Three things are sure in life: death, taxes, and turkey stealing the spotlight every Thanksgiving. However, if you want to simplify your big Thanksgiving meal without sacrificing taste, it is definitely worth taking a look at spiral ham.
It is something a little different (and a lot easier), pre-sliced, packed with flavor, and way less stressful to serve than a giant bird. Plus, that sweet, smoky aroma fills your kitchen with all the cozy holiday vibes.
The only thing that sometimes worries people? The carving. But here’s the good news: cutting a spiral ham is super simple once you know what to do. With a sharp (Japanese) knife and a few quick tips, you can serve perfect slices that look like they came straight out of a restaurant.
How to Cut a Spiral Ham (Step by Step)
Except you have decided to go for half butt ham, your spiral ham comes already precut. So, the purpose of carving spiral ham is to separate the slices neatly. Here’s how to carve a spiral ham without breaking a sweat:
- Place the ham cut-side down on a large cutting board. This keeps it steady while you work.
- Locate the bone (usually in the middle).
- Grab a long kitchen knife and fork, and cut around the circumference of the bone on the outside. Go as deep as you can without breaking the ham, but do not worry if you cannot reach the bottom.
- Then cut the spiral ham into (flat) slices. When cutting, follow the spiral slices that are already there. Just let your knife trace the lines.
- Turn the ham and repeat on the other side until all the slices are free.
- Stack or fan out the slices on a platter for an easy, beautiful presentation.
That’s it. No special carving tricks or chef training required: just a little patience and a sharp blade.
Cutting Spiral Ham: What Knives Work Best?
If you want your slices to look clean and stay juicy, the right knife makes a big difference. Japanese knives are especially great for this because they’re razor-sharp and precise: they practically do the work for you. Consider the following knives for carving/ cutting spiral ham:
- Carving Knife (8-12 inches): Long and thin, perfect for following the spiral lines.
- Slicing Knife or Japanese Sujihiki (9–12 inches): Ideal for smooth, gliding cuts that don’t tear the meat.
- Chef’s Knife or Gyuto (8 inches): Great for trimming edges or cutting close to the bone.
- Boning Knife (5–6 inches): Handy for working around the bone when you want to get every last bite.
Tasty Spiral Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving 2025
Once you’ve nailed the carving, it’s time for the fun part: the glaze. Here are some crowd-pleasing spiral ham recipes that’ll make your holiday table shine this Thanksgiving:
- Honey Glazed Spiral Ham: Classic, sweet, and golden brown. You simply can't go wrong with it.
- Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham: Sweet with a touch of tropical flavor.
- Maple Bourbon Glazed Spiral Ham: A cozy mix of smoky, sweet, and rich.
- Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham: Bright, citrusy, and refreshing.
- Dijon Mustard and Brown Sugar Ham: Tangy and sweet with just enough kick.
- Cranberry Glazed Spiral Ham: Tart, festive, and perfect with Thanksgiving sides.
- Apple Cider Glazed Ham: Sweet and autumn-inspired, a seasonal favorite.
- Cherry Cola Glazed Ham: A fun twist that’s surprisingly delicious.
- Apricot Glazed Spiral Ham: Fruity and light for something a little different.
- Spiced Honey and Clove Glazed Ham: Classic holiday flavor with warm spice.
Each of these glazes adds its own spin on that tender, salty-sweet ham flavor, and none of them are complicated. You can prep them in minutes, and your guests will think you spent hours.
Final Thoughts on Spiral Ham at Thanksgiving
If you’ve been on the fence about trying spiral ham this Thanksgiving, go for it. It’s easy to carve, simple to cook, and endlessly customizable. With the right knife and a tasty glaze, you’ll have a main dish that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and frees you up to actually enjoy the holiday - not just cook for it.
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