Article Rewritten:
When I was growing up, ham was a staple at all gatherings in my household. Whether it was on the charcuterie board, gracing the dinner table, or lingering in the fridge for days after, spiral ham was always the star of the show. Being a devoted ham enthusiast, I wanted to ensure that I was buying the absolute best brand available.
Rather than conducting an expensive taste test by purchasing multiple spiral hams, I opted to seek insights from two chefs who share my passion for preparing and enjoying ham. I also consulted with the ultimate ham expert in my eyes: my mother, Lorraine Totino. As it turns out, the brand my family has been loyal to all these years is undoubtedly the top choice.
The Best Store-Bought Ham Brand
Which store-bought ham reigns supreme? Without a doubt, it’s the renowned Honey Baked Ham. “It’s a brand that has earned its stellar reputation for a reason,” explains Debra Clark, a recipe developer and the creator of Bowl Me Over. “Their signature glaze is the key. It strikes the perfect balance, providing a crispy, flavorful coating that enhances the pork’s natural taste without overwhelming it.”
Debi Morgan, the founder and recipe developer behind the Southern cuisine blog Quiche My Grits, concurs. “The ham is coated in a delectable sweet, crunchy glaze that is irresistible. Finding a ham as tender as a Honey Baked is a challenge,” she praises.
Simply Recipes / Honey Baked My mother confirms, “They certainly know their stuff. Honey Baked Ham strikes the ideal salty-sweet balance. What sets it apart from other hams, which can often be dry, is its moist, tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. It’s never tough or parched.”
Clark attributes the brand’s exceptional texture to “just the right amount of marbling of fat, which helps retain moisture as it heats up.” Slow roasting and smoking the spiral cut, bone-in ham not only enhances its texture but also infuses it with a hint of smokiness.
According to Morgan, this smoke element is a standout feature. “Honey Baked Ham is a premium product that undergoes up to 24 hours of smoking with hardwood chips,” she reveals. The brand utilizes a unique blend of multiple woods, resulting in a complex flavor profile.
Preparing the Best Store-Bought Ham
Clarifying that spiral ham is fully cooked, Clark advises, “You’re simply reheating it gently. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavorful slices.” She wraps her room-temperature ham loosely in foil and warms it in a 275°F oven, increasing the heat for the final 10 minutes to crisp up the glaze.
The trifecta of flavors—salty, sweet, and smoky—combined with the ham’s tender interior, makes it a versatile protein for any occasion. Morgan particularly enjoys it
