There’s something undeniably special about a beautifully glazed ham gracing the holiday table. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or any festive occasion, a spiral-sliced smoked baked ham serves as a centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. This recipe simplifies the baking process, ensuring a juicy and flavorful ham every time. Enhanced with a sweet and tangy brown sugar and pineapple glaze, this ham is sure to become a cherished tradition in your family. Let’s dive into creating this delicious and impressive dish that honors timeless culinary practices with a homemade touch.
Ingredients for Perfectly Glazed Spiral-Sliced Smoked Baked Ham
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) mustard or Dijon mustard
- 1 small (20-ounce / 570 grams) can of crushed pineapple
How to Make Perfectly Glazed Spiral-Sliced Smoked Baked Ham
- Prepare the Ham for Baking: Start by selecting a fully cooked spiral-cut ham from your local store. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove all packaging materials from the ham, including any plastic or netting. Place the ham in a roasting pan with a depth of at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) to catch any drippings.
- Add Moisture to the Roasting Pan: Pour at least 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. For a moister ham, you can opt to add up to 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the Ham: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Bake the ham for approximately 6 minutes per pound (13 minutes per kilogram), ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F (50°C). It is crucial not to overcook the ham to prevent it from drying out.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 grams) of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of mustard or Dijon mustard, and about 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) of the crushed pineapple from the can. Stir the mixture to combine, ensuring it remains thick enough to adhere to the ham without becoming too watery. Optionally, you can create an alternative glaze by mixing 1 cup (200 grams) of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of honey, and 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- Thicken the Glaze: Heat the glaze mixture over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring continuously until it thickens, which should take about 10 minutes. This step ensures that the glaze will caramelize nicely on the ham without becoming too runny.
- Glaze the Ham: With approximately 15 minutes remaining in the baking time, remove the ham from the oven. Carefully lift the foil and generously brush the prepared glaze over the surface of the ham. This will create a flavorful crust as it bakes.
- Finish Baking the Ham: Return the glazed ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for the remaining 15 minutes. This allows the glaze to set and develop a beautiful, caramelized finish.
- Rest and Carve the Ham: Once the ham is fully baked and glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.
- Serve and Enjoy: Place the carved slices of ham on a serving platter. For an elegant presentation, you can garnish with pineapple slices using toothpicks or simply serve the ham as is. Enjoy your perfectly glazed spiral-sliced smoked baked ham hot, and watch it become the star of your holiday feast.
Creating the perfect spiral-sliced smoked baked ham is a delightful way to elevate your holiday meals and special occasions. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between simplicity and flavor, ensuring a succulent and beautifully glazed ham that will impress your guests and satisfy your family’s taste buds. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and the subtle fruitiness of pineapple creates a harmonious glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the ham. Whether you’re continuing a beloved family tradition or starting a new one, this homemade ham recipe is sure to become a favorite on your dining table. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every delicious bite of this timeless dish!
