How To Cook Costco Spiral Ham? 3 Easy Ways

Whether it’s the holidays or you’re simply planning a large get-together, when you’re looking for the perfect dinner for a big group, Costco spiral hams are always a great choice. 

The Costco spiral ham is a delicious and juicy cut of pork that will be sure to please the crowd. This fan favorite is not only leaner than most other store-bought hams, but it also contains an irresistible smoked hickory flavor. 

If that wasn’t good enough, this spiral ham also comes with a sweet glaze that, when added, makes the ham even more flavorful and provides the exterior with a lovely crisp texture. 

When it comes to preparing spiral hams, the process couldn’t be easier. Costco spiral hams come pre-cooked when you buy them, so you only have to reheat them. 

The best ways to warm up your ham include using either the oven or crockpot. Both of these methods require several hours to ensure the meat is fully heated through and will give you a deliciously juicy and tender cut of pork. 

Not to mention, these hams are also super affordable and cost just 6.99 per kilo. 

So next time you head to the freezer section to grab a turkey for your next Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter, why not change things up a bit and choose a spiral ham instead? 

And if you’re new to preparing spiral hams, don’t worry, the following sections will provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as many other tips and tricks on how to make the perfect Costco spiral ham. 

How To Prepare A Costco Spiral Ham In The Oven: No Glaze? 

Adding the glaze that comes with the spiral ham is great, but if you prefer just a salty flavor and would rather omit any sweetness, that’s also perfectly fine. 

Reheating your spiral ham in the oven is super simple, but does take time, so be sure to plan ahead. 

Here’s how to do it: 

Pro Tips 

• Even if you don’t want to add the glaze to the ham, we recommend storing it in your fridge and repurposing it!

• Adding foil will keep the ham super moist, allowing it to stay tender and juicy. 

• When wrapping the ham, if necessary, add more foil.

• The foil should also be placed on the ham so that it isn’t too tight or too loose. 

• If you’re new to basting, this is essentially a process where the juices from the meat are poured over the ham while it’s cooking, to ensure it stays nice and moist. 

• Make sure to always cover the ham again with foil after basting.

• If you’re not sure when your ham is done, you can use a meat thermometer. 

• Your ham will be done when you insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat and it reads a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

• The minimum temperature to consume ham safely is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer a ham that is a little more well done and with a more crispy exterior, you can allow it to heat up longer- until the thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit. 

• Don’t skip the resting stage after the ham is finished, as this allows the juices to really settle, making it even more flavorful. 

• Cooking your ham “low and slow” will give you a ham that is extra tender and juicy. However, if you need to cook it faster, you can heat your ham in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-1.5 hours. 

• As long as the internal temperature is between 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re good to go. 

RELATED: Complete Costco Party Platters Menu 2022 – Costco Menu

How To Prepare A Costco Spiral Ham In The Oven: With Glaze?

If you have a sweet tooth like us and can’t get enough of that sweet and salty combo in food, then adding a glaze to this spiral ham is a must. 

Luckily, the Costco spiral ham comes with its own glaze, so you don’t have to make your own and can save on time. 

So why add a glaze? Other than the fact that it simply tastes great, adding this sweet sauce will give the skin of the ham a wonderful caramelized texture that will not only add flavor but also crispiness. 

So really, why shouldn’t you add a glaze?

The process of preparing a glazed ham is essentially the same as the previous method but incorporates a little twist as well as a different heat setting. 

Here’s what you need to do: 

Pro Tips

• Remember to brush the glaze in between the slices of ham as well for maximum flavor. 

• For further tips, check out the previous section. 

RELATED: Healthy Noodles at Costco {Low Carbs from Kibun Foods!} – Shopping With Dave

How To Prepare A Costco Spiral Ham In A Crockpot? 

If you have a Crockpot, you will know why this is a preferred method of cooking. 

Crockpots cook your meat extra slowly, making them ultra tender. Plus, they do all the work for you and require minimal effort. Just pop your ham inside, set the temperature and sit back and watch the magic happen!

Here’s what you have to do:

Pro Tips

• Make sure if you are doing this approach that you buy a ham that fits inside the Crockpot. 

• If you find yourself in the situation where your ham doesn’t fit, you can also place foil over the ham instead of the lid, ensuring it is fully covered. 

• This, of course, isn’t ideal, but it will work. 

• If you’re new to basting, this is essentially a process where the juices from the meat are poured over the ham while it’s cooking, to ensure it stays nice and moist. 

