If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors effortlessly, look no further than this Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns any gathering into a heartfelt celebration, with juicy slices soaked in a luscious orange glaze that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe promises a juicy ham coated in a caramelized citrus glaze that elevates your meal to unforgettable heights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe starts with a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—orange juice adds bright citrus zing, lemon-lime soda brings a subtle effervescence and sweetness, and brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating that irresistible glaze that gives the ham its charm and deep golden color.
- 8-10 pounds bone-in spiral ham: The star of the dish, spiral sliced for easy serving and to absorb the glaze.
- 1/3 cup orange juice: Fresh or store-bought, it infuses the ham with a natural citrus brightness.
- 6 ounces lemon-lime soda (or Ginger Ale): A bubbly sweetness that helps tenderize and balance flavors.
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar: Packed with molasses flavor, it creates that gorgeous caramelized crust.
How to Make Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (162°C). This moderate temperature ensures the ham heats through gently without drying out, keeping every slice tender and juicy. Next, prepare your baking sheet with a light coating of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
Step 2: Add the Ham and Liquids
Place the spiral cut ham on the baking sheet and gently pour the orange juice and lemon-lime soda over it. This combination not only adds flavor but also keeps the ham moist as it bakes. The soda’s carbonation subtly tenderizes the meat, which is a simple trick to enhance texture.
Step 3: Sprinkle Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the ham, making sure to get it into all those spiral cuts. Those sugary pockets will melt and caramelize during baking, creating the signature glossy, sweet crust that makes this Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe so memorable.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the ham loosely with foil to trap steam and bake it for about 15 minutes per pound—around 2 hours for this size. This slow, covered roasting allows the flavors to meld and the meat to heat thoroughly without drying out.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking
After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil and baste the ham with the juices collected in the bottom of the pan. Return it to the oven uncovered for another 15 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, sealing in flavor while creating that irresistible sticky finish. Be sure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for a few minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, which means every slice will be spectacularly moist, not dry or stringy.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Slice and serve this delightful Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe alongside your favorite sides, and watch as everyone digs in with big smiles.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh orange slices or sprigs of rosemary add a pop of color and an inviting aroma. Candied pecans or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also add delightful texture and depth to every serving.
Side Dishes
The warm, citrusy sweetness of the ham pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. For a lighter touch, try roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy cranberry sauce to bring a festive element and balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the ham on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables. Or build a carving station with fresh breads and mustards on the side, allowing guests to customize their plates and savor the versatility of this Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for tasty sandwiches or adding to salads during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, slice the ham and place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen ham will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to label your packages with the date so you can enjoy it fresh later.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C), covered with foil to keep them moist. You can also warm ham in a skillet on low heat with a splash of orange juice or broth to keep the flavor bright and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-glazed ham for this Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe?
Yes, pre-glazed hams work well. Just be mindful of the sugar content when adding extra glaze and reduce the brown sugar if needed to prevent burning.
What’s the difference between spiral ham and regular ham?
Spiral ham is pre-sliced in a continuous spiral around the bone, making serving easier and ensuring more even glazing. Regular ham requires manual slicing and glazing.
Can I substitute lemon-lime soda with something else?
Absolutely! Ginger ale is a great alternative that adds a nice gingery sweetness. If you prefer no soda, ginger beer or even sparkling water with a bit more brown sugar can work.
How do I know when my ham is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; once the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), the ham is safe and perfectly cooked.
Is it necessary to rest the ham before slicing?
Resting is very important. It allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, ensuring each slice stays juicy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and full of layers of flavor that everyone will rave about. I can’t recommend it enough for your next special meal—go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a beloved tradition in your home.
Print
Orange Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Orange Glazed Ham recipe features a tender, bone-in spiral ham infused with a sweet and tangy glaze made from orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and brown sugar. Slow-baked to perfection, this flavorful ham is perfect for holiday dinners or special family gatherings, offering a juicy, caramelized exterior and a moist, savory interior.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 8-10 pounds bone-in spiral ham
Glaze
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 6 ounces lemon-lime soda (or ginger ale)
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Ham: Place the spiral cut ham onto the prepared baking sheet. Pour the orange juice and lemon-lime soda evenly over the ham to infuse it with moisture and flavor.
- Apply Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar generously over the ham, ensuring it gets into the spiral cuts to enhance the sweetness throughout the meat.
- Bake Covered: Cover the ham loosely with foil or a roasting lid and bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes per pound, approximately 2 hours total, allowing the glaze to soak in and the ham to heat through.
- Glaze and Final Bake: After 2 hours, remove the cover and baste the ham with the juices collected at the bottom of the pan. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), letting the glaze caramelize and form a beautiful crust.
- Rest the Ham: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for several minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender slices.
- Serve: Slice the ham and serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Enjoy this delicious, glazed spiral ham!
Notes
- For best flavor, use a bone-in spiral ham as it stays juicier during baking.
- Lemon-lime soda can be substituted with ginger ale for a slightly different sweetness and spice.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Covering the ham during most of the cooking prevents it from drying out.
- Resting the ham before slicing helps retain juices and improves texture.
