The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious spiral ham from Cracker Barrel?
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking to enjoy a cozy meal at home, this succulent ham is sure to impress.
But how do you cook it to perfection?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a mouthwatering ham that will have your taste buds singing.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook A Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham?
Step 1: Preparing the Ham
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare your ham properly. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F.
Next, place the ham cut side down in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. This will help to keep the ham moist and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your ham, you can create a brine by dissolving sugar in warm water and letting it cool down. Score your ham with your preferred pattern if needed, then submerge it in the brine. Cover and set aside in a chilled area for 48 hours.
Step 2: Roasting the Ham
On the day of cooking, remove the ham from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a roasting rack on top of the foil-lined sheet.
Place your ham onto the roasting rack and roast until the internal temperature of the ham reads 135 to 140 degrees F. This should take about 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours for bone-in or 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours for boneless.
Step 3: Adding Flavor
While your ham is roasting, you can prepare a glaze to add some extra flavor. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, orange juice concentrate, and mustard.
Baste your ham every 10 minutes for the last 40 minutes of roasting with the glaze mixture. This will help to create a delicious crust on the outside of the ham.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once your ham has reached the necessary internal temperature, increase your oven temperature to its highest setting. Broil for roughly 5 to 10 minutes until the crust of the ham turns golden brown.
Allow your ham to rest briefly at room temperature before portioning it accordingly. Serve over mashed potatoes and any choice of greens for a complete meal.
Choosing The Right Ham
When it comes to cooking a Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham, choosing the right ham is crucial. Look for a ham that is fully cooked and ready to heat and serve. The Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham is a popular choice, as it is pre-sliced and easy to prepare.
When selecting a ham, consider the size of your gathering and how much meat you will need. A general rule of thumb is to allow for about 1/2 pound of ham per person.
It’s also important to consider the flavor profile of the ham. The Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham is known for its sweet and smoky flavor, but there are other options available if you prefer a different taste.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your ham, consider using a brine or a glaze. A brine can help to infuse the ham with flavor and keep it moist during cooking, while a glaze can add a delicious crust on the outside of the ham.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before you start cooking your Cracker Barrel spiral ham, it’s important to prepare it properly. The first step is to preheat your oven to 325°F.
Next, place the ham cut side down in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. This will help to keep the ham moist and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your ham, you can create a brine by dissolving sugar in warm water and letting it cool down. Score your ham with your preferred pattern if needed, then submerge it in the brine. Cover and set aside in a chilled area for 48 hours.
On the day of cooking, remove the ham from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a roasting rack on top of the foil-lined sheet.
Place your ham onto the roasting rack and roast until the internal temperature of the ham reads 135 to 140 degrees F. This should take about 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours for bone-in or 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours for boneless.
While your ham is roasting, you can prepare a glaze to add some extra flavor. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, orange juice concentrate, and mustard.
Baste your ham every 10 minutes for the last 40 minutes of roasting with the glaze mixture. This will help to create a delicious crust on the outside of the ham.
Once your ham has reached the necessary internal temperature, increase your oven temperature to its highest setting. Broil for roughly 5 to 10 minutes until the crust of the ham turns golden brown.
Allow your ham to rest briefly at room temperature before portioning it accordingly. Serve over mashed potatoes and any choice of greens for a complete meal. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Cracker Barrel spiral ham is cooked perfectly and bursting with flavor.
Seasoning The Ham
To add even more flavor to your Cracker Barrel spiral ham, you can season it with a variety of spices and herbs. One option is to create a dry rub by combining ground cloves, allspice, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the surface of the ham before roasting it.
Another option is to add pineapple bits to your glaze mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also experiment with different types of mustard or use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your glaze mixture. For a smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of liquid smoke to the brine or glaze.
Cooking The Ham
Cooking the ham is the most important part of the process. It’s essential to cook the ham to the right temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat and has the perfect texture. Here’s how to cook your Cracker Barrel spiral ham:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F. Then, place your ham cut side down in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. This will help keep the ham moist and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Next, roast your ham until the internal temperature reaches 135 to 140 degrees F. This should take about 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours for bone-in or 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours for boneless. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ham is cooked all the way through.
While your ham is roasting, you can prepare a glaze mixture by combining brown sugar, honey, orange juice concentrate, and mustard in a large bowl. Baste your ham every 10 minutes for the last 40 minutes of roasting with this glaze mixture. This will help create a delicious crust on the outside of the ham.
Once your ham has reached the necessary internal temperature, increase your oven temperature to its highest setting and broil for roughly 5 to 10 minutes until the crust of the ham turns golden brown.
Finally, allow your ham to rest briefly at room temperature before portioning it accordingly. Serve over mashed potatoes and any choice of greens for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Glazing The Ham
When it comes to glazing your Cracker Barrel spiral ham, timing is key. Wait to glaze the ham until the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking. If you start brushing it on sooner, the sugar could cause the glaze (and the ham’s skin) to burn.
To prepare the glaze, combine brown sugar, honey, orange juice concentrate, and mustard in a large bowl. Prepare at least one cup of glaze per five to 10 pounds of ham.
Once your ham has been roasting for about an hour and a half, start basting it with the glaze mixture every 10 minutes for the last 40 minutes of roasting. This will help to create a delicious crust on the outside of the ham.
Pull the roasting pan out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack when it’s time to glaze. Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the ham with the glaze, then return it to the oven. Continue baking until the ham reaches the desired internal temperature (we suggest 140°F).
Serve your glazed Cracker Barrel spiral ham with additional glaze for extra flavor. And remember, you can follow these same glazing instructions for pre-sliced spiral-cut hams as well.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and impressive main course for any special occasion or holiday meal.
Serving And Enjoying Your Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham
After following the above steps to cook your Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. The ham is the centerpiece of your meal, so it’s important to present it in an attractive way.
Start by placing the ham on a large cutting board or platter. Use a sharp knife to slice the ham thinly against the grain, making sure to cut all the way down to the bone. Arrange the slices neatly on a serving plate.
The ham pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it with some of Cracker Barrel’s country sides, such as macaroni and cheese or green beans.
To add some extra flavor, you can drizzle some of the glaze from step 3 over the sliced ham. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the meat.
When serving your guests, make sure to provide them with plenty of napkins and utensils. Encourage them to try different combinations of sides and meats to find their favorite flavor combinations.
Finally, sit back and enjoy your delicious Cracker Barrel Spiral Ham with your loved ones. It’s a perfect addition to any holiday meal or special occasion, and is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation.