How Many People Does a Spiral Ham Feed

Spiral ham might be a fan favorite, but it's worth getting to know the other types, too. Your taste buds will thank us!

The flavor of a sugar-glazed spiral ham is almost better than a bowl of homemade candy (and that's coming from a sugar lover). But it's important to know that spiral ham isn't the only kind of ham out there. Even though the thought of cooking any other type of ham might feel like cheating on a holiday staple, it'll be worth venturing into uncharted territory.

Find the right glazed, baked or slow-cooked ham recipe for dinner.

What Is Boneless Ham?

Aptly named, boneless ham doesn't contain any bone at all. The bone is removed before the ham is processed and sealed tightly in its packaging. The good news? The ham still looks like ham, thanks to the salt and water that keep it together. And they're pretty darn affordable.

The bad news? Because it's processed, boneless ham isn't always as flavorful—and despite the added water, it can be a little dry. But it's hard to beat the fact that boneless ham is so darn easy to cook and serve.

How to Cook Boneless Ham

Remember, boneless ham is already cooked. You only need to warm it up and add a glaze (totally optional, but it'll help boost the flavor). Set the oven to about 325°, add about a half cup of water to the baking dish and season. Just place a sheet of foil over the top, and cook for about 30 minutes at most.

What Is Bone-in Ham?

There's a definite crowd following for bone-in ham! This has everything to do with the fact that the bone simply makes the ham taste better—it maintains the flavor and keeps its moisture in check, so you don't need to worry so much about it being too dry. Even though bone-in hams are simply nicer to look at when glazed or garnished, this doesn't completely erase the fact that bone-in ham can be tough to work with—seriously, have you ever tried cutting bone-in ham? (Here's how.)

How to Cook Bone-in Ham

For fully cooked bone-in hams, set the oven to 325°. Remove any skin from the ham and use a knife to carve a crosshatch pattern throughout. Cook the ham, facing downward on its flat side, in a pan. Remember to add a little water and insert cloves into the ham for more flavor before placing in the oven. Cook the bone-in ham for about 2½ hours total.

What Is Spiral Ham?

Last but certainly not least, spiral ham is a delicacy around Easter, Christmas and any other holiday that calls for a centerpiece. Spiral ham can be made boneless, but butchers typically create a spiral ham cut by slicing a bone-in ham into one big spiral shape. Not only does spiral bone-in ham have a natural and preserved fresh flavor—it's also a lot easier to cut, because of the extra work done at the butcher's block. Even though the bone is still there, you have clear cutting lines to follow while slicing.

The only caveat with a spiral ham involves dryness, which can be easily avoided by cooking the spiral ham in a sweet glaze.

How to Cook a Spiral Ham

Create a mouth-watering glazed spiral-sliced ham by cooking the ham as you normally would—in the oven at 300°, cut side down and covered, for about 1¼ hours. After mixing the glaze, spread it over the ham and cook for 20 to 30 minutes longer.

Before you start your ham, take a quick look at our secrets for a perfectly baked ham!

The Best Recipes for Baked Ham

Taste of Home

Sugar-Glazed Ham

This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty, golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed Christmas ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia Get Recipe

Contest-Winning Holiday Glazed Ham

I like to serve this juicy, mouthwatering Christmas ham recipe with mashed potatoes and colorful vegetables. The apricot glaze is delicious, and the pineapple and cloves assure a truly lovely presentation. —Diane Freeman, Falkland, British Columbia

Honey-Maple Glazed Ham

My graham cracker-crusted ham gets a double coating of a simple honey-maple glaze. The first half melts into the ham while the second half forms a sweet caramelized topping. —Alan Sproles, Knoxville, Tennessee

Apricot Ginger Mustard-Glazed Ham

Although I usually buy spiral-sliced hams, I decided to do a home-baked ham with a gingery glaze. This is how you do special-occasion dining. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Apple-Glazed Ham

Each Christmas I'm asked to prepare this entree. I'm happy to oblige because it is easy to assemble, bakes for a few hours unattended and is simply delicious. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

Apple Cider-Glazed Ham

When I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York

Don't miss our 7-day meal plan using leftover ham.

Root Beer Glazed Ham

For a unique spin on the traditional glazed ham recipe, try this southern specialty where the secret ingredient is root beer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Baked Ham with Cherry Sauce

There's nothing I'd rather serve for Christmas dinner or another special occasion than succulent baked ham. My recipe features a rub that adds flavor to the meat plus a delicious cherry sauce with a hint of almond. —Lavonn Bormuth, Westerville, Ohio

Spiral Ham with Cranberry Glaze

The sweet, tangy glaze that complements this ham looks so pretty, and the cranberry flavor pairs well with the meat. It's been a tradition in my home for as long as I can remember. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze

Your Christmas celebration will be so simple to orchestrate with this sweet, smoky ham recipe at your fingertips. It feeds a crowd and the baked ham glaze tastes fantastic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easy and Elegant Ham

I fix this moist, tender ham to serve my large family. It can be readied quickly in the morning, frees up my oven, tastes outstanding and can feed a crowd. Covered with colorful pineapple slices, cherries and orange glaze, its showstopping appearance appeals to both children and adults. —Denise DiPace, Medford, New Jersey

Honey-Glazed Ham

Here's an easy solution for feeding a large group. The simple honey ham is perfect for family dinners, where time in the kitchen is as valuable as space in the oven.—Jacquie Stolz, Little Sioux, Iowa

Cranberry Glazed Ham

That show-stopping entree you've been hoping for is right here, and it only takes five ingredients to make. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with succulent ham. —Joni Peterson, Wichita, Kansas

Bourbon-Glazed Ham

Smoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it's the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin

Glazed Spiral-Sliced Ham

In my mind, few foods in a holiday spread are as tempting as a big, spiral-cut ham. I always hope for leftovers so we can have ham sandwiches in the following days. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Cider-Glazed Ham

We raise our own pork so I'm always looking for new ways to serve it that'll warm up everyone at the end of a long day. This recipe wins the hearts of all. —Jennifer Foos-Furer of Marysville, Ohio

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

This pineapple ham glaze is straightforward and simple—just what you're looking for in a holiday main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Citrus-Spice Glazed Ham

My dad gave me this recipe. With its Chinese-inspired glaze, it's a fun twist on traditional Christmas ham. —Amanda Lambert, Bethel, Ohio

Maple-Peach Glazed Ham

This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it's so good and easy. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-spiral-ham/

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