Spiral hams can be a delicious and festive addition to any holiday feast, but figuring out how long to cook them can be tricky.
This recipe will walk you through the process of cooking a spiral ham at 350ºF and 400ºF, so it is perfectly juicy and tender.
Different ovens can have different cooking times, so it’s important to know how long to cook your ham.
In this blog post, we’ll give you an approximate cooking time for a spiral ham at 350ºF.
So, whether you’re using an oven or a slow cooker, you’ll know how long to cook your ham!
What is the best temperature to cook a spiral ham?
A spiral ham is especially impressive, with its even layer of pink meat and spiral shape. But whether you’re serving a crowd or just your family, you want to ensure that your ham is perfectly cooked.
So what is the best temperature to cook a spiral ham? The answer may surprise you.
Most hams are already cooked when you purchase them, so you only need to heat them.
This can be done by baking the ham at a low temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When done right, a spiral ham makes an impressive and delicious dish.
How long to cook a spiral ham at 350ºF?
The general rule when cooking a spiral ham is to cook it for about 10 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind that can affect this general guideline. For example, if your ham is particularly large or dense, it may take longer to cook through.
Additionally, if you’re glazing your ham with a sugary or sticky sauce, you’ll want to be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the glaze to burn.
Ultimately, the best way to know when your ham is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the ham should be between 140-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
By following these guidelines, you can be sure that your next holiday feast will be a success!
How long to cook a spiral ham at 400ºF?
If you’re looking for a quicker cooking time, you can cook your spiral ham at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, remember that the higher temperature will result in a drier ham.
For this reason, we recommend only cooking your ham at 400 degrees for a shorter time, such as 8 minutes per pound.
What is the ideal internal temperature of cooked spiral ham?
The ideal internal temperature of cooked spiral ham is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that the ham is cooked, not overcooked.
Overcooked ham can be dry and tough, so it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham before serving.
Spiral ham is a holiday favorite, and following these simple tips will help you to cook a perfect ham every time.
How to Cook Spiral Ham 350ºF
Ingredients
- 1 Ham, fully cooked and spiral sliced (8-10 pound)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix well in a small bowl and combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, ginger, and pepper. Reserve 1/2 cup for basting.
- Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife. Pour the remaining glaze over the ham.
- Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven; spoon the reserved glaze over the ham. Return to the oven; bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
- Remove from the oven; let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm.
What is the ideal internal temperature of precooked spiral ham?
Precooked spiral hams are typically heated to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit.
This ensures that the ham is cooked through and safe to eat. However, some prefer to heat their ham to a higher internal temperature, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
If you choose to heat your ham to a higher temperature, closely monitor it, so it does not overcook.
How do I know when the ham is done?
There are several ways to tell if a ham is done without a thermometer.
One way is to insert a skewer into the thickest part of the ham; if the skewer slides in easily, the ham is done.
In another way, you can also tell if a ham is done by its appearance; the ham should be slightly browned, and the juices should be bubbling. If the ham is starting to burn, it is overcooked and should be removed from the heat immediately.
Tips and tricks for a better ham
First of all, if you want a more traditional flavor, use a less sweet glaze-like apple cider or white wine.
- Balance the glaze’s sweetness by adding a bit of acidity, like lemon juice or vinegar.
- For a deeper flavor, caramelize the sugars in the glaze before applying them to the ham.
- Use fresh, seasonal spices in the glaze for a more complex flavor.
- Cook the ham at a lower temperature, around 325 degrees F, for a longer period to prevent drying.
- Baste the ham regularly with pan juices or additional glaze while it cooks to keep it moist.
- Let the spiral ham rest 10-15 minutes after cooking before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the spiral ham thinly so that it will heat through quickly and evenly when reheating.
- Reheat leftover spiral ham in a covered dish in a 350-degree F oven, adding water or chicken stock to the dish if necessary.
- Use leftover spiral ham in omelets, quiches, frittatas, or other egg dishes.
- Add leftover spiral ham to soups or stews for added flavor and protein.
- Make spiral ham sandwiches on crusty rolls with your favorite condiments.
- Crumble and use leftover spiral ham as a topping for salads, pizzas, or pasta.
- Cube and sauté leftover spiral ham with vegetables for a quick and easy stir-fry.
And finally, use leftover spiral ham in this recipe for Ham and Cheese Strata.
Final Words
Spiral ham is a delicious and convenient option for holiday meals or anytime you want to serve a special dinner.
With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your spiral ham is cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Be sure to let the ham rest before slicing so that the juices have a chance to redistribute, and slice it thinly so that it reheats evenly. Enjoy your leftover spiral ham in a variety of dishes throughout the week.
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