Your One-Stop Shop for Everything You Need to Know About This Delicious Holiday Favorite

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start planning your festive meals. For many families, the centerpiece of a holiday spread is a juicy, flavorful spiral-cut ham. It not only looks beautiful on the table, but it also feeds a crowd and often provides delicious leftovers.

If you’re looking for an affordable and tasty spiral ham this holiday season, Market Pantry Spiral Ham is a fantastic option to consider. Market Pantry is Target’s popular house brand, known for providing quality items at budget-friendly prices. Its spiral ham is no exception – it’s a great value while still providing delicious flavor.

But before you toss a Market Pantry Spiral Ham in your shopping cart, it helps to understand how to choose the right size, how to store it properly, prep tips, cooking instructions, and more. This complete buying guide covers everything you need to know to help you make and serve the perfect spiral-sliced ham for your upcoming gatherings.

Where to Buy Market Pantry Spiral Ham

The most convenient place to purchase Market Pantry Spiral Ham is at your local Target store. Since Market Pantry is Target’s exclusive brand, you won’t find these hams at other grocery stores.

Target typically stocks these hams year-round, but availability and prices may fluctuate seasonally. Your best bet for finding the largest selection – and scored the best deals – is to shop in the weeks leading up to major holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. During peak holiday seasons, most Target locations will expand their Market Pantry Ham selection to offer more size options.

You can also order Market Pantry Hams for delivery or pickup through the Target website or mobile app. This is great if you want to secure your ham early or if you prefer skipping the crowded holiday shopping trips. Just note that delivery slots fill up quickly close to Thanksgiving and Christmas, so shop early.

How Much Does Market Pantry Spiral Ham Cost?

Market Pantry Spiral Hams provide great quality and flavor at budget-friendly prices. Compared to premium spiral ham brands, you can expect to pay about 25-30% less for a similar sized Market Pantry ham.

Exact prices will vary based on the size of ham you buy, but here’s a general overview of standard pricing:

• 5 lb ham: $15 to $18
• 7 lb ham: $18 to $22
• 10 lb ham: $22 to $28
• 12 lb ham: $25 to $32

Target frequently runs promotions on these hams, especially around the holidays. It’s common to find them marked down 10-15% off or more, so keep an eye out for weekly ads and promotions. Buying closer to the sell-by date may also score you a discount.

With their affordable price points, Market Pantry hams are a budget-friendly option compared to premium brands. For a tasty spiral ham under $30, it’s hard to beat these prices.

How to Choose the Right Size Market Pantry Spiral Ham

Market Pantry offers spiral hams in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 5 pounds to 12 pounds. The size you choose depends on a few factors:

• How many people you need to serve – Choose a ham sized appropriately for your guest list. Estimate about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person.
• Leftovers – Do you want lots of leftover ham? Choose a larger size. If you only want a little, go smaller.
• Bone-in or boneless – Boneless hams provide more edible meat per pound. Bone-in include extra weight from the bone.
• Slices – Pre-sliced hams are convenient but lose some moisture. Unsliced ones allow you to cut thicker slices.

Think about how many people you need to feed, whether you’ll have a bone-in or boneless ham, and your preferences for leftovers and pre-sliced meat. This will help determine the right size Market Pantry ham for your holiday meal.

Ingredients in Market Pantry Spiral Sliced Ham

The ingredients used in Market Pantry Hams are relatively straightforward. Here is the typical nutrition and ingredient information, based on a 7-pound bone-in, sliced ham:

• Calories: 90 per 2 oz serving
• Fat: 4.5g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Carbs: 1g
• Sugars: <1g
• Protein: 12g

Ingredients: Ham, water, dextrose, contains 2% or less of sea salt, natural flavorings, sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite.

As you can see, the main component is simply ham. The additional ingredients help preserve freshness and add flavor. Compared to premium hams, Market Pantry uses fewer specialty ingredients to keep costs down while still providing solid taste.

One callout – these hams do contain higher sodium levels, so keep that in mind if limiting salt intake. Overall, the ingredients are relatively standard for a budget-friendly spiral ham.

Taste Reviews of Market Pantry Spiral Ham

In terms of taste and reviews, customers give solidly positive feedback about Market Pantry Spiral Ham:

• Moist and flavorful – The hams stay moist when cooking and serving, thanks to the spiral cut. The sea salt rub provides plenty of savory ham flavor.
• Good quality for the price – Many reviewers mention these hams taste as good as premium brands that cost nearly twice as much.
• Kid-friendly – Customers note children seem to love the taste of these hams. The milder flavor appeals to kid’s palates.
• Not overly salty – While sodium levels are higher, some appreciate that these hams aren’t too salty compared to other brands.

Based on reviews, the general consensus is that Market Pantry provides a juicy, quality ham with classic ham flavor at budget prices. For cost-conscious households, these hams are a winner.

