To cut a spiral ham properly, follow these expert steps:
- Heat the Ham
Spiral hams are typically fully cooked and pre-sliced, so you mainly need to warm them. Preheat your oven to about 275°F to 325°F, place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan with some water, cover with foil, and heat for about 14-20 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature around 120°F to 140°F. Let it rest 20-30 minutes after heating before carving
- Locate the Bone
Place the ham fat side down on your cutting board. Find the bone in the center of the ham. Using a sharp knife, cut around the bone to separate the spiral slices from it
- Remove Spiral Slices
Because the ham is already spiral-sliced, you just need to gently follow the bone with your knife to free the slices. The slices will come off easily if you cut along the natural seam near the bone. Pull the slices off carefully to keep them intact
- Cut Along Natural Seams
If you want to separate the slices further or cut off sections, look for natural breaks or lines of fat in the ham. Cut along these seams to remove manageable portions for serving
- Serve
Arrange the slices on a platter for easy serving. The spiral cut makes it simple for guests to grab slices without fighting the bone
Tips:
- Always carve after heating the ham.
- Use a sharp knife and work slowly around the bone to avoid tearing the slices.
- You can glaze the ham after heating by brushing the glaze on and returning it to the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes
- If preferred, you can carve the ham at room temperature and then reheat the slices with some added moisture to prevent drying
This method ensures you get neat, juicy slices of spiral ham ready for your holiday table or any special meal
