When I cook Sam’s Choice boneless spiral ham, I like how simple it is to prepare while still feeling special enough for a family meal.
The ham comes pre-sliced, which makes serving easy, and it stays tender and flavorful with very little effort. I usually warm it slowly in the oven so it doesn’t dry out, then brush on the glaze for a nice finish.
The smell that fills the kitchen is always inviting, and the slices come out juicy every time. For me, this ham is a go-to for holidays or gatherings when I want something that feels homemade without a lot of extra work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe elevates a store-bought spiral ham into something special. The ham is pre-cooked, so all you need to do is gently warm it through and brush it with a sweet, tangy glaze for a restaurant-quality finish.
It’s stress-free cooking at its best—minimal prep, no carving hassles, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results. Plus, leftovers are just as good, if not better, making it a smart choice for feeding family and friends.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Sam’s Choice boneless spiral ham (about 3–5 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish: fresh rosemary, orange slices, or pineapple rings
Pro Tips
- Cover the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out while baking.
- Place ham cut side down in the roasting pan to keep it juicy.
- Start glazing during the last 30 minutes so the sugars caramelize without burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it warms to 140°F without overcooking.
- Save the bone, if included, for soups or beans—it adds incredible flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
Substitutions & Variations
- Sweetener: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Spices: Add nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for more holiday flavor.
- Glaze: Try a pineapple or cherry glaze instead of the brown sugar-honey version.
- Savory twist: Use mustard and fresh herbs for a less sweet glaze.
- Topping: Add pineapple slices or maraschino cherries on top for a retro-style ham.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in a sealed jar. Reheat gently before brushing on the ham.
The ham itself can be cooked earlier in the day and reheated covered with foil at 300°F before serving. Leftovers also reheat well, so don’t be afraid to prepare more than you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 325°F and place a rack in the lower-middle position.
2. Prepare the Ham
Remove ham from packaging and place cut side down in a roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil.
3. Warm the Ham
Bake for 10–12 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 140°F. For a 4-pound ham, this is about 45–55 minutes.
4. Make the Glaze
While ham bakes, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Glaze the Ham
During the last 30 minutes of baking, uncover the ham and brush generously with glaze every 10 minutes.
6. Caramelize the Finish
For an extra glossy crust, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove ham from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter, garnish with rosemary and citrus, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ham with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. For a lighter spread, pair it with roasted vegetables, fresh salad, and fruit.
It also shines at brunch—try serving slices with scrambled eggs, biscuits, or a breakfast casserole. The sweet glaze balances both savory and sweet menus.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover ham tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven, covered, until warmed through.
Freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Use them for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles later.
Nutrition & Benefits
Ham is an excellent source of protein and B vitamins like niacin and thiamin. While it is higher in sodium, pairing it with fresh sides like vegetables or fruit balances the meal.
By making your own glaze, you can control sweetness and flavor, tailoring it to your family’s tastes while still enjoying a festive centerpiece.
Recipe FAQs
1. Is Sam’s Choice spiral ham already cooked?
Yes, it’s fully cooked—you just need to warm it through.
2. Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 3–4 hours, brushing with glaze in the last hour.
3. Do I need to use the packet glaze that comes with it?
No, this homemade glaze is more flavorful, but you can use the packet in a pinch.
4. How do I keep ham moist?
Cover with foil and bake cut side down to retain juices.
5. Can I double the glaze?
Absolutely, especially if you like extra sauce for drizzling at the table.
A Foolproof Holiday Centerpiece
Sam’s Choice boneless spiral ham takes the guesswork out of holiday cooking. With its pre-sliced convenience and tender meat, all it needs is a simple homemade glaze to transform it into a showstopping main dish.
Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday or just because, this recipe ensures a juicy, flavorful ham that everyone will remember. It’s the kind of centerpiece that makes family meals feel extra special.
