How to Cook a Spiral Ham in a Convection Oven

Cooking a spiral ham in a convection oven is a great way to get a tender, juicy and flavorful ham that your family will love. You can choose from a variety of flavors and sizes to suit your preference. This guide will show you how to prepare, cook, and serve a spiral ham in a convection oven.

What You Need to Know Before Cooking a Spiral Ham in a Convection Oven

Before you begin to cook your spiral ham in a convection oven, it is important to read through the instructions included with your particular oven. Make sure your oven is preheated to the appropriate temperature, and follow the directions for pre-cooking or heating the ham that is indicated on the instructions. Additionally, you will need to understand which cookware best suits your oven and the size of the ham you are cooking.

When selecting cookware, it is important to choose a pan that is large enough to fit the ham, but not so large that it will not fit in the oven. Additionally, you should use a pan that is made of a material that is safe to use in a convection oven. For example, glass, ceramic, and metal pans are all safe to use in a convection oven. Finally, you should make sure that the pan is deep enough to contain the juices that will be released from the ham as it cooks.

Steps for Preparing a Spiral Ham in a Convection Oven

There are a few important steps to follow when preparing to cook a spiral ham in a convection oven:

  1. Take the ham out of its original packaging and remove the plastic wrap.
  2. Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. Place the ham into a roasting pan that suits the size of the oven and the size of the ham.
  4. Score the fat or rind of the ham, which helps the fat to render and the ham to brown evenly during cooking.
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Once the ham is scored, brush it with a glaze of your choice. This will help to add flavor and give the ham a nice golden color. Place the ham in the preheated convection oven and cook according to the instructions on the packaging. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the desired temperature.

Tips for Cooking a Spiral Ham in a Convection Oven

When you are ready to cook your ham, there are a few important tips to keep in mind:

  • Start by pre-cooking or heating the ham using your convection oven’s instructions. If you are pre-cooking or heating your ham ahead of time, then wrap it tightly in heavy duty aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
  • Place the roasting pan into the oven and cook according to the instructions. Use an internal thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit before it’s finished cooking.
  • When finished cooking, remove the pan from the oven and let the spiral ham stand for 15 minutes before serving.

It is important to note that the cooking time for a spiral ham in a convection oven will vary depending on the size of the ham. A larger ham will take longer to cook than a smaller one. Additionally, you may want to baste the ham with a glaze or sauce of your choice during the cooking process to add flavor and moisture.

How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham in a Convection Oven

Spiral hams come in various sizes and types, so the length of cooking time can vary. It is best to refer to the package for specific instructions on how long to cook your particular ham. However, as a general rule, allow about 10 – 20 minutes per pound for an average-sized spiral ham.

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Troubleshooting Tips for Cooking a Spiral Ham in a Convection Oven

The most common issue associated with cooking spiral hams in a convection oven is ensuring the internal temperature has reached the correct level. Meat must always reach an internal temperature of at least 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit before it’s done. If you find that the thermometer is not registering the temperature correctly, allow it to cook for an additional five minutes before checking again.

Variations on Cooking a Spiral Ham in a Convection Oven

While cooking your spiral ham in a convection oven is the traditional approach, you can also try other methods such as roasting, baking, or smoking. Check the instructions included with your packaging to get more detailed instructions on these alternative cooking methods.

Serving Suggestions for Cooked Spiral Ham

Cooked spiral hams are delicious served with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, deviled eggs, glazed carrots, and more. Spiral hams are also a great addition to breakfast sandwiches and salads, or simply served on its own with a side of mustard. Whatever way you choose to serve your spiral ham, it is sure to be delicious.