How To Cook A Publix Spiral Ham? A Detailed Guide

Are you planning a special dinner with family and friends? A Publix spiral ham can be the perfect centerpiece for your meal.

But how do you ensure that it’s cooked to perfection and stays moist and tender? With so many different methods out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to cook a Publix spiral ham, from low and slow to high heat glazing.

So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

How To Cook A Publix Spiral Ham?

Method 1: Low and Slow

One way to keep your Publix spiral ham from drying out is to reheat it “low and slow”. Preheat your oven to 275F and place the ham in a heavy roasting pan, cut side down. Cover the ham snugly with heavy-duty foil and roast for about 18 minutes per pound. Baste occasionally with any juices that accumulate to ensure your ham stays moist and tender.

This method may take longer, but it’s worth it for a perfectly cooked ham that won’t dry out. Plus, you can use the extra time to prepare the rest of your meal.

Method 2: Glazed and Delicious

If you prefer a sweeter ham, try glazing it with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and cloves. Preheat your oven to 325F and place the ham in a heavy roasting pan, cut side down. Cover the ham snugly with heavy-duty foil and roast for about 10-14 minutes per pound.

When the ham is almost done, remove the foil and spoon the glaze over the ham. Return it to the oven at 400F and roast for another 10-20 minutes until the glaze is thick and sticky. Be careful when spreading the glaze as the ham will be hot.

Method 3: Quick and Easy

If you’re short on time, you can reheat your Publix spiral ham by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil and heating it for 30 minutes in a 350F oven. Alternatively, you can remove the aluminum foil and cover with plastic wrap before heating in the microwave on high for 1 minute intervals until reheated.

Individual slices of ham can also be warmed in a skillet with some butter for added flavor.

Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Publix Spiral Ham

When choosing a Publix spiral ham, it’s important to consider the size and type that will best suit your needs. Publix offers a range of sizes, from small hams that serve 6-8 people to larger hams that can feed up to 20 people. It’s important to consider the number of guests you’ll be serving and how much ham you’ll need per person. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.

In addition to size, Publix offers different types of spiral hams, including bone-in and boneless options. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and moist, but they can be more difficult to carve. Boneless hams are easier to carve and may be a better option for those who prefer less fat.

When it comes to cooking, it’s important to follow the instructions provided with your Publix spiral ham. Different sizes and types of hams may require different cooking times and temperatures. It’s also important to allow your ham to come to room temperature before cooking, as this will help it cook more evenly.

Whether you choose a city ham, country ham, or fresh ham, Publix offers high-quality spiral hams that are sure to impress your guests. With the right size and type of ham, as well as the proper cooking method, you can enjoy a delicious and tender Publix spiral ham that will be the highlight of your meal.

Prepping The Ham For Cooking

Before cooking your Publix spiral ham, it’s important to make sure it’s properly prepped. First, check the label to ensure that it is precooked. Most spiral hams are precooked, which means you’re simply reheating it rather than cooking it from scratch.

Next, remove any packaging or wrapping from the ham and place it in a heavy roasting pan, cut side down. If desired, you can score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife to allow the glaze to penetrate more deeply.

If you’re using the low and slow method or the glazed and delicious method, cover the ham snugly with heavy-duty foil before roasting. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent the ham from drying out.

If you’re using the quick and easy method, wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil before reheating in the oven or microwave.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to baste occasionally with any juices that accumulate to ensure your ham stays moist and tender. And always use caution when handling hot items out of the oven or microwave.

Low And Slow Method: Oven Roasting

The low and slow method is perfect for those who want to ensure their Publix spiral ham stays moist and tender. To begin, preheat your oven to 275F and place the ham in a heavy roasting pan, cut side down. Cover the ham snugly with heavy-duty foil and roast for about 18 minutes per pound.

It’s important to baste the ham occasionally with any juices that accumulate in the pan to keep it moist. The key is to heat the ham slowly so that by the time the center of your ham is warm, the outside slices aren’t dried out.

This method may take longer than others, but it’s worth it for a perfectly cooked ham that won’t dry out. Plus, you can use the extra time to prepare the rest of your meal. Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting. Spoon juices over the ham before serving if desired.

High Heat Method: Glazing And Broiling

If you’re looking for a crispy, caramelized glaze on your Publix spiral ham, the high heat method of glazing and broiling is the way to go. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and placing the ham, cut-side-down, in a heavy-duty aluminum foil-lined jelly-roll pan. Let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Brush your chosen glaze (such as a mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and cloves) over the ham with a heatproof spatula or pastry brush. Make sure to cover the entire ham evenly with the glaze.

Move the oven rack to the lowest position and place the ham in the oven. Bake for about 10-14 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 135°F. Keep an eye on the ham to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Once the ham is almost done, remove it from the oven and turn on your broiler. Spoon more glaze over the ham and place it under the broiler. Broil for about 5-6 minutes per side for 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices, turning once through the cooking time. The goal is to have the glaze slightly browned and caramelized.

Remove the ham from the broiler and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your ham stays moist and flavorful.

With this high heat method of glazing and broiling, you’ll have a Publix spiral ham that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Grilling The Publix Spiral Ham

Grilling a Publix spiral ham is another great option for those who want to add a smoky flavor to their ham. To start, preheat your grill to 325°F. Place the ham on the grill, cut side down, and cover it with foil. Grill the ham for 12-13 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140-150°F.

Make sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes with your favorite glaze or marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. You can also add wood chips to your grill for an extra smoky flavor.

Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Grilling a Publix spiral ham is a great way to add some variety to your holiday meal, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its delicious smoky flavor.

Serving And Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Publix spiral ham, it’s important to properly store any leftovers to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. First, allow the ham to cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store the ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When reheating leftovers, make sure to use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165F to kill any potential bacteria. You can reheat your ham in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop.

For a quick and easy meal, use leftover ham in sandwiches, salads, omelets, or casseroles. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to always handle and store your leftovers properly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.