spiral ham promises flavor, ease, and a gorgeous presentation—all with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great spiral ham is all about balancing simplicity with carefully chosen flavors. Each ingredient lends something special—whether it’s bold color, robust aroma, or sticky sweetness—so don’t skip out! Here’s what makes this recipe sing:

Spiral-cut ham, bone-in (8–10 lb): This pre-sliced ham is not only tender and easy to carve, but the bone-in cut adds terrific flavor.
Brown sugar (1 cup): For rich, molasses sweetness that gives the glaze irresistible caramel notes.
Honey (½ cup): Adds floral sweetness and helps the glaze develop a sticky, glossy finish.
Dijon mustard (¼ cup): A touch of sharpness balances the sweet glaze and keeps things lively.
Apple cider vinegar or orange juice (¼ cup): Either option adds brightness; orange juice gives a citrusy twist!
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Delivers holiday warmth and wonderful depth to the glaze.
Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): A little goes a long way—cloves add an undeniable festive aroma.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to add a gentle, savory hint and cut the sweetness.
Whole cloves (optional, for garnish): Pressed into the ham for a beautiful look and extra fragrance—totally optional but delightful!

How to Make Spiral Ham

Step 1: Prep the Spiral Ham

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place your spiral ham cut side down in a large roasting pan—this helps keep all the natural juices locked in, making every slice extra succulent. Cover the ham loosely with foil to keep the heat gentle and even, preserving its signature tenderness. Your kitchen will already smell amazing, trust me!

Step 2: Bake Gently

Bake the ham for about 10–12 minutes per pound, or until it’s beautifully heated through. For an 8–10 lb spiral ham, this usually means around 2 hours in the oven. Always check for an internal temperature of 140°F, so you know it’s not just hot, but perfectly safe and juicy. While the ham bakes, you’ll have just enough time to whip up that heavenly glaze.

Step 3: Whip Up the Glaze

Meanwhile, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Let everything simmer on medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring as the kitchen fills with the most tantalizing aroma. The glaze will thicken just enough to coat the back of a spoon—this is your golden moment.

Step 4: Glaze and Caramelize

During the final 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush half the glaze all over the surface of the spiral ham, letting it seep into every gorgeous fold. Continue baking uncovered, brushing with more glaze every 10 minutes until it looks shiny, crackly, and irresistible. Don’t rush this part—the layers pick up color and flavor with each pass!

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Once your spiral ham is glazed to glossy perfection, take it out and let it rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This little pause lets the juices redistribute, meaning every slice will be moist and flavorful. It also gives you a few moments to dress up your serving platter or finish off sides!

How to Serve Spiral Ham

Garnishes

For extra wow-factor, stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing or scatter orange zest over the top for a pop of color. A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme tucked around the ham look stunning and lend a fresh, herbal perfume that makes the presentation even more special.

Side Dishes

Spiral ham makes friends with a whole roster of sides: creamy mashed potatoes, tangy green beans, crunchy coleslaw, or sweet roasted carrots—they all complement the savory-sweet glaze. Don’t forget warm dinner rolls for swooping up that extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging slices in a fan on a wooden board with spring peas or edible flowers tucked around the edges. Mini sliders with leftover spiral ham and a dab of mustard are a guaranteed hit at casual gatherings. Or, slice it thick and set atop buttermilk biscuits for a Southern-inspired brunch. Have fun making it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover spiral ham completely, then refrigerate in a tightly covered container for up to five days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making day-after sandwiches and omelets unbelievably good.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap ham slices or a chunk of the ham tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and savor that special occasion flavor any time the craving strikes.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, place spiral ham slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F until just heated through. For a quick fix, pop slices in the microwave under a damp paper towel for a minute or two.

FAQs

Do I need to use a bone-in spiral ham?

Bone-in spiral ham gives you the best flavor and juiciness—but if you only have boneless, it will still work. Just adjust your baking time and keep an eye on it!

Can I use orange juice instead of apple cider vinegar?

Absolutely! Orange juice brings a lovely citrus note and pairs perfectly with the spices in the glaze. Add a teaspoon of orange zest for even more punch.

What’s the best way to carve a spiral ham?

The beauty of spiral ham is that it’s already pre-sliced for you. Just cut along the bone to release those neat, even pieces—no fancy carving skills required.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Gently warm it before brushing on the ham for easy assembly.

Is spiral ham gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Dijon mustard and other ingredients if you need to avoid gluten for dietary reasons.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve seen how little effort it takes to create gorgeous, flavor-packed spiral ham, it’s bound to become your go-to for holidays, parties, or any occasion that deserves something special. Give it a try and watch your guests swoon!