How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham (8 lbs.) | The Ultimate Guide

How Long to Cook an 8-lb Spiral Ham

Spiral ham is a popular holiday dish, and for good reason. It’s easy to cook, it’s delicious, and it looks impressive on the dinner table. But how long do you cook a spiral ham? The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of the ham and the cooking method you choose.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to cook an 8-lb spiral ham in the oven, slow cooker, and air fryer. We’ll also provide tips for making sure your ham is cooked perfectly every time.

So whether you’re a seasoned cook or you’re just getting started in the kitchen, read on for everything you need to know about cooking an 8-lb spiral ham!

Temperature Time Notes
325 degrees F 10-12 minutes per pound Cover the ham with foil and baste every 15 minutes.
350 degrees F 8-10 minutes per pound Uncover the ham and baste every 15 minutes.
400 degrees F 6-8 minutes per pound Uncover the ham and baste every 10 minutes.

How Long To Cook A 8 Lb Spiral Ham?

Cooking Methods for an 8-lb Spiral Ham

There are four main ways to cook an 8-lb spiral ham:

  • Oven
  • Slow cooker
  • Crock pot
  • Smoker

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Oven

Oven-baked ham is the classic way to cook a spiral ham. It’s a simple and straightforward method that produces a juicy, flavorful ham.

To cook an 8-lb spiral ham in the oven, you will need:

  • An 8-lb spiral ham
  • A roasting pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the spiral ham in a roasting pan.
3. Cover the ham with aluminum foil.
4. Bake the ham for 2 hours and 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Slow cooker

Slow-cooked ham is a great option for busy cooks. It requires little prep work and can be cooked all day long, so you can come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal.

To cook an 8-lb spiral ham in a slow cooker, you will need:

  • An 8-lb spiral ham
  • A slow cooker
  • A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Place the spiral ham in a slow cooker.
2. Cover the ham with water.
3. Cook the ham on low for 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Crock pot

Crock-pot ham is a great option for people who want a hands-off cooking method. It’s also a good option for smaller kitchens, as crock pots don’t take up as much counter space as ovens or slow cookers.

To cook an 8-lb spiral ham in a crock pot, you will need:

  • An 8-lb spiral ham
  • A crock pot
  • A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Place the spiral ham in a crock pot.
2. Cover the ham with water.
3. Cook the ham on low for 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Smoker

Smoked ham is a delicious and flavorful option for special occasions. It’s a great way to show off your smoking skills and impress your guests.

To smoke an 8-lb spiral ham, you will need:

  • An 8-lb spiral ham
  • A smoker
  • Wood chips
  • A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the spiral ham in the smoker.
3. Smoke the ham for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Preparation Tips for an 8-lb Spiral Ham

Before you cook your spiral ham, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and more successful.

  • Thaw the ham in the refrigerator. Thawing the ham in the refrigerator will help it cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
  • Score the ham. Scoring the ham will help the ham absorb the seasonings and cook more evenly.
  • Rub the ham with a seasoning mix. Rub the ham with a seasoning mix of your choice to add flavor and moisture.
  • Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to the correct temperature before you cook the ham. This will help the ham cook evenly.

By following these tips, you can cook an 8-lb spiral ham that is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

A spiral ham is a type of ham that is cut into a spiral shape. It is a popular choice for holiday meals because it is easy to cook and can be served with a variety of side dishes.

This guide will show you how to cook an 8-lb spiral ham in the oven. We will provide step-by-step instructions, as well as

How Long To Cook A 8 Lb Spiral Ham?

The cooking time for an 8-lb spiral ham will vary depending on the method you use.

