How to Cook a Spiral Sliced Ham without Drying It Out
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
200 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How to Cook a Spiral Sliced Ham without Drying It Out
Description
Cooking a spiral sliced precooked ham without drying it out involves placing the ham fat side up in a baking dish, adding the natural juices plus chicken stock to maintain moisture, and tightly covering the ham with foil. Baking at 325°F allows the ham to heat through gently, preserving tenderness. Removing the foil near the end prevents the ham from steaming too long, and applying a sweet glaze mixture 30 minutes before finishing adds flavor and a sticky glaze.
The glaze consists of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and maple syrup, which when poured between the slices, lends a sticky and sweet coating that enhances the ham’s flavor. Keeping the ham tightly covered during most of the baking time and basting with juices after baking improves juiciness and presentation.
This method is useful for maintaining moist ham that can be served during holidays or family meals. Using the weight chart to calculate baking time ensures precise doneness without overcooking. The glaze is optional but recommended for added taste.
Ingredients
- 1 spiral sliced precooked ham
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 glaze packet
Instructions
- Remove your ham from the packaging being careful to reserve the juices that will be inside the shrink wrapped covering over the ham.
- Also be sure to save the label (with instructions for the ham), the glaze packet and the tag showing the weight of your ham. Keep handy where you can use them frequently if needed.
- Refer to the chart on this post for the length of time you will need to bake your ham based on the weight.
- Preheat the oven to 325 and move the oven rack so that you can position the ham in the center of the oven.
- Place the ham in your baking dish. Place fat side up for the most flavor.
- Pour the retained juices from the ham into the bottom of the baking dish and add ½ cup of chicken stock if there is not at least ½ cup of juices.
- Cover the ham TIGHTLY with heavy duty aluminum foil. If you can’t cover with a single piece of aluminum foil then use several. Put the aluminum foil over the top of the ham and secure it to the top edges of your roasting pan. Make it tight so that there are no leaks.
- Read the instructions for your included glaze packet so that you understand when and how to place the glaze.
- Bake for the time stated in the chart above OR if your ham comes with different time/temp instructions, follow that.
- Apply your glaze according to the glaze instructions (you will need to apply the glaze to the sliced side of your ham. If that side is down in the pan, flip the ham over). If you are using my glaze recipe included in the post, apply it 10 minutes before the ham is done after flipping the ham over so that the sliced part is up, recover with foil and place back in the oven to finish baking.
- When the appropriate time has elapsed, remove the ham from the oven, leave the foil on until it has cooled enough to handle.
- When cool enough to handle, make sure the sliced side is up. Use a basting bulb OR a ladle and spoon the pan drippings over the ham. Make sure that some of the juices get down into the slices.
- Just before serving, baste again. Serve warm.
Notes
- Refer to the cooking time chart to bake your ham accurately based on its weight.
- If not using the glaze packet, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and maple syrup to create a sticky glaze.
- Apply the glaze 30 minutes before the ham finishes baking, ensuring it seeps between the slices.
- Keep the ham tightly covered with foil during baking to maintain juiciness and prevent drying.
- Baste the ham with its juices after baking and before serving for added moisture and flavor.
- Use the saved juices from packaging and add chicken stock if needed to reach at least ½ cup liquid in the baking dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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