How to Make Whiskey Glazed Spiral Ham

Spiral Ham:

Spiral ham is precooked, bone-in hams that have been sliced in a continuous spiral, making them extremely convenient for serving. The slicing technique cuts through the meat in a way that maintains the ham’s shape, while also allowing for easy carving. Typically, spiral hams are fully cooked, meaning they only need to be reheated and glazed before serving.

Spiral hams have a rich, slightly sweet and salty flavor, often enhanced by a glaze, such as honey, maple, or fruit-based glazes like orange or pineapple. The bone-in nature of the ham adds a deeper, more savory taste compared to boneless options, as the bone helps retain moisture and flavor during reheating.

This spiral ham offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The orange marmalade provides a bright citrusy sweetness, complemented by the tanginess of the Dijon mustard. The whiskey adds a subtle depth, while the cloves impart a warming, spiced aroma. The result is a perfectly glazed ham with a caramelized, sticky exterior and tender, juicy meat.

Benefits of Spiral Hams:

Convenience: Pre-sliced for easy carving, making it a time-saver for holiday meals or large gatherings.
Moisture Retention: The bone helps retain moisture, keeping the meat juicy when heated properly.
Versatility: Spiral hams pair well with a variety of glazes, sauces, and sides, making them adaptable for various flavors.

Spiral hams are especially popular during Christmas and Easter celebrations. They are a common choice because they require minimal preparation, feed a crowd, and look impressive as a centerpiece on a holiday table.

Orange Whiskey Glazed Ham Recipe

Servings: 12

Ingredients:
1 (7-8 pound) fully cooked ham
1 (13 oz/370 g) jar of orange marmalade
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup whiskey
Salt & pepper, to taste
Whole cloves, for garnish

Instructions:
Prepare the Ham:
Remove the ham from the refrigerator and place it in a roasting pan on a rack. Allow the ham to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking and prevents the ham from drying out.

Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, whiskey, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glaze.

Prepare the Ham:
If your ham isn’t pre-scored, use a sharp knife to score the skin in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts. Insert whole cloves into some of the diamonds for added flavor.

Bake the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the ham has reached room temperature, generously brush it with the glaze. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Glazing & Cooking:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush with more glaze. Continue glazing every 10 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C). If the glaze begins to darken too much, tent the ham with foil to prevent burning.

Rest & Serve:
Remove the ham from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve sliced on a platter with additional glaze, if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, approx. 12 servings):

Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sugars: 16 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sodium: 1480 mg
Fiber: 0 g

Print the Recipe Here

Reheating Spiral Hams:

Since spiral hams are precooked, they only need to be gently reheated. It’s essential to avoid overcooking, as the meat can dry out. Most recommend covering the ham with foil and warming it in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).