A beautiful golden brown Cracker Barrel spiral cut ham is the centerpiece of many holiday meals and special occasions. This iconic pre-cooked ham is known for its signature sweet and smoky flavor, as well as its convenient spiral sliced shape that makes serving a breeze. But to get the best results from this special ham it’s important to cook it properly so it turns out juicy, glazed and full of flavor.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a perfect Cracker Barrel spiral ham. You’ll learn how to choose the right size ham, prep and season it, nail the cooking times and temperatures, and finish it off with a shiny glaze. We’ll also cover must-try serving suggestions to take your ham supper to the next level. Follow these pro tips and your Cracker Barrel spiral ham will be the star of your next gathering!
How to Choose the Right Spiral Ham
Cracker Barrel offers bone-in and boneless spiral hams in a variety of sizes from 4 to 16 pounds The size you choose depends on how many people you’re serving A general rule of thumb is to allow 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound of uncooked ham per person. So for a group of 8 to 10, a 7 to 10 pound ham is a good fit.
Look for a ham with good marbling throughout for the most flavor and moisture. The spiral cut shape helps the glaze penetrate deeper as it cooks. Vacuum-sealed hams stay fresh longer.
Properly Thawing Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham
While you can cook a frozen spiral ham straight from the freezer, thawing it first allows seasonings to penetrate better and reduces overall cooking time. Here are some safe thawing methods:
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Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds of ham. Place on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.
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Submerge wrapped ham in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed.
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Use the defrost setting on a microwave, checking often and rotating the ham.
Let thawed ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even heating.
Seasoning and Glazing Tips
Cracker Barrel spiral hams come pre-seasoned, but you can add extra flavor with a spice rub, brine, or glaze.
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For a rub, combine brown sugar, cracked pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pat it all over ham before cooking.
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Soak the ham overnight in an apple juice or cider brine in the fridge. This adds moisture and flavor.
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Brush on a sweet glaze of brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice last 30 minutes of cooking for a crispy, caramelized exterior.
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Score the ham in a diamond pattern before applying glaze to help it seep into meat.
How to Cook Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham
Cooking brings out the signature flavors that make Cracker Barrel ham so delicious. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham cut-side down in a foil-lined baking dish.
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For bone-in ham, bake 18-24 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
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For boneless, bake 10-15 minutes per pound until 135°F internal temperature.
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During last 30 minutes of cooking, spoon glaze over ham every 5 minutes.
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Broil ham 3-5 minutes after baking to caramelize glaze.
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Allow ham to rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Refer to the package for exact cook times. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches safe eating temperatures.
Step-by-Step Carving and Serving
To showcase your juicy Cracker Barrel spiral ham, follow these carving and serving tips:
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Place ham on a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut slices parallel to the bone following the spiral pattern.
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Arrange slices on a serving platter and garnish with fresh pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, or parsley.
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Set out a bowl with extra glaze for guests to drizzle over their ham slices.
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Pair with classic side dishes like baked beans, scalloped potatoes, cornbread and greens.
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For a unique presentation, stack slices on biscuits with spicy mustard and pickles for DIY ham sandwiches.
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Send guests home with foil-wrapped ham slices and glaze so they can enjoy Cracker Barrel flavor all week long!
With its impressive presentation and signature flavors, Cracker Barrel spiral ham is sure to be the highlight of your holiday table or celebration when cooked just right. Now that you know the secrets of selecting, seasoning and cooking this special entrée, you can serve it like a pro!
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FAQ
How to cook a spiral sliced ham from Cracker Barrel?
What is the best way to cook a spiral ham so it doesn t dry out?
What is the best way to heat a precooked spiral ham?
How to cook cracker barrel heat and serve dressing instructions?
How do you cook a spiral ham?
Spiral ham is incredibly easy and perfect for serving on special occasions or for Christmas dinner. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove packaging and if your ham has a small plastic disk on the underside of the bone, remove and discard the disk. Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan, cut side down. Cover with foil*.
How long do you cook a spiral ham in a crockpot?
Place the spiral ham in your crockpot with the cut side facing down. Add glaze over the top of the ham, then close the lid. If it doesn’t fit, top the crockpot with foil first to trap the heat in. Cook the ham on low for about 20-30 minutes per pound, or until it reaches 140°F. A 10-pound spiral ham will take around 3-5 hours.
How do you reheat a spiral ham?
Make a ham and cheese quiche for breakfast, a sliced ham sandwich for lunch, or a hearty split pea soup for dinner. To reheat spiral ham in the oven, place it in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake it at 250°F. If you only need to heat up a few slices, microwave them in 30-60 second intervals until hot.
Why do you cook a spiral ham in an oven bag?
Moist, juicy meat Heating the ham in an oven bag traps juices, creating a moist environment that efficiently heats the ham in less time and leads to juicier meat. Full flavor in every bite Most spiral hams have glaze just on the very edge of each slice.