Walmart’s spiral sliced hams offer convenience and delicious flavor for holiday meals and special gatherings With minimal preparation needed, spiral hams are an easy and impressive choice. Follow these simple steps for cooking your Walmart spiral ham to juicy, tender perfection
Selecting the Right Size Spiral Ham
Walmart offers bone-in and boneless spiral hams in a variety of sizes from 5 to 15 pounds Choose a size based on how many people you are serving Estimate about 1/3 pound of ham per person, An 8 to 10 pound ham will feed 12-15 guests with leftovers,
Pick a ham that has vibrant pink meat and white fat marbling throughout. Avoid any with dry or dull looking areas. For ease of serving, go with a boneless spiral ham. The thin, uniform slices are ready to arrange right on your platter.
Preparing the Ham for the Oven
Start by removing all packaging from the ham Rinse it under cool water and pat it completely dry with paper towels, Place it face side down in a heavy roasting pan or on a rack set inside a half sheet pan,
Score the ham by making 1/4 inch deep diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze adhere. Brush on half of the glaze packet, coating both the fat and lean portions. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow glaze to penetrate.
If using your own glaze, simmer ingredients like brown sugar, honey, spices and vinegar until thick. Apply all over ham and refrigerate before baking.
Baking Your Spiral Ham
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Cover ham tightly with foil and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound. Use an instant read thermometer to check for 130°F internal temperature.
For example, bake an 8 pound ham for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours until 130°F.
Remove foil and brush with remaining glaze during the last 20 minutes to caramelize. Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it.
Get Perfect Results Every Time
Follow these tips for best results when cooking your Walmart spiral ham:
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Always use an instant read thermometer to check temperature. Cook to 130°F.
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Loosely tent ham with foil to prevent drying out while baking.
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Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving for juicy slices.
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Glaze ham halfway through and again at end of cook time for delicious flavor.
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Choose a bone-in ham for impressive presentation or boneless for easy serving.
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Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven.
Serving Suggestions
The beautiful spiral cut slices of ham make a stunning presentation on your holiday table. Arrange them neatly overlapping on a platter. Spoon any pan juices over the top.
Pair your Walmart spiral ham with classic side dishes like baked beans, scalloped potatoes, cornbread and a fresh salad. Ham also shines in scrambles, omelets, sandwiches, soups and more the next day.
Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months. With its ease of preparation, your Walmart spiral ham is sure to become a new family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about cooking a perfect Walmart spiral ham? Here are some commonly asked questions:
How long does it take to cook a bone-in spiral ham?
Cook approximately 12-15 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Should I tent the ham with foil while baking?
Yes, tenting loosely with foil prevents drying out. Remove foil last 15-20 minutes if glazing ham.
What is the best way to glaze a spiral ham?
Brush on half the glaze before baking, the rest during the last 15-20 minutes for caramelized flavor.
What temperature should a fully cooked spiral ham reach?
Cook to an internal temperature of 130°F as measured by an instant read thermometer inserted in thickest part.
Can I cook a Walmart spiral ham on the grill?
Yes, grill over medium indirect heat for about 15 minutes per pound until 130°F internal temperature.
With proper preparation and cooking, your Walmart spiral ham will turn out juicy, tender and full of flavor. Follow this simple guide for impressive results at your next holiday meal or gathering.