Storing Market Pantry Spiral Ham

To maximize freshness and shelf life, be sure to store your Market Pantry properly before cooking. Here are some storage tips:

• Store unopened in original packaging until the “sell by” or “use by” date on package.
• Once opened, tightly rewrap ham in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
• For hams without the original packaging, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
• Place ham in a shallow container or dish to catch any juices that may leak.
• Refrigerate for 5-7 days after opening or slicing.
• Freeze for 2-3 months if you won’t use it all before expiration.
• Freeze in original packaging if possible. If repackaging, wrap very tightly in plastic and foil.

Proper refrigeration and freezing will ensure your Market Pantry ham stays fresh and ready to serve for all your holiday meals. Discard any ham that develops an off odor or appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Market Pantry Spiral Ham

Market Pantry Hams come fully cooked, so they just need to be heated through before serving. Here is a simple oven-bake method:

Prep:

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Unwrap ham and place in a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
• Score the fatty outer layer of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/2 inch deep.
• Apply your favorite glaze (see glazing tips below) and insert whole cloves, if desired, into the ham for extra flavor.

Bake:

• Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound. Check temperature periodically.
• For bone-in hams, bake until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
• For boneless hams, bake until internal temperature reaches 130°F.
• If ham begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil and reduce oven temp to 300°F.

Glaze and Finish:

• During last 30 minutes of baking, baste ham with juices from bottom of pan. Apply another layer of glaze if desired.
• Let ham stand for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to be reabsorbed.
• Carve ham by cutting slices perpendicular to the bone.

And that’s it! With this easy glazed ham recipe, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful centerpiece ready for your holiday table.

Glazing Your Market Pantry Spiral Ham

While a Market Pantry Ham is delicious on its own, a sweet and sticky glaze can take it to the next level. Here are some top-rated ham glaze recipes to try:

Brown Sugar Glaze

The classic! This easy brown sugar and spice glaze doubles as a baste too.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves

Orange Marmalade Glaze

The marmalade provides a sweet-tart citrus flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated orange zest
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cherry-Chipotle Glaze

For a kick of heat and sweet fruitiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz) jar cherry preserves
• 2 chopped chipotles in adobo
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Storing Leftover Ham

Leftover sliced ham can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For longer term storage to enjoy for weeks ahead, freeze leftover ham.

Here are some tips for storing leftover Market Pantry ham:

• Allow ham to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil or store in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate sliced ham for 5-7 days; whole uncarved ham for 7-10 days.
• Slice ham before freezing for easier reheat.
• Double wrap ham in plastic and foil. Press out air before sealing.
• Freeze for 2-3 months.
• Thaw ham overnight in fridge before reheating.

With proper storage, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious ham leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, soup and more!

How is Market Pantry Spiral Ham Packaged?

Market Pantry Bone-in Spiral sliced hams come packaged in an oval plastic container with butcher paper wrapped directly around the ham. The hams are typically packaged unsliced.

For boneless spiral hams, packaging is usually a plastic wrapped foam tray with butcher paper directly contacting the ham. Again, these are typically unsliced.

The plastic containers help prevent leaking, while the butcher paper protects the cut surface of the ham. The hams are also securely netted to maintain the spiral shape.

On the label, you’ll find important info like:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Nutrition facts
• Safe handling instructions
• Sell by or use by date
• Net weight

Look for packaging free from major tears or leaks – this indicates it has been handled properly. Also check dates to ensure freshness.

Nutritional Information for Market Pantry Ham

Here are some key nutritional facts based on a typical 2 oz serving of Market Pantry ham:

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 4.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Carbs: 1g
• Sugar: <1g
• Protein: 12g

As you can see, ham is high in protein and also contains a decent amount of fat. The main nutritional considerations are the high sodium (common for cured ham) and saturated fat levels.

If sodium is a concern, you can trim visible fat after cooking and limit portion sizes. Overall, enjoy ham in moderation as the centerpiece to your holiday meal rather than an everyday food.

Freezing and Thawing Market Pantry Spiral Ham

For enjoying Market Pantry hams beyond the holidays, many people stock up and freeze them. Here are some freezing tips:

To freeze:

• Freeze in original packaging if possible. Or tightly wrap ham in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze whole ham or carve ham and freeze slices/portions separately.
• Double wrap sliced pieces in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible.
• Add a freezer label with use-by date (2-3 months from freezing).
• Stack flat in freezer.

To thaw:

• Thaw ham still wrapped in fridge 24-48 hrs before cooking.
• Or thaw in cold water in a sealed bag, changing water every 30 mins.
• Thawed ham can be kept 3-5 days refrigerated before cooking.
• Cook frozen ham immediately without thawing, adding 15-20 mins to cooking time.

With proper freezing and thawing, you can enjoy deliciously juicy Market Pantry ham even months after the holidays have passed.

Perfect Side Dishes for Market Pantry Spiral Ham

A gorgeous glazed spiral ham deserves equally delicious side dishes. Here are some favorