Ingredients
1 (8 to 10-lb.) whole cured, smoked, bone-in ham
1/2 c. apricot jam
1/4 c. light brown sugar
2 tbsp. bourbon (optional)
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Preparation
Step 1Remove ham from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.Step 2Preheat oven to 350°. Place a rack in a large roasting pan and cover the rack with foil. Pour 2 cups water in the bottom of roasting pan and place ham on the foil on the rack.Step 3In a small bowl, stir together jam, brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon, and red pepper flakes. Brush ham with some of the glaze and roast, basting with more glaze every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 140°, about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Step 4Let rest 15 minutes before carving.
Baking a ham for the first time? Check out our top tips on perfecting this holiday centerpiece:
How long should I cook my spiral ham?
Since spiral hams are already cooked, you’re really just warming it through, infusing it with flavor, and crisping the edges. To avoid drying it out, add water to the bottom of your roasting pan, place the ham on a baking rack above the water, and cover it with foil. You’re going to want to bake until it’s 140° in the center (this should take 10 to 12 minutes per pound). Uncover it in the last 30 minutes when you’re glazing it, so those edges get caramelized.
Another option for an extra-moist ham is to cook it in a slow cooker. Simply cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, basting with the marinade every 45 minutes.
Make your own glaze.
Making your own glaze is super easy, and so much more delicious than a store-bought packet. Our recipe below uses only a handful of pantry ingredients and a mixing bowl. We think it’s bomb, but if you’re not a fan of bourbon, try this classic brown sugar glaze instead.
How do I slice it?
It might sound tough to cut into a bone-in ham, but it’s actually very easy. Just turn the ham on its bottom and cut around the bone. The ham on the outside will fall away in slices. Check out our guide on how to carve a ham for step-by-step instructions!
Got leftovers?
Leftover ham is basically refrigerator gold. Try making a legit croque madame for your next brunch, use it to amp up a batch of crescent rolls, or chop it up and throw it in your next batch of scalloped potatoes. And save that bone! It’s great for flavoring broths, soups, or a big pot of cooked greens. Still hungry? Here’s our favorite leftover ham recipes.
Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