• For further tips, check out the previous section on the oven ham method. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Servings Is Costco’s Spiral Ham?

The amount of people the ham will serve depends on the size of the ham. For reference, a 9-pound ham will be enough for approximately 10 people. 

Keep in mind the ham will be accompanied by other side dishes, so you also want to account for this.

Do You Have To Glaze Ham?

No, glazing your ham is not necessary, however, it will provide it with a delicious caramelized, crispy exterior, as well as a sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the ham wonderfully. 

What Do You Serve With Ham?

Ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Rice 
• Pasta 
• Roasted veggies 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Salad 

How Do You Store Ham?

After purchasing your ham, it will typically last in the fridge for 7-10 days (just check the label provided for a specified date).

If you have leftovers, you can store your ham in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

If you would like to freeze your ham and have it at a later date, you can do this by cutting up the ham and distributing it into freezer bags. Your ham will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thawing a frozen ham can take 24-36 hours but can be sped up by placing it in a hot water bath. 

How To Prevent Your Ham From Going Dry?

The best ways to prevent your ham from getting dry are cooking it at a low temperature for long periods of time, wrapping your ham in foil, and basting it periodically while the ham is cooking. 

How To Prepare A Costco Spiral Ham In The Oven: No Glaze?

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Active Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 47 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

The ham sits on the counter at room temperature for 1 hour and is then removed from its packaging and placed in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2.5 hours before resting for an additional 15 minutes.

Print

Materials

• Costco spiral ham

Tools

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Spoon for basting

Instructions

• Remove your ham from the fridge and allow it to rest on your counter for 1 hour at room temperature 
• Set your oven to a temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit 
• Retrieve a large baking sheet 
• Take two sheets of aluminum foil and place them criss-cross onto the baking sheet 
• Remove the ham from its packaging (discard of the glaze if you’re not using it)
• Set the ham on top of the baking sheet and foil 
• Begin wrapping the entire ham in the foil so that it is completely covered 
• Place the ham in the preheated oven for 18 minutes per pound 
• Every half an hour, baste the ham with the juices 
• Remove the ham from the oven and baste it again
• Cover the ham in the foil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes 

How To Prepare A Costco Spiral Ham In The Oven: With Glaze?

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Active Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

The ham sits on the counter at room temperature for 1 hour and is then removed from its packaging and placed in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. It is then removed from the oven and glazed and baked for an additional 10 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit before resting on the counter for 15 minutes.

Print

Materials

• Costco spiral ham
• Cost spiral ham glaze

Tools

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Spoon for basting
• Brush
• Water

Instructions

• Remove your ham from the fridge and allow it to rest on your counter for 1 hour at room temperature 
• Set your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit 
• Retrieve a large baking sheet 
• Take two sheets of aluminum foil and place them criss-cross onto the baking sheet 
• Remove the ham from its packaging 
• Set the ham on top of the baking sheet and foil 
• Begin wrapping the entire ham in the foil so that it is completely covered 
• Place the ham in the preheated oven for 1 hour- 1.5 hours
• Every half an hour, baste the ham with the juices 
• Remove the ham from the oven 
• Prepare the glaze by adding it to a pot along with 3 tablespoons of water 
• Heat the glaze on the stovetop for approximately 2 minutes, or until it starts to boil 
• Meanwhile, increase the temperature of the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
• When the glaze is done, brush it all over the ham, including in between the slices 
• Bake in the oven for 10 minutes 
• Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes

How To Prepare A Costco Spiral Ham In A Crockpot?

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Active Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 7 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

The ham rests at room temperature for 1 hour before being glazed (if desired) and heated in the Crockpot for up to 4 hours, ensuring it is basted periodically. The ham is then removed from the crockpot and rests an additional 15 minutes before being served.

Print

Materials

• Costco spiral ham
• Costco spiral ham glaze (optional)

Tools

• Crockpot
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Spoon for basting
• Brush

Instructions

• Remove your ham from the fridge and allow it to rest on your counter for 1 hour at room temperature 
• Remove the ham from its packaging
• Prepare the glaze by adding it to a pot along with 3 tablespoons of water 
• Heat the glaze on the stovetop for approximately 2 minutes, or until it starts to boil 
• Meanwhile, increase the temperature of the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
• When the glaze is done, brush it all over the ham, including in between the slices 
• Set the heat of the Crockpot to low and place the ham inside 
• Add foil if necessary (look to pro tips)
• Cook the ham for up to 4 hours

• Baste the ham after 2 hours as well as 30 minutes before it’s done

• When it’s done, remove the ham from the Crockpot and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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