Ah, the spiral ham. It’s like the trustworthy sweater you pull out during the holidays—familiar, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Bobby Flay has turned this staple into a culinary marvel.
Gather all your ingredients. It makes the process smoother. Soften the brown sugar by rubbing it gently between your fingers. It should feel nice and crumbly.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, dark brown sugar, whole-grain Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and apple cider vinegar. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You want the mixture to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is essential for achieving that perfect cook on your ham.
Step 4: Score the Ham
Place the spiral-cut ham on a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate and create beautiful caramelization.
Step 5: Apply the Glaze
Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the ham. Make sure to get into those cuts. Pour the remaining glaze into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil. Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound. For our 9-pound ham, that’s around 2.5 to 3 hours. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of baking and baste the ham occasionally with the juices.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, allow the ham to rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices. Then, carve it up and serve it with your chosen sides.
Notes
Room Temperature: Always allow the ham to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
Baste Frequently: Open the oven a couple of times during cooking to baste the ham. It keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham.
Save the Drippings: Don’t discard the drippings! They make great gravy or a flavorful sauce for serving.
Get Creative with Glazes: Try adding orange juice or pineapple for a tropical twist to your glaze.