How to Cook Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham to Perfection

Sam’s Choice spiral cut smoked ham is a holiday favorite for good reason – it’s tasty, easy to cook, and makes an impressive centerpiece on any table. But to get the most out of this pre-cooked delicacy, it pays to know the ins and outs of preparing it properly.

In this comprehensive guide you’ll learn expert tips and tricks for cooking Sam’s Choice spiral hams from thawing and glazing to roasting and carving. Let’s dive in!

Thawing Out the Ham

For food safety and even cooking, it’s crucial to thaw your spiral cut smoked ham fully before roasting. Here are some thawing tips:

• Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 lbs of ham. A 10 lb ham needs 2-3 days to thaw.
• Thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
• Place the ham in a rimmed baking sheet to catch any juices.
• Do not remove original packaging while thawing.

Once thawed the ham is ready for the next pre-cooking steps.

Scoring and Glazing

Scoring the ham’s outer layer and applying a glaze adds flavor and visual appeal.

To score:

• Use a sharp knife to cut shallow diagonal lines across the ham’s surface.
• Space lines 1-2 inches apart. Don’t cut deeper than 1⁄8 inch.

For glazing:

• Mix your favorite glaze – brown sugar, honey, jams, and mustards work well.
• Spread the glaze all over the scored surface.
• Rub it into the cuts for maximum flavor.

Determining Cook Time

Cooking time varies depending on the size of your spiral cut smoked ham. Here are approximate guidelines:

• Half ham (5-7 lbs): 18-24 minutes per lb
• Whole ham (10-14 lbs): 15 minutes per lb

Use these cook times as a starting point, but always rely on a meat thermometer to assess doneness instead of cooking time alone.

Roasting to Perfection

Roasting is hands-down the best way to cook a spiral sliced ham. Follow these tips:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan.
• Place ham cut-side down first. Cook for half the time.
• Flip ham and brush with more glaze. Cook the remaining time.
• Roast until internal temperature reaches 135-140°F.

Cooking to this ideal temp range ensures the ham stays juicy and tender

Resting, Carving, and Serving

After roasting, always allow the ham to rest:

• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before carving.
• This allows juices to redistribute evenly.

Carving along the pre-cut spiral slices makes serving a breeze. Use a sharp knife and carving fork to gently lift slices onto plates or a serving platter.

Accompaniments like pineapple glaze, cloves, and maraschino cherries add festive garnish. Pair with classic sides like macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls for a perfect holiday spread.

Storing Leftovers

Spiral cut smoked hams often yield ample leftovers. Here are some storage tips:

• Let ham cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store carved ham in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freeze ham slices up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
• Use for sandwiches, omelets, pizza, pasta, and more!

With these handy tips for thawing, glazing, roasting, carving, and storing, you can cook Sam’s Choice spiral cut smoked ham like a pro this holiday season. Impress your guests with juicy, flavorful slices they won’t stop raving about!