A fully cooked spiral ham is a delicious and convenient choice when it comes to preparing a meal for family or friends. Spiral hams are already fully cooked, so the primary goal is to heat them through and infuse them with flavor. Baking is one of the easiest and most common methods to achieve this.
To bake a fully cooked spiral ham, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove any packaging material from the ham, and place it on a roasting pan or in a baking dish. Some people prefer to score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts on its surface, which can help the flavors penetrate and create an attractive presentation.
Cover the ham with aluminum foil or a lid to help retain its moisture. Bake the ham for about 10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If you prefer a slightly crispier exterior, you can remove the foil or lid during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the ham to brown.
Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful. Slice the ham and serve it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
So, to summarize, baking a fully cooked spiral ham involves preheating the oven, placing the ham in a roasting pan, covering it, and baking it at 325°F (163°C) for about 10 minutes per pound. Remember to let the ham rest after baking, and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones!
Baking a fully cooked spiral ham
When it comes to baking a fully cooked spiral ham, the process is relatively simple. The cooking time will depend on the size of the ham and the desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide to help you achieve a delicious and juicy ham:
Preparation:
Before baking the ham, make sure to remove any packaging and place the ham in a shallow baking pan or dish. You can also use a roasting rack to elevate the ham and allow for even cooking.
Baking:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Calculate the cooking time based on the weight of the ham. Plan for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound.
3. Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and place it in the preheated oven.
4. Bake the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This will ensure that the ham is heated through and safe to eat.
5. If desired, you can glaze the ham during the last 15-30 minutes of baking. Simply apply the glaze using a brush and return the ham to the oven uncovered. Repeat the glazing process every 10 minutes until the ham is done.
Serving:
Once the ham has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make slicing easier.
After resting, slice the ham and serve it warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or used to make sandwiches, salads, or other delicious dishes.
Ham weight | Cooking time | Internal temperature |
---|---|---|
5-7 pounds | 50-75 minutes | 140°F (60°C) |
7-9 pounds | 70-105 minutes | 140°F (60°C) |
9-11 pounds | 90-135 minutes | 140°F (60°C) |
11-13 pounds | 110-165 minutes | 140°F (60°C) |
13-15 pounds | 130-195 minutes | 140°F (60°C) |
Remember to always check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer, as cooking times may vary. Enjoy your delicious baked spiral ham!
Preparation before baking
Before baking a fully cooked spiral ham, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that it turns out moist and flavorful. Here’s what you need to do:
Gather your ingredients and equipment
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment before you begin. You will need the following:
1 fully cooked spiral ham |
1 cup of brown sugar |
1/2 cup of honey |
1/4 cup of Dijon mustard |
1/4 cup of pineapple juice |
1/4 cup of orange juice |
Aluminum foil |
Baking dish |
Basting brush |
Prepare the ham
First, remove the fully cooked spiral ham from its packaging and place it on a clean surface. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and give it an attractive appearance.
Next, prepare the glaze by combining the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and orange juice in a small bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Once the glaze is ready, use a basting brush to generously brush it over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get the glaze into the scored diamond pattern. Reserve some of the glaze for basting during the baking process.
Finally, tightly wrap the ham in aluminum foil and place it in a baking dish. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent the ham from drying out during the baking process.
Temperature and cooking time
When it comes to baking a fully cooked spiral ham, it is crucial to get the temperature and cooking time right to ensure a delicious and juicy result. Here are some guidelines:
Temperature:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for best results. This allows for even cooking and helps to retain the moisture and tenderness of the ham.
Cooking time:
The general rule of thumb for heating a fully cooked spiral ham is 10 minutes per pound. However, it is always best to refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer as cooking times may vary.
For a more precise estimate, calculate the cooking time based on the weight of the ham. For example, a 8-pound ham would be cooked for approximately 80 minutes.
It is important to note that the internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C) when fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the ham to ensure it is cooked to perfection.
While baking, you can baste the ham occasionally with its own juices or a glaze to enhance the flavor and keep it moist. Covering the ham with foil during baking can also help prevent it from drying out.
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful ham.
By following these guidelines for temperature and cooking time, you can enjoy a perfectly baked, moist, and delicious spiral ham that is sure to impress your guests.
Checking for doneness
When baking a fully cooked spiral ham, it is important to check for doneness to ensure that it is cooked to perfection. Here are a few simple steps to follow to determine if your ham is ready:
1. Temperature
First, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching any bone. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for it to be considered fully cooked and safe to eat.
2. Basting
While checking the temperature, you can also baste the ham with its juices or glaze to enhance the flavors. Basting helps to keep the ham moist and adds a delicious caramelized coating.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your fully cooked spiral ham is perfectly baked and ready to be served to your family and friends.
Serving and Storing Leftovers
Once your fully cooked spiral ham is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Here are some tips on serving and storing your leftover ham:
Serving:
1. Let the ham rest: After baking, allow the ham to rest for about 15 minutes to retain its juices before slicing.
2. Slicing: Use a sharp carving knife to slice the ham thinly. This will help to retain its tenderness and flavor.
3. Plating options: Serve the sliced ham on a platter or individual plates. It can be accompanied by sauces, glazes, or condiments of your choice.
4. Leftovers: If you have any leftover ham, there are various ways to use it creatively in meals. It can be added to sandwiches, omelettes, salads, or used in casseroles and soups.
Storing:
1. Refrigeration: Place the leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil. Store it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
2. Freezing: If you don’t plan on using the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze the ham. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Label and date: When storing the ham in the refrigerator or freezer, be sure to label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
4. Reheating: When reheating the ham, make sure to cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your leftover ham remains delicious and safe to eat for an extended period of time.
Questions and answers
How long do you bake a fully cooked spiral ham?
A fully cooked spiral ham should be baked for about 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
The oven should be set to 325°F when baking a fully cooked spiral ham.
Do I need to cover the ham when baking?
Yes, it is recommended to cover the ham with foil while baking to prevent it from drying out.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Can I glaze the ham while baking?
Yes, you can glaze the ham during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Simply brush the glaze over the ham and continue baking until it reaches the desired temperature.
How long do you bake a fully cooked spiral ham?
A fully cooked spiral ham should be baked for about 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F. This means that a 10-pound ham would need to be baked for about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes.