Dad’s Irresistible Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham Recipe
There’s a reason some recipes become cherished family traditions, passed down through generations and eagerly anticipated at every holiday gathering. For our family, that dish is Dad’s Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham. This isn’t just any ham; it’s a masterpiece of sweet and savory flavors, perfectly balanced to create an unforgettable centerpiece for your holiday table. While undeniably on the sweeter side, thanks to a unique cooking method involving cherry coke in the pan and a generous topping of pineapple, rest assured that the intense sweetness is primarily concentrated on the irresistible exterior, leaving the succulent interior perfectly savory and moist.
Preparing a show-stopping holiday ham can seem daunting, but this spiral-sliced ham recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor or presentation. It transforms a simple pre-cooked ham into a glistening, flavorful delight that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The secret lies in a blend of approachable techniques and a homemade glaze that truly elevates the dish.
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Effortless Perfection: Simply Warming the Ham to Juicy Greatness
One of the most appealing aspects of preparing a spiral-sliced ham for a holiday meal is its inherent simplicity. Unlike raw cuts of meat that require extensive cooking, a spiral-sliced ham is typically pre-cooked and pre-sliced, meaning your primary task is not to “cook” it, but rather to gently warm it through while infusing it with incredible flavor and ensuring it remains incredibly juicy. In fact, many people enjoy spiral-sliced ham cold, straight from the package! However, a warm, glazed ham is truly a holiday revelation.
Despite the generous amount of brown sugar, honey, and pineapple used in this recipe, the ham doesn’t become overwhelmingly sweet. The sweet glaze forms a beautiful crust on the exterior, allowing you to enjoy a perfect balance of sugary caramelized notes with the natural saltiness of the ham in every bite. This sweet-and-salty interplay is what makes this dish so universally loved, providing a complex flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds without being cloying.
For those who appreciate a little extra kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. The addition of a subtle heat element complements the sweet and salty flavors beautifully, creating an even more dynamic and exciting culinary experience. Just a pinch can transform the glaze into something truly special, offering a delightful surprise for guests who enjoy a hint of spice.
The Art of Scoring: Enhancing Flavor and Presentation
Before the glazing magic begins, a crucial step to both enhance the ham’s appearance and allow the flavors to penetrate deeper is scoring. Dad likes to add diagonal scores to the ham’s surface, creating an appealing diamond pattern. This not only gives the ham a professional and appetizing look, but more importantly, it provides channels for the sweet pineapple juices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey to seep into the meat during the warming process, ensuring every slice is imbued with deliciousness.
When scoring, aim for shallow cuts, approximately ½ inch deep. It’s important to only score the surface fat and not cut all the way through the pre-cut spiral slices. This ensures the ham holds its shape while allowing maximum flavor absorption. Once scored, generously coat the ham with the luscious juices from the canned pineapple. Following this, sprinkle the ham liberally with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, then finish with a delightful drizzle of golden honey across the entire surface. This initial layer of sweetness and spice sets the stage for the incredible glaze to come.
The Perfect Pair: Pineapple and Ham
Pineapple and ham truly are a culinary match made in heaven. The bright, acidic sweetness of pineapple perfectly cuts through the rich, salty flavor of the ham, creating a harmonious and incredibly palatable combination. To prepare, simply arrange pineapple slices over the scored and seasoned ham, securing each slice with a toothpick. This not only keeps the pineapple in place for even cooking but also adds to the ham’s festive presentation.
The final preparatory step before warming is to pour a can of soda into the bottom of your baking pan. While the original recipe calls for cherry coke, regular coke or Dr. Pepper also work wonderfully. The soda serves a dual purpose: it creates a steamy, moist environment within the pan, preventing the ham from drying out, and it adds another layer of subtle, complementary flavor to the pan juices, which will later become the base for your homemade glaze. This thoughtful addition ensures your ham stays exceptionally juicy and flavorful throughout the entire warming process.
The Gentle Art of Warming: Low and Slow for Maximum Juiciness
The key to a perfectly juicy spiral-sliced ham lies in the “low and slow” approach. Since the ham is already cooked, the goal is to gently bring it to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) without drying out the delicate meat. This is achieved by maintaining a low oven temperature and creating a sealed, steamy environment. Tent your ham tightly with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven. This foil tent acts like a mini-steamer, trapping moisture and allowing the ham to rehydrate and warm evenly, preserving its tenderness and preventing it from becoming tough or dry.
Cook the ham in a preheated 275-degree Fahrenheit (135°C) oven for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound ham, this would translate to about 2 to 2.5 hours. It’s crucial to resist the urge to increase the oven temperature, as cooking at a higher heat, such as 350°F (175°C), would inevitably lead to a dry, less enjoyable ham. Patience is a virtue when it comes to warming ham, and the reward is a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Crafting the Signature Sweet Sticky Glaze
Once your ham has finished its gentle warming in the oven, it’s time for the pièce de résistance: the homemade glaze. While many hams come with a pre-packaged glaze, Dad firmly believes that crafting your own from the flavorful pan juices takes the ham from great to extraordinary. This method not only deepens the overall flavor profile but also ensures every component of the dish harmonizes beautifully.
Carefully remove the ham from the oven and set it aside. Increase your oven temperature to broil. Now, it’s time to create the magical glaze. In a saucepan placed over medium heat, combine approximately ½ cup of the savory juices from the ham pan, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ a stick of butter, ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ tablespoon of honey. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. The goal is to reduce and thicken the glaze until it’s rich enough to coat the back of a spoon. This process typically takes about 6-8 minutes, transforming the liquid into a glossy, fragrant syrup.
Generously pour this warm, sticky glaze all over the ham, ensuring every exposed surface and pineapple slice is thoroughly coated. The aim is to create an even, glistening layer that will caramelize beautifully. Return the glazed ham to the oven, uncovered, under the broiler. This step requires your undivided attention! Broiling can quickly turn from perfectly caramelized to burnt, so watch it very closely. You’re looking for a beautiful, deep golden-brown color on the exterior, indicating that the sugars in the glaze have perfectly caramelized. As soon as you achieve your desired color, remove the ham from the oven.
The final, crucial step before serving is to let the ham rest. Allow it to sit undisturbed for at least 15 minutes. This resting period is vital, as it allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and succulent ham. Skipping this step can lead to juices running out when you slice, leaving your ham drier than it should be.
This sweet, salty, and slightly spicy ham, with its irresistible sticky glaze and perfectly tender slices, has consistently been a monumental hit at every holiday event in the Dad Got This Family. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a tradition in the making.
Honey, Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham Recipe
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Equipment
- Large Baking Pan
- Toothpicks
- Saute Pan
- Oven
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 10 lb Bone-in spiral-sliced ham
- 1 Can Sliced Pineapple in juices
- 1 Can Cherry Coke Coke or Dr Pepper will also work.
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- ½ Stick Butter
Instructions
For the Ham
- Place the ham flat side down in a large baking pan and score the ham diagonally with a sharp knife, about ½ inch deep.
- Open the can of pineapple and pour the juice on top of the ham.
- Sprinkle the ham generously with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon (Dad suggests a mixture of ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon).
- Drizzle honey all over the top of the ham and then place the pineapple slices on the ham, securing them with toothpicks.
- Sprinkle a little more of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on the ham, coating the pineapple slices as well.
- Pour one can of coke (cherry, regular, or Dr. Pepper) into the bottom of the baking pan.
- Tent the ham tightly with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 275-degree F (135°C) oven. Warm for 12-15 minutes per pound. For a 10lb ham, this will be approximately 3 hours.
For the Glaze
- When the ham’s warming time is complete, carefully remove it from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to broil.
- In a large pot or saucepan, combine ½ cup of the liquid from the ham pan, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ a stick of butter, ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, and ½ tablespoon of honey. Cook on a low simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture reduces and thickens enough to coat a spoon. This typically takes about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the freshly made glaze generously all over the top of the ham, ensuring it is coated as best as possible.
- Return the glazed ham, uncovered, to the oven under the broiler. Watch it very closely, as the glaze can burn quickly. You are aiming to caramelize the glaze and achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on the ham’s exterior. Remove the ham once you are happy with the color.
- Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist ham.
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Nutrition
Tried this recipe?Mention @DadGotThis or tag #DadGotThis!Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Glazed Ham
A magnificent glazed ham deserves equally impressive side dishes. Here are a few suggestions that perfectly complement the sweet and savory notes of Dad’s recipe:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic for a reason, their rich, smooth texture and buttery flavor provide a comforting contrast to the ham.
- Roasted Asparagus with Lemon: Light, fresh, and slightly tangy, roasted asparagus adds a vibrant green and a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness of the main course.
- Green Bean Casserole: Another holiday staple, its creamy texture and crispy onion topping offer a delightful savory counterpoint.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping: If you love a bit more sweetness, this casserole mirrors the ham’s glaze beautifully while adding another layer of comforting flavor.
- Dinner Rolls with Honey Butter: Perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze or juices from the pan.
Tips for Success: Ensuring a Flawless Holiday Ham
- Start with a Quality Ham: While the glaze transforms any ham, a good quality spiral-sliced ham with decent marbling will always yield the best results.
- Don’t Rush the Warming: The low and slow method is critical for a juicy ham. Resist the temptation to crank up the heat.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Glaze can burn in seconds under the broiler. Stay by the oven and pull the ham out as soon as it reaches your desired golden-brown color.
- Resting is Essential: Just like any roasted meat, allowing the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to slightly reduce or increase the brown sugar and honey in the glaze based on your preference.
Creative Leftovers: Maximizing Your Ham’s Potential
One of the best parts about making a large ham is the delicious leftovers! Don’t let a single savory morsel go to waste. Here are some fantastic ideas for transforming your leftover honey-glazed ham:
- Ham Sandwiches or Sliders: Simply slice thin and pile high on fresh bread or rolls with your favorite cheese and condiments.
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: The ham bone (if you used a bone-in ham) makes an incredible broth, perfect for a comforting soup.
- Ham and Cheese Omelets or Frittatas: Chop up leftover ham and add it to your breakfast or brunch dishes for a savory twist.
- Ham Salad: Finely chop ham, mix with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and a dash of pickle relish for a delightful sandwich spread.
- Cuban Sandwiches: Layer ham with roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crusty bread, then press and grill.
- Ham Fried Rice: A quick and easy weeknight meal, simply add diced ham to your favorite fried rice recipe.
With these creative ideas, your delicious holiday ham will keep on giving, making meal prep easier and more delicious for days to come.
Unlock the Secret to Perfect Rice in Your Instant Pot
While your ham is the star, a perfectly cooked side of rice can complete the meal. Many struggle to achieve that ideal fluffy texture in an Instant Pot, but Dad has a tried-and-true, fool-proof method that guarantees success every time. Say goodbye to mushy or undercooked grains! For all the tips, tricks, and a detailed recipe to master Instant Pot rice, make sure to check out his guide here. It’s the perfect companion for your holiday feast or any weeknight dinner.
Join Dad on YouTube for More Culinary Adventures!
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe and Dad’s cooking philosophy, you’re in for a treat! Head over to Dad’s YouTube channel for an abundance of fantastic cooking videos, practical kitchen tips, and engaging food-related content. From holiday feasts to everyday meals, Dad shares his passion and expertise to help you master your kitchen.
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