A spiral sliced ham from Publix is a delicious and convenient choice for holiday meals or any special occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can cook a moist, juicy Publix spiral ham worthy of being the centerpiece of your table.
Overview of Cooking a Publix Spiral Ham
Here’s a quick summary of how to cook a pre-cooked Publix spiral ham:
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Select a bone-in, fully cooked spiral sliced ham about 8-10 pounds
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Let the ham sit out for 1 hour before cooking.
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Prepare a brown sugar glaze by simmering brown sugar, honey, spices, and pineapple juice.
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Place ham cut-side down in a foil-lined pan. Score top of ham.
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Brush ham with glaze. Cover tightly with foil.
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Bake at 275°F for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Glaze periodically.
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Uncover broil to caramelize glaze. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cooking a delicious Publix spiral ham starts with just a few simple ingredients:
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Fully cooked spiral sliced ham: Choose a bone-in, 8-10 pound pre-cooked ham.
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Brown sugar: Creates a sweet, sticky glaze when melted.
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Honey: Adds floral sweetness and helps the glaze stick.
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Pineapple juice: Provides a tartness to balance the sweet glaze.
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Spices: Such as cloves, cinnamon, garlic, etc to boost flavor.
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Butter: Adds richness to the glaze. Use unsalted.
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Dijon mustard: Contributes tangy flavor to the glaze.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze
The key to incredible Publix spiral ham is brushing it with a homemade brown sugar glaze as it bakes.
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In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon each cloves and garlic.
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Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
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Remove from heat and let cool slightly before brushing onto ham.
Get the Ham Ready for Baking
Before popping it in the oven, prep the Publix ham by scoring it and placing it in a foil-lined baking dish.
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Let frozen ham thaw 1-2 days in fridge before cooking.
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Allow fresh ham to sit at room temperature 1 hour before baking.
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Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a large roasting pan with foil and lightly grease.
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Place ham cut-side down in the prepared pan.
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With a knife, cut slits across top of ham about 1/4 inch deep.
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Scoring helps the glaze seep into the meat.
Brush with Glaze and Bake
Once your ham is prepped, it’s time to let the oven work its magic.
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Generously brush ham with about 1/3 of the glaze mixture.
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Wrap pan tightly in foil, sealing edges to lock in moisture.
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Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound.
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Every 45 mins, remove foil and baste ham with more glaze. Re-cover with foil.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Ham should reach 135°F.
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During last 10 minutes of baking, remove foil and broil to caramelize glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Let Ham Rest Before Carving
Before slicing into your Publix spiral ham, be sure to let it rest.
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When ham reaches proper internal temp, remove pan from oven.
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Loosely tent with foil and let rest 15-20 minutes.
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This allows juices to reabsorb for a moist, tender texture.
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Transfer ham to a cutting board and carve by slicing between bone and spiral cut edge.
Serving Suggestions
A brown sugar glazed Publix spiral ham pairs nicely with various side dishes like:
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Mashed or sweet potatoes
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Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus
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Dinner rolls, biscuits or cornbread
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A crisp green salad
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For dessert, serve slices with pineapple rings or cherry pie
Glazing and Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for the most flavorful, moist Publix spiral ham:
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Brush glaze over ham every 45 minutes while baking for maximum flavor.
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Cook at a low 275°F to prevent overcooking the outer edges before center is hot.
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Use a meat thermometer to test for 135°F doneness temp.
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Letting ham rest before carving allows juices to absorb for a juicy texture.
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Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen up to 2 months.
With this easy technique, you’ll have a beautiful Publix spiral ham ready to serve for Easter, Christmas or anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound Publix spiral ham?
Cook for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours at 275°F, or approximately 18 minutes per pound.
Should you cover the ham while cooking?
Yes, cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture while baking. Uncover last 10 minutes.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Publix spiral ham?
Wrap slices in foil and reheat at 300°F for 20 minutes until warmed through.
Can you bake a Publix spiral ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for about 1 hour per pound. Add glaze periodically while cooking.
How do you keep a pre-cooked Publix spiral ham from drying out?
Cook at a low temp, wrap in foil, and glaze frequently to lock in moisture. Let rest before slicing.
Conclusion
With its beautiful presentation and irresistible sweet, salty flavor, a Publix spiral ham is sure to be the highlight of your holiday table. Preparing it is easy with a few simple tips. Bake it low and slow while frequently brushing with a homemade brown sugar glaze. Let the ham rest before slicing into tender, juicy pieces that are sure to satisfy. Pair with favorite side dishes for a meal guests won’t soon forget!
