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National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

Savoring the succulence of glazed spiral ham, a delicious delight with caramelized sweetness and savory perfection.

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Drive April ham sales and deli traffic by positioning glazed spiral ham as a premium, easy-to-serve centerpiece for spring entertaining and family meals.

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Spiral Ham Glaze Recipe Roundup: Maple Bourbon, Mango Jalapeño & more trending flavors
Honey Baked Ham 500+ locations promo: Order ahead for guaranteed availability this April
DIY Glaze Challenge: Share your creative ham glaze recipe for a chance to win
Spring Entertaining Made Easy: Why glazed spiral ham is the host's secret weapon

History

The background of National Glazed Spiral Ham Day can be followed back to the invention of the spiral slicer that was the ingenious idea of Harry J. Hoenselaar.

Solving the problem of the ham bone that gets in the way of cutting the large piece of meat, the spiral slicer contains a spring-loaded blade that rotates as it cuts through the meat. Created in 1924 in Detroit, Michigan, the spiral slicer changed the way that hams are prepared and served.

Hoenselaar was eventually the founder of the company, Honey Baked Ham in 1957, which not only sliced their hams in a spiral manner but also included their delectable recipe for a sweet glaze made of honey and orange juice.

While these ham slicers were originally limited, in 1981 the patent ran out and now they can be purchased at almost any deli or grocery store where hams are sold. National Glazed Spiral Ham Day was started as early as 2014, providing a delightful time for people to enjoy a delicious meal in honor of this deli meat.

Other Days of the Year that are celebrated along the same lines as National Glazed Spiral Ham Day include National Cold Cuts Day in March, National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day in January or National Hoagie Day in early May.

How to celebrate

Pick Up a Glazed Spiral Ham

On National Glazed Spiral Ham Day, head on out to the grocery store, a deli or a supermarket and pick up a glazed spiral ham. The Honey Baked Ham company has more than 500 locations in 41 states throughout the US so that might be a good place to start! It might be a good idea to consider ordering a ham of the preferred size ahead of time to be sure it’s available in celebration of the event.

Get Creative with Ham Glaze Recipes

Those who have standard ham glaze that they enjoy may want to make things a bit more interesting on National Glazed Spiral Ham Day. Get online and check out a wide range of different recipes for glazes and then try one out! Check out some of these flavor ideas to get started with: Garlic Honey Mustard Ham GlazeMaple Bourbon Orange GlazePineapple and Brown Sugar Ham Glaze (with pineapple slices and cherries)Mango Jalapeno Ham Glaze

FAQ

Is glazed spiral ham considered a processed meat, and what does that mean for health?

Glazed spiral ham is considered a processed meat because it is cured, often smoked, and sometimes contains added preservatives such as nitrites. The World Health Organization and other health bodies note that frequent consumption of processed meats is associated with a higher risk of colorectal and other cancers. Most nutrition guidelines suggest enjoying ham in moderation, choosing smaller portions, and balancing it with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and other minimally processed foods.

How can someone make a glazed ham meal a bit healthier without losing flavor?

People can make a glazed ham meal lighter by trimming visible fat, choosing a smaller serving size, and loading the plate with vegetables and whole grains. Using glazes that rely more on spices, fruit, vinegar, or mustard and less on sugar can help reduce added sugars while keeping flavor. Pairing ham with roasted vegetables, salads, or fiber‑rich sides can also help blunt blood sugar spikes from sweet glazes and support overall heart and digestive health.

What food safety steps are important when cooking and serving spiral ham?

Food safety agencies recommend cooking raw or partially cooked ham to a safe internal temperature, typically 145 °F (63 °C) with a three‑minute rest, measured with a food thermometer in the thickest part away from the bone. Fully cooked spiral hams that are being reheated for serving should usually reach 140 °F (60 °C). Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours, stored in shallow containers, and eaten or frozen within a few days to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Why do spiral hams tend to dry out more easily, and how can that be prevented?

Spiral hams are pre‑sliced around the bone, which increases the exposed surface area and can cause moisture loss in the oven. To keep them moist, many cooks heat them at a lower temperature, cover them tightly with foil, and add glaze or a small amount of liquid toward the end of cooking rather than at the beginning. Avoiding overcooking and following the producer’s heating instructions helps preserve texture and juiciness.

Are there cultural or regional differences in how glazed ham is flavored around the world?

Yes, glazed ham reflects local ingredients and traditions. In the United States, brown sugar, honey, and mustard are common, sometimes combined with cloves or pineapple. In parts of Europe, glazes may rely more on mustard, beer, or fruit preserves, while in some Caribbean and Latin American recipes, ham can be seasoned with citrus, rum, chilies, or tropical fruits. These variations show how cured pork has been adapted to different culinary cultures and holiday customs.

How should people with high blood pressure or heart disease approach eating ham?

People with high blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns are usually advised to limit sodium and processed meats, both of which are often high in ham. Health organizations suggest checking labels for lower‑sodium options, keeping portions small, and not eating ham every day. Discussing individual limits with a healthcare provider or dietitian can help tailor intake, since some people may need stricter sodium and processed meat restrictions than others.

Is ham suitable for all dietary and religious traditions?

Ham is not suitable for everyone. It is prohibited in some religions, including Islam and Judaism, and may be avoided in certain Hindu communities and by people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. In addition, some people choose to avoid pork for personal or health reasons. Hosts planning a ham‑centered meal often provide alternative main dishes, such as poultry, fish, or plant‑based options, to accommodate diverse dietary practices.