Appleton Farms makes some of the most delicious premium spiral hams, known for their incredible flavor and juicy texture. However, proper cook time is essential to bring out the ham’s absolute best qualities without drying it out or undercooking So how long should you cook an Appleton Farms spiral ham to achieve tender, mouthwatering results?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking times, techniques, and tips for cooking Appleton Farms spiral ham to juicy perfection.
Appleton Farms, founded in 1825, produces high-quality cured and smoked hams including their famous spiral cut hams These hams are hickory smoked for rich flavor. The distinctive spiral cut slices wrap around the bone so the glaze really penetrates for enhanced taste.
The hams come fully cooked so they just need to be heated through. Appleton Farms offers several glaze flavors like honey, brown sugar, and applewood smoked to complement the smoky ham. Pre-carved spiral hams make an impressive and convenient holiday centerpiece to feed a crowd.
How Long to Cook an Appleton Farms Spiral Ham
The basic timing guideline for heating an Appleton Farms spiral ham is:
- Approximately 12-15 minutes per pound
- Until the internal temperature reaches 140°F
So for example, an 8 lb. spiral ham would take:
- 12-15 minutes x 8 pounds = 96-120 minutes (1 hr 36 min to 2 hrs)
Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness for food safety. If under 140°F, return to the oven for 5-10 minutes.
More Appleton Farms Spiral Ham Cook Times
Use these cook time ranges for different size Appleton Farms spiral hams:
- 4-5 lb. ham: 48-75 minutes
- 6-7 lb. ham: 72-105 minutes
- 8-9 lb. ham: 96-135 minutes
- 10-12 lb. ham: 120-180 minutes
Larger hams over 10 lbs may need extra time. Cook until the thermometer reads 140°F minimum.
Top Tips for Cooking Appleton Farms Spiral Ham
Follow these tips for perfect Appleton Farms spiral ham every time:
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Cook from fully thawed, never frozen.
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Oven temps can vary.
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Let the ham rest 15 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.
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For flavor, glaze during last 30 minutes if cooking a plain ham.
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Tent ham with foil at first to prevent drying out. Remove for glazing.
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The spiral bone helps the ham cook evenly and adds flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Appleton Farms Spiral Ham
Follow these simple steps for delicious Appleton Farms spiral ham:
1. Prepare the Ham
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Remove all packaging and discard plastic disk on bone.
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Place ham cut side down in a foil-lined baking dish.
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Score fat in a diamond pattern for better glaze coverage.
2. Cook the Ham
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Loosely cover ham with foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound.
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Remove foil last 30 minutes if glazing. Brush with glaze.
3. Test Temperature
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Insert thermometer into the thickest section, avoiding bone.
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Cook until it reaches 140°F minimum for safety.
4. Rest and Carve the Ham
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Remove ham from oven and let rest 15 minutes before carving.
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Carve by slicing around the bone; serve warm.
5. Enjoy Your Delicious Ham!
- Pair with favorite side dishes and dig in!
This simple process results in tender, fully-cooked spiral ham with incredible flavor.
Checking Doneness of Appleton Farms Spiral Ham
Since Appleton Farms spiral hams are pre-cooked, you just need to reheat them to a safe internal temperature of 140°F. Here are some tips for checking doneness:
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Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone.
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Double check temperature in a couple spots to ensure even heating.
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If under 140°F, return to oven for 5-10 minutes until 140°F.
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The ham may have a slight pink tinge when properly cooked.
Using a thermometer prevents over or undercooking the ham. Remove it from the oven immediately upon reaching 140°F for the best texture.
What If Your Appleton Farms Spiral Ham Is Undercooked?
Don’t worry if your Appleton Farms spiral ham is slightly undercooked when you check it. Here are some easy ways to finish cooking it:
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Put it back in the oven at 325°F for 5-10 more minutes until 140°F.
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Finish in the oven at 400°F for quicker heating through.
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Sear the ham in a hot skillet with oil to caramelize the outside.
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Simmer the ham in sauce, stock or cider to gently finish cooking.
With just a little extra time and care, you can still achieve a properly cooked ham for safety and taste even if it’s slightly underdone when first checked.
How to Tell If Your Appleton Farms Spiral Ham Is Overcooked
It’s also possible to overcook an Appleton Farms spiral ham. Here are some signs to watch for:
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Meat shrinking and separating from the bone.
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The fat areas look shriveled.
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Slices appear dense and dry rather than moist.
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Ham feels very firm and tough when slicing.
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Dry edges that are starting to get hard.
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Ham doesn’t hold slices together well.
While overcooked ham won’t make you ill, the quality and taste does go down. Sticking to the recommended cook times prevents drying the ham out.
Troubleshooting Appleton Farms Spiral Ham Issues
If your Appleton Farms spiral ham has problems, here are possible causes and solutions:
Ham is undercooked:
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Oven temperature too low – Use an oven thermometer to check for accuracy.
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Pulled out too early – Follow recommended minimum cooking time.
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Ham placed too low in oven – Move to center rack.
Ham is overcooked:
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Oven temperature too high – Reduce temperature to 300-325°F.
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Cooked too long – Carefully follow timing guidelines provided.
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Ham touching oven sides – Center in pan away from sides to prevent hot spots.
With some easy oven adjustments, you can get perfect results when cooking Appleton Farms spiral hams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Appleton Farms Spiral Ham
Get all your Appleton Farms spiral ham cooking questions answered:
What temperature should I cook an Appleton Farms spiral ham to?
Cook to an internal temperature of 140°F or higher for food safety.
How long does an 8 lb. Appleton Farms spiral ham need to cook?
An 8 lb. spiral ham takes approximately 96-120 minutes in a 325°F oven.
Should I tent my Appleton Farms spiral ham while cooking?
Yes, tenting loosely with foil prevents drying out. Remove foil to add glaze.
Can I cook an Appleton Farms spiral ham from frozen?
It’s best to thaw spiral hams fully 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking. Do not cook frozen.
How long does cooked Appleton Farms spiral ham last refrigerated?
Cooked Appleton Farms spiral ham lasts 3-4 days properly stored in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to reheat leftover Appleton Farms spiral ham?
Slice the ham and reheat in a skillet with broth or sauce to retain moisture.
Let’s Sum It Up
Perfectly cooking an Appleton Farms spiral ham is simple when you follow the guidelines. Allow 12-15 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven until the ham reaches 140°F internally. Using a meat thermometer prevents over or undercooking. Resting the ham before slicing also ensures you achieve the juiciest texture. In no time, you’ll be serving impressive Appleton Farms spiral ham that is sure to impress your family or guests.