Spiral Ham with Orange and Clove Glaze: A Festive Holiday Centerpiece

By The Horizons Times Team | April 2025

Looking for a stunning yet simple holiday main dish? This spiral ham with orange and clove glaze brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite. Featuring just a few wholesome ingredients—fresh orange, Dijon mustard, honey, and warm cloves—this recipe delivers vibrant flavor without the need for store-bought glaze packets. It's ideal for Easter, Christmas, or any festive gathering.

🍊 Why You’ll Love This Spiral Ham Recipe

• Effortless to prepare – Pre-cooked and spiral-sliced ham means minimal prep.

• Refined, natural glaze – No additives, just real fruit, spices, and honey.

• Crowd-friendly – Serves 16 to 32 guests, depending on the ham size.

• Perfect for leftovers – Use extra ham in omelets, salads, and soups.

• Allergy-friendly – Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and high in protein.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 fully-cooked spiral sliced ham (6 to 8 pounds)

• ½ cup honey

• Zest of 1 orange

• ⅓ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 large orange)

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 navel orange, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

🔥 How to Make Spiral Ham with Orange Glaze

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Honey

• Orange zest and juice

• Dijon mustard

• Ground cloves

3. Prepare the Ham

Place the orange slices in a baking dish or roasting pan to form a citrus bed. Place the ham on top, cut side down, and spoon ⅓ of the glaze over the ham. Cover tightly with foil.

4. Bake

Bake for 12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes for a 6–8 lb ham).

5. Broil and Caramelize

Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to broil, and turn the ham so the fat side faces up. Spoon the remaining glaze over the ham and broil for 3–5 minutes, until the glaze is golden and slightly caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.

6. Serve

Baste with juices from the pan and transfer the ham to a serving platter. Serve warm with the extra pan juices spooned over the top.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor: Try maple syrup instead of honey.

• Skip cloves? Use ground cinnamon or allspice for a different spice profile.

• Avoid dryness: Always bake covered at a low temperature to preserve moisture.

• No roasting pan? A deep baking dish works just as well.

🍽️ What to Serve with Spiral Ham

Pair your spiral ham with these Easter or holiday favorites:

Appetizers:

• Deviled Eggs

• Mini Quiches

• Crudité Platter

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted Carrots

• Green Bean Salad

• Asparagus with Dijon Vinaigrette

Hearty Sides:

• Scalloped Potatoes

• Cheddar Biscuits

• Spring Asparagus Risotto

Desserts:

• Carrot Cake

• Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes

• Hummingbird Cake

🥡 Storage & Leftover Ideas

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Spiral ham freezes well for up to 3 months. Layer slices with parchment paper for easy serving.

Reheat: Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Use Leftovers in:

• Crustless Ham and Cheese Quiche

• Cauliflower Fried Rice

• Broccoli Cheese Omelets

• Cobb Salad or pasta salads

• Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas

• Ham sandwiches or sliders

Bonus Tip: Save the ham bone for soups—like split pea, lentil, or leftover ham bone soup with potatoes and cabbage.

🧾 Nutritional Info (Per 3 oz Serving)

• Calories: 130

• Protein: 16g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sodium: 771mg

Spiral ham doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With a fresh, citrusy glaze and just a few minutes of prep, this flavorful centerpiece can steal the spotlight at any holiday feast. Whether it’s Easter brunch or a cozy Christmas dinner, it’s a simple classic with a vibrant twist.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more festive recipes and entertaining ideas for every season—explore our latest features and seasonal favorites.