Sam’s Choice spiral cut hams are a popular choice for holiday meals and special gatherings. The hams come pre-sliced in an elegant spiral pattern, making carving and serving a breeze But to get the most out of these convenient hams, it’s important to cook them properly so they turn out juicy, flavorful and delicious
In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through tips techniques and step-by-step instructions for cooking a perfect Sam’s Choice spiral cut ham in the oven. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Choosing a Spiral Cut Ham
There are a few key advantages to choosing a spiral cut ham like those from Sam’s Choice
-
Easy Carving – The spiral slicing makes carving and serving the ham quick and easy. The slices are already portioned so you can simply follow the ridges.
-
Enhanced Flavor – Spiral cutting allows the glaze and seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat for more robust, intense flavor in every bite.
-
Time Saver – No need to laboriously hand slice the ham after cooking. Spiral hams come pre-sliced and ready for the oven.
-
Juicy and Tender – The deep cuts prevent the ham from drying out during cooking by exposing more surface area.
-
Eye-Catching Presentation – The beautiful spiral design makes the ham an elegant centerpiece worthy of any special meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Sam’s Choice Spiral Ham
Follow these simple steps for foolproof results:
1. Thaw the Ham
-
If frozen, thaw ham in the refrigerator 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs. Keep ham in original packaging during thawing.
-
For quicker thawing, submerge wrapped ham in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
-
Never thaw ham at room temperature or in hot water – this promotes bacterial growth.
2. Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat oven to 325°F. This moderately low temperature prevents overcooking.
-
Be sure to give oven plenty of time to fully preheat before baking ham.
3. Prepare the Ham
-
Unwrap ham and place in a roasting pan or baking dish.
-
Score the fat cap on top in a diamond pattern. This helps render fat and create a crunchy surface.
-
Brush ham generously with glaze packet. Rub glaze into cuts and over entire surface.
-
For added flavor, stud with whole cloves spaced 2-3 inches apart.
4. Determine Cook Time
-
Cook 15-18 minutes per pound for bone-in hams.
-
Allow 18-24 minutes per pound for boneless hams which tend to cook faster.
-
For example, a 10 lb bone-in ham needs 150-180 minutes total time.
-
Use a meat thermometer and cook until internal temp reaches 140°F.
5. Basting and Tenting
-
Every 30 minutes, baste ham with more glaze to prevent drying out.
-
If ham browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil without letting foil touch ham.
6. Let Ham Rest
-
Once ham reaches 140°F, remove from oven and let rest 15-20 mins.
-
This allows juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat. Don’t skip this important step!
7. Carve and Serve
-
Using a sharp carving knife, slice along the spiral following the ridges.
-
Arrange slices on a platter and serve warm. Provide extra glaze for dipping or brushing.
-
Enjoy this delicious ham centerpiece with your favorite holiday side dishes!
Handy Time and Temperature Chart
Use this handy chart as a quick reference for estimating cook times:
| Ham Weight | Uncooked Time at 325°F |
|-|-|-|
| 5 lbs | 1.25 – 1.5 hours |
| 7 lbs | 1.75 – 2 hours |
| 10 lbs | 2.5 – 3 hours |
| 12 lbs | 3 – 3.5 hours |
| 15 lbs | 3.75 – 4.5 hours |
Remember, always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness rather than time. Cook to 140°F for the safest, juiciest results.
Choosing the Right Size Ham
Sam’s Choice offers bone-in and boneless spiral hams in a variety of sizes:
-
Half hams (5-8 lbs): Ideal for smaller gatherings of 6-10 people. Easier to fit in oven.
-
Whole hams (10-16 lbs): Perfect for feeding larger parties of 10-16. Provides leftovers too.
-
Boneless hams (4-8 lbs): Take less time to cook than bone-in. Great for smaller families.
Choose the right size based on the number of guests you plan to serve. Allow 4-8 oz per person if ham is the main course.
Handling Leftover Cooked Ham
Leftover ham stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Here are great ways to use up extras:
-
Slice and add to omelets, biscuits or sandwiches
-
Dice ham for pasta salads, pizza, potato hash or fried rice
-
Simmer ham bone for split pea or bean soup stock
-
To freeze, cut ham into portions and wrap tightly. Keeps 2-3 months in freezer.
Troubleshooting Common Ham Issues
Ham is too salty: Soak in water for 1 hour before cooking to reduce saltiness. Rinse after soaking.
Ham is undercooked: Return to oven and cook until it reaches 140°F internally.
Ham is dry: Did not baste or tent enough during cooking. Slice dry portions off and use only moist ham.
Ham won’t glaze: Ensure surface is dry before glazing. Cook at lower temp next time and baste more frequently.
Ham burns: Tent with foil earlier in cooking process. Apply glaze closer to end of cook time.
Ham has off flavors: Discard ham if odor, color or sliminess develops. Do not taste suspicious ham.
Delicious Glaze Ideas
While Sam’s Choice hams come with a glaze packet, you can get creative with your own signature mixes:
- Brown sugar, honey, and spicy mustard
- Sweet chili sauce and crushed pineapple
- Pure maple syrup with chipotle and cumin
- Orange marmalade with grated ginger and garlic
- Bourbon, molasses and cracked black pepper
Brush on your homemade glazes during last 30 minutes of cooking for irresistible flavor.
Pairing Sides with Sam’s Choice Spiral Ham
Here are some classic side dishes that perfectly complement the flavors of ham:
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Scalloped potatoes or sweet potato casserole
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
- Glazed carrots or honey roasted parsnips
- Cornbread, biscuits or Hawaiian rolls
- Fruit salad with pineapple and maraschino cherries
A meal of ham with 2-3 of these delectable sides will be sure to satisfy any holiday crowd!
Step Up Your Ham Game
Take your spiral cut ham to the next level with these easy add-ons:
- Stud with whole cloves for aromatic flavor
- Top with crushed pineapple rings or maraschino cherries
- Serve with a bowl of ramekins filled with mustards or chutneys
- Garnish platter with fresh herb sprigs like rosemary, sage or thyme
- Make it a ham duo by baking a boneless and bone-in ham
With these unique touches, your Sam’s Choice spiral ham will look and taste gourmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an uncooked Sam’s Choice spiral ham last in the fridge?
An uncooked ham will stay fresh for 4-7 days past the sell-by date as long as kept refrigerated at 40°F or below.
Can I cook a Sam’s Choice ham from frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw first by allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs in the refrigerator. Add 1-2 hours onto the estimated cooking time.
What is the best way to reheat leftover cooked ham?
Slice ham and wrap tightly in foil. Reheat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended.
Do I need to remover the skin or fat cap from a spiral cut ham?
No, leave the fat cap intact for added flavor. Simply score the top in a diamond pattern before glazing and cooking.
What temperature should I cook ham to for optimum food safety?
Cook hams to an internal temperature of 140°F as measured by a food thermometer to eliminate risk of illness from bacteria.
Can I use my Sam’s Choice ham glaze on other meats like turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! The sweet glazes pair well with poultry, pork and even meatloaf. Get creative and use leftovers as a sauce or marinade.
Enjoy Delicious Sam’s Choice Spiral Ham
From proper thawing and glazing to cooking times and temps, you now have all the information needed to cook a perfect Sam’s Choice spiral cut ham. Impress your guests with juicy, elegant ham sliced to perfection. Applying these tips and techniques will ensure your ham is cooked safely while maintaining moisture, flavor and visual appeal. Get ready to enjoy tender, mouthwatering ham that makes your holiday table shine.