Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare ham for your next family gathering or holiday meal?
Look no further than Trader Joe’s spiral ham!
This fully cooked ham is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily warmed up in the oven before serving. But with so many different methods and recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll break down some of the best ways to cook Trader Joe’s spiral ham, including tips and tricks for keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to impress your guests with a perfectly cooked ham that’s sure to be a hit.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Trader Joe’s Spiral Ham?
There are several ways to cook Trader Joe’s spiral ham, depending on your preferences and available equipment. Here are some of the most popular methods:
1. Oven Heating:
The easiest and most common way to heat up your spiral ham is to use your oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F and place the ham in a roasting pan. Heat for 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F.
2. Glazing:
If you want to add some extra flavor to your ham, you can prepare a glaze using the provided packet and water. Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the mixture dissolves. Brush the glaze over the ham before heating it in the oven.
3. Slow Cooking:
Another option is to reheat your spiral ham “low and slow” at 275°F for about 18 minutes per pound. Baste occasionally with any juices that accumulate to keep it moist and tender.
4. Sauteed Onion and Garlic:
For a savory twist, saute sliced onion and garlic cloves in a small skillet until soft, then transfer them to the roasting pan with fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth and pour it into the roasting pan with the ham. Cover tightly with foil and cook at 275°F for 12 minutes per pound, then uncover for the last 30 minutes.
Choosing The Right Spiral Ham
When it comes to choosing a spiral ham from Trader Joe’s, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to check the weight of the ham to ensure that it will be enough to feed your guests. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need about 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person if you’re serving a bone-in ham. If you want leftovers, plan for about 1 pound per person.
Next, consider whether you want a bone-in or boneless ham. Bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and are often easier to carve, but they can be a bit more cumbersome to handle. Boneless hams, on the other hand, are easier to slice and serve but may not have as much depth of flavor.
Finally, think about any additional flavors or seasonings you might want in your ham. Some hams come pre-glazed or seasoned, while others are plain and can be customized to your liking. Consider whether you want a sweet or savory flavor profile and choose accordingly.
Preparing Your Spiral Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Trader Joe’s spiral ham, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that it turns out perfectly. First, remove the ham from its packaging and discard any glaze packets that come with it. Then, place the ham in a deep roasting pan with the cut side facing down.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your ham, you can prepare a glaze using the provided packet and water. Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the mixture dissolves. Brush the glaze over the ham before heating it in the oven.
If you prefer a savory twist, you can saute sliced onion and garlic cloves in a small skillet until soft, then transfer them to the roasting pan with fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth and pour it into the roasting pan with the ham.
Cover the ham tightly with foil before placing it in the oven. This will help keep the juices in and prevent them from evaporating while your ham is cooking. You can occasionally open the tinfoil and baste the ham with any accumulated juices to keep it moist.
When heating your spiral ham in the oven, preheat it to 275°F and heat for 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F. Alternatively, for a more tender result, you can slow cook your ham at 275°F for about 18 minutes per pound.
Once your ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes to allow the internal temperature to increase 5-15 degrees and allow the juices to redistribute. Serve your spiral ham with slices of onion and garlic cloves, a spoonful of pan drippings, and any additional sauces or sides of your choice.
Oven-Baked Spiral Ham: Step-by-Step Guide
If you choose to oven-bake your Trader Joe’s spiral ham, follow these step-by-step instructions for a delicious and easy meal:
1. Preheat your oven to 275°F and position the oven rack low enough so the ham doesn’t touch the oven components.
2. Remove all packaging and place the ham face down on a foil-lined roasting pan.
3. Cover and seal the pan with aluminum foil.
4. Bake boneless ham for 10-12 minutes per pound or bone-in ham about 15 minutes per pound.
5. While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze by simmering brown sugar, orange juice and zest, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisking as needed.
6. Carefully remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F.
7. Carefully uncover the ham and drain excess liquid from the roasting pan.
8. Brush glaze over the ham surface until well-coated.
9. Bake the glazed ham uncovered for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 140°F on a quick-read thermometer.
10. Transfer the ham to a serving dish, garnish with orange slices and fresh parsley, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a juicy and flavorful spiral ham that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!
Glazing Your Spiral Ham For Extra Flavor
If you want to take your spiral ham to the next level, glazing is a great way to add some extra flavor and sweetness. Trader Joe’s provides a glaze packet with their ham, but you can also make your own glaze using ingredients like honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
To glaze your ham, first preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a roasting rack in a shallow pan. Mix the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it in between the slices. Return the ham to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and brush on another layer of glaze. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
If you want to caramelize the glaze and give it a nice crispy texture, turn on your oven’s broiler and broil the ham for 3-5 minutes. Be sure to keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Once your ham is glazed to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more tender and flavorful. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Sides To Serve With Your Spiral Ham
No holiday meal is complete without some delicious sides to complement your spiral ham. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Mashed Potatoes:
A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ham. Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. For an extra kick of flavor, add some roasted garlic or grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Roasted Vegetables:
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a beautiful caramelized flavor. Try roasting carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Green Beans:
Green beans are a light and refreshing side dish that balance out the richness of the ham. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then toss with butter, lemon juice, and sliced almonds.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole:
For a sweeter side dish, try making a sweet potato casserole. Mash cooked sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then top with a crunchy pecan streusel.
5. Cranberry Sauce:
Cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment to ham that adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Make your own by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest until thickened.
6. Dinner Rolls:
Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are the perfect vehicle for mopping up any leftover juices from the ham. Make your own from scratch or pick up a pack of pre-made rolls from the store.
With these delicious sides, your spiral ham will be the star of the show at your holiday meal.
Leftover Spiral Ham: Creative Recipe Ideas
Don’t let your leftover spiral ham go to waste! Here are some creative recipe ideas to make the most out of your leftovers:
1. Ham and Cheese Omelet:
Combine diced ham with peppers, onions, and cheese to make a delicious Denver omelet. This is a great way to use up leftover ham for breakfast or brunch.
2. Ham and Potato Hash:
Shred ham and saute with onions and potatoes to make a hearty breakfast hash. Serve with a fried egg on top for a complete meal.
3. Ham and Cheese Quiche:
Add chunks of ham to a classic quiche recipe with your favorite vegetable mix-ins. This is a perfect way to use up leftover ham for a quick and easy dinner.
4. Ham and Scalloped Potatoes:
Add cubed ham to any recipe for scalloped potatoes. This is a great side dish that pairs well with any main course.
5. Ham Salad:
Dice ham, add pickles, ground mustard, and mayonnaise for a classic ham salad. Serve on toast or crackers for a light lunch or snack.
6. Ham and Pineapple Pizza:
Top homemade pizza with chunks of ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory twist on this classic dish.
7. Ham and Chef’s Salad:
Combine cubed ham and cheese with mixed greens for a hearty chef’s salad. Add your favorite vegetables and dressing for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
8. Deviled Eggs with Ham:
Mix minced ham into the filling for deviled eggs for a unique twist on this classic appetizer.
9. Fried Rice with Ham:
Add cubed ham to fried rice for an easy and flavorful meal. This is a great way to use up leftover rice and ham.
With these creative recipe ideas, you can enjoy your leftover spiral ham in new and delicious ways!
