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Looking for a showstopper entrée for your next gathering? I have three words for you: savory baked ham. I'll wait so you can salivate.
Ham can be a bit intimidating to cook, and the last thing you want to do is make a mistake while cooking your special dinner, especially if you’re entertaining guests. Fortunately, it’s actually very easy to make a perfect ham for any special occasion.
Tips for cooking a perfect spiral ham
- For starters, pick a great ham. The Harry & David Spiral Ham is already seasoned and cooked, so all you need to do is warm it, glaze it, and serve it.
- Whether you’re cooking your own or reheating a pre-cooked ham, the key is to not overcook it. Ham, like brisket, can dry out if you cook it for too long or in an oven that’s too hot. Remember, no two ovens are alike, so be mindful of your cooking temperature and time.
- Make your own glaze. It adds extra flavor to each slice while keeping the ham juicy, which will make your guests happy.
When the ham is ready to serve, you’ll want to turn it on its side so the spiral slices run vertical. Use a sharp carving knife to carve off the slices one at a time. For extra flavor besides the glaze, serve the ham with juices from the roasting pan or gravy.
- Roasting pan
- 1 Harry & David Spiral Cut Ham
- For the sweet harissa glaze
- 12 cup butter
- 23 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon harissa spice
- 12 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Preheat oven to 250˚F. Unwrap the ham, removing plastic wrap and plastic button on the flat side of the ham. Place ham in a roasting pan with the cut side down. Cover the roasting pan in foil.
- Roast the ham for 10-12 minutes or until warm. Remember the ham is completely cooked so this will warm up the ham without drying it out.
- For the glaze
- Add all the ingredients to a small pot and stir over medium-low heat. Bring the glaze to a slight simmer and turn heat down to low.
- Simmer for five minutes or until the sugar has dissolved and glaze has started to thicken. Remove from heat. Glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
- When the ham is done roasting, remove from oven and take off the foil. Turn the oven up to 450˚F.
- Generously brush the glaze over the surface of the ham.
- Return the ham to the oven for 12-15 minutes.
- Remove the ham from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
The best part about cooking such a large main course is the leftovers. Ham keeps in the fridge for up to seven days, or you can freeze it by sealing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for three months. To enjoy again, thaw it gently in the fridge. You can warm it up again, but this ham is equally delicious served cold.
AUTHOR
Nick has been writing delicious recipes for the home cook for over a decade. He lives in Denver, Colorado, where he embraces a delicate balance of kid-chasing, trail running, and beer drinking. He posts his latest creations to his recipe blog Macheesmo, and runs a YouTube show called The Dinnernet.