Cooking Times for an 8-lb Spiral Ham

Oven

The oven is the most common way to cook a spiral ham. The following are the approximate cooking times for an 8-lb spiral ham in the oven:

  • 325 degrees F: 2-2.5 hours
  • 350 degrees F: 1.5-2 hours
  • 400 degrees F: 1-1.5 hours

Slow cooker

A slow cooker is another great way to cook a spiral ham. The following are the approximate cooking times for an 8-lb spiral ham in a slow cooker:

  • Low: 6-7 hours
  • Medium: 4-5 hours
  • High: 3-4 hours

Crock pot

A crock pot is similar to a slow cooker, but it uses less water. The following are the approximate cooking times for an 8-lb spiral ham in a crock pot:

  • Low: 6-7 hours
  • Medium: 4-5 hours
  • High: 3-4 hours

Smoker

A smoker is a great way to add flavor to a spiral ham. The following are the approximate cooking times for an 8-lb spiral ham in a smoker:

  • 225 degrees F: 6-7 hours
  • 250 degrees F: 5-6 hours
  • 275 degrees F: 4-5 hours

Safety Tips for Cooking an 8-lb Spiral Ham

When cooking a spiral ham, it is important to take precautions to ensure that it is cooked safely.

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The ham is done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
  • Let the ham rest before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the ham to be more evenly cooked.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Ham leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking an 8-lb spiral ham is a simple process that can be completed in a variety of ways. By following the tips in this article, you can cook a delicious and safe spiral ham for your family or friends.

Here are some additional tips for cooking a spiral ham:

  • Use a roasting pan with a rack. This will help to keep the ham from sitting in its own juices and prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • Preheat the oven before placing the ham in it. This will help to ensure that the ham cooks evenly.
  • Cover the ham with foil. This will help to keep the ham moist while it cooks.
  • Rotate the ham halfway through cooking. This will help to ensure that all sides of the ham cook evenly.

    How long do I cook a 8 lb spiral ham?

The cooking time for an 8 lb spiral ham depends on the type of ham and the cooking method.

  • For a spiral ham cooked in the oven, the cooking time is typically 10 minutes per pound at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. So, an 8 lb spiral ham would cook for 80 minutes.
  • For a spiral ham cooked in a slow cooker, the cooking time is typically 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
  • For a spiral ham cooked on the grill, the cooking time is typically 15-20 minutes per pound over indirect heat. So, an 8 lb spiral ham would cook for 120-160 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific ham you are using. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cooking times and temperatures.

What is the best way to cook a spiral ham?

There are a few different ways to cook a spiral ham, but the most popular methods are oven baking, slow cooking, and grilling.

  • Oven baking is the traditional method for cooking a spiral ham. To oven bake a spiral ham, you will need to preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake the ham for 10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Slow cooking is a great way to cook a spiral ham if you are short on time. To slow cook a spiral ham, you will need to place the ham in a slow cooker and cover it with liquid. Cook the ham on low for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Grilling is a great way to cook a spiral ham if you want to add a smoky flavor. To grill a spiral ham, you will need to preheat your grill to medium heat. Then, place the ham on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best way to cook a spiral ham will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of time you have available.

What temperature should a spiral ham be cooked to?

The USDA recommends cooking spiral ham to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the ham is safe to eat and will be cooked through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of ham and the cooking method. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cooking times and temperatures.

Can I cook a spiral ham from frozen?

Yes, you can cook a spiral ham from frozen. However, the cooking time will be longer than if you were cooking a ham that was not frozen.

To cook a spiral ham from frozen, you will need to preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked through.

What are some side dishes that go well with spiral ham?

There are a variety of side dishes that go well with spiral ham. Some popular options include:

  • Potatoes (mashed, roasted, or fried)
  • Gravy
  • Green beans
  • Corn
  • Salad
  • Rolls
  • Biscuits
  • Applesauce
  • Cranberry sauce

The best side dishes for spiral ham will depend on your personal preferences and the type of ham you are serving.

How do I store leftover spiral ham?

Leftover spiral ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To store the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze leftover spiral ham for up to 3 months. To freeze the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. When you are ready to eat the ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

How do I reheat spiral ham?

the ideal cooking time for an 8-pound spiral ham is 2 hours and 15 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the ham is cooked through without drying out. Be sure to let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The best way to cook a spiral ham is to bake it in the oven.
  • The ideal cooking temperature for an 8-pound spiral ham is 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The ham should be cooked for 2 hours and 15 minutes per pound.
  • The ham should rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy spiral ham for your family and friends.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

Similar Posts