The flavor of a sugar-glazed spiral ham is almost better than a bowl of homemade candy (and that’s coming from a sugar lover). But it’s important to know that spiral ham isn’t the only kind of ham out there. Even though the thought of cooking any other type of ham might feel like cheating on a holiday staple, it’ll be worth venturing into uncharted territory.
Find the right glazed, baked or slow-cooked ham recipe for dinner.
What Is Boneless Ham?
Aptly named, boneless ham doesn’t contain any bone at all. The bone is removed before the ham is processed and sealed tightly in its packaging. The good news? The ham still looks like ham, thanks to the salt and water that keep it together. And they’re pretty darn affordable.
The bad news? Because it’s processed, boneless ham isn’t always as flavorful—and despite the added water, it can be a little dry. But it’s hard to beat the fact that boneless ham is so darn easy to cook and serve.
How to Cook Boneless Ham
Remember, boneless ham is already cooked. You only need to warm it up and add a glaze (totally optional, but it’ll help boost the flavor). Set the oven to about 325°, add about a half cup of water to the baking dish and season. Just place a sheet of foil over the top, and cook for about 30 minutes at most.
What Is Bone-in Ham?
There’s a definite crowd following for bone-in ham! This has everything to do with the fact that the bone simply makes the ham taste better—it maintains the flavor and keeps its moisture in check, so you don’t need to worry so much about it being too dry. Even though bone-in hams are simply nicer to look at when glazed or garnished, this doesn’t completely erase the fact that bone-in ham can be tough to work with—seriously, have you ever tried cutting bone-in ham? (Here’s how.)
How to Cook Bone-in Ham
For fully cooked bone-in hams, set the oven to 325°. Remove any skin from the ham and use a knife to carve a crosshatch pattern throughout. Cook the ham, facing downward on its flat side, in a pan. Remember to add a little water and insert cloves into the ham for more flavor before placing in the oven. Cook the bone-in ham for about 2½ hours total.
What Is Spiral Ham?
Last but certainly not least, spiral ham is a delicacy around Easter, Christmas and any other holiday that calls for a centerpiece. Spiral ham can be made boneless, but butchers typically create a spiral ham cut by slicing a bone-in ham into one big spiral shape. Not only does spiral bone-in ham have a natural and preserved fresh flavor—it’s also a lot easier to cut, because of the extra work done at the butcher’s block. Even though the bone is still there, you have clear cutting lines to follow while slicing.
The only caveat with a spiral ham involves dryness, which can be easily avoided by cooking the spiral ham in a sweet glaze.
How to Cook a Spiral Ham
Create a mouth-watering glazed spiral-sliced ham by cooking the ham as you normally would—in the oven at 300°, cut side down and covered, for about 1¼ hours. After mixing the glaze, spread it over the ham and cook for 20 to 30 minutes longer.
Before you start your ham, take a quick look at our secrets for a perfectly baked ham!
The Best Recipes for Baked Ham
Taste of Home
This old-fashioned
ham glaze gives a pretty, golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed
Christmas ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia
Go to Recipe
Festive Ham GlazeMy glaze dates back to shortly after my husband (of 23 years now) and I were married. I cooked a Christmas ham with this glaze—and I've done it that same way from then on.
Hosting a smaller celebration this year? Try this
ham steak recipe that serves just 6.
Contest-Winning Holiday Glazed HamI like to serve this juicy, mouthwatering Christmas ham recipe with mashed potatoes and colorful vegetables. The apricot glaze is delicious, and the pineapple and cloves assure a truly lovely presentation. —Diane Freeman, Falkland, British Columbia
Sweet-Spicy HamI serve this Christmas ham every year. The sweet-spicy glaze turns a plain ham into a mouthwatering sensation. Everyone who tries it loves this juicy main dish! —Jessica Eymann, Watsonville, California
Baked Ham with PineappleI first learned the technique for baked ham with pineapple for a themed dinner my husband and I hosted. Since it is widely known as the symbol of hospitality, pineapple was the star ingredient on our menu and on this lovely baked ham. —JoAnn Fox, Johnson City, Tennessee
Apricot-Glazed HamGlaze a bone-in ham with apricot jam for a Christmas entree that's beautiful and delicious. Any leftovers will make meal planning a breeze later in the week. —Galelah Dowell, Fairland, Oklahoma
Apple Cider-Glazed HamWhen I wanted to try something new with our Christmas ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Root Beer Glazed HamFor a unique spin on the traditional glazed ham recipe, try this southern specialty where the secret ingredient is root beer! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange-Glazed HamThis delicious Christmas ham looked like a sparkling jewel on the table when my mom served it for our holiday dinner. The flavor of the spice rub penetrates through every tender slice. Even its enticing aroma while baking can't match the wonderful taste. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Baked Ham with Cherry SauceThere's nothing I'd rather serve for Christmas dinner or another special occasion than succulent baked ham. My recipe features a rub that adds flavor to the meat plus a delicious cherry sauce with a hint of almond. —Lavonn Bormuth, Westerville, Ohio
Spiral Ham RecipeThis is my favorite spiral ham recipe. It will feed a crowd, or use what's remaining in two recipes. No one groans about ham leftovers when these items are on the menu. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle GlazeYour Christmas celebration will be so simple to orchestrate with this sweet, smoky ham recipe at your fingertips. It feeds a crowd and the baked ham glaze tastes fantastic. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Honey-Glazed HamHere's an easy solution for feeding a large group. The simple honey ham is perfect for Christmas dinner, where time in the kitchen is as valuable as space in the oven.—Jacquie Stolz, Little Sioux, Iowa
Cranberry Glazed HamThat show-stopping entree you've been hoping for is right here, and it only takes five ingredients to make. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with succulent ham. —Joni Peterson, Wichita, Kansas
Bourbon-Glazed HamSmoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style Christmas ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Baked Spiral HamThis is my favorite spiral ham recipe. It will feed a crowd, or use what's remaining in two recipes. No one groans about ham leftovers when these items are on the menu. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Apple Cider-Glazed HamWhen I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Brown Sugar Pineapple HamThis pineapple ham glaze is straightforward and simple—just what you're looking for in a Christmas main dish. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Maple-Peach Glazed HamThis is one of my husband's favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it's so good and easy. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
