Sticky • Glossy • Juicy • Holiday Perfect
If you want a holiday ham that’s beautiful, glossy, and full of flavor this is the one. Spiral ham cooks fast and absorbs flavor easily. Today, I’m using a sweet and tangy glaze made with orange marmalade, pineapple preserves, brown sugar, cloves, and pimento berries, plus a few extra ingredients to make it shiny, sticky, and unforgettable.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner with family, this ham is guaranteed to stand out on the table
Ingredients
For the Ham
1 fully cooked spiral ham (8–10 lbs)
Whole cloves (optional for studding)
1 cup pineapple juice or water (for the roasting pan)
Dry Rub for Extra Flavor (Optional but SO Good)
If you want even more flavor inside every slice, rub this all over the ham before glazing. It melts in as it warms, giving warm spice and a deeper caramelized flavor.
Dry Rub Ingredients
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ginger powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of scotch bonnet powder (optional)
Sticky Orange–Pineapple Holiday Glaze
½ cup orange marmalade
½ cup pineapple preserves
½ cup brown sugar
4–6 whole cloves
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1–2 tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ cup pineapple juice
Instructions
1. Prep the Ham
Preheat your oven to 300°F.
Place the spiral ham cut-side down in a roasting pan or foil-lined baking dish.
If you want that old-school holiday look, stud the top with a few whole cloves.
Cover tightly with foil to keep the ham juicy.
2. How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham (Easy Guide)
Spiral hams are already fully cooked — you’re simply reheating them gently so they stay juicy.
Reheating Time:
300°F for 10 minutes per pound, covered tightly with foil.
Examples:
8 lb → about 1 hour 20 minutes
10 lb → about 1 hour 40 minutes
12 lb → about 2 hours
Internal Temperature:
Ham is ready at 140°F in the thickest part.
Important Tips
Always reheat covered
Always add liquid to the pan
Only glaze at the end
Don’t overcook — spiral ham dries out fast
3. Warm the Ham
Before covering the ham, pour about ½–1 cup of pineapple juice into the bottom of the pan. Add a few sprigs of rosemary along with whole cloves . This creates steam while the ham warms, keeps it juicy, and adds extra flavor. Bake the ham covered for the appropriate size of your ham. The ham am using was 10lb so I baked for 1hour & 40 minutes just to heat it through.
While it warms, make your glaze.
4. Make the Sticky Pineapple–Orange Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, add:
orange marmalade, pineapple preserves, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar , garlic powder, clove, allspice, nutmeg,cinnamon, ginger powder, onion powder and pineapple juice.
Stir until the sugar melts and the glaze becomes thick, glossy, and bubbling (about 5–7 minutes).
Turn off the heat and let the glaze thicken slightly as it cools — this helps it stick better.
5. Glaze the Ham
Remove foil from the ham.
Brush a thick layer of glaze all over, making sure it gets between the spiral slices.
Pour extra glaze over the top so it seeps down inside.
6. Bake Until Glossy
Return the ham to the oven uncovered.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with more glaze every 10 minutes.
When the top is sticky, shiny, caramelized, and glossy, it’s done.
7. Final Touch
Pour the remaining warm glaze over the ham before serving.
Let it rest 10 minutes, then enjoy!
Serving Ideas
- Add pineapple rings on top for decoration
- Serve with mashed potatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese, or sweet potatoes
- Use leftovers for sliders or breakfast sandwiches
Tips To Keep Spiral Ham Juicy
- Don’t skip the foil that’s the key to moisture
- Don’t heat the ham too long; it’s already fully cooked
- Always add liquid to the pan
- Brush glaze during the last 20–25 minutes only
Storing Leftovers
Store ham slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Warm gently with a splash of pineapple juice to keep it juicy.
And just like that, your holiday ham is glossy, sticky, and packed with flavor. The orange, pineapple, pimento, and warm spices come together so perfectly every slice is tender and juicy. If you try this recipe at home, don’t forget to snap a picture and tag @khaliaskuisine on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I love seeing your creations. Happy holidays and bless up!