To cook a spiral ham, which is typically pre-cooked and only needs to be heated through, follow these guidelines:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the spiral ham cut side down in a shallow roasting pan.
- Cover the ham tightly with foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes per pound. For example, an 8 to 10-pound ham will take roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; the ham should reach 140°F to be properly heated without drying out.
- If you plan to glaze the ham, apply the glaze during the last 20 minutes of cooking and remove the foil to allow the glaze to set and caramelize.
- Once done, let the ham rest covered for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute
This method ensures the ham stays juicy and flavorful without overcooking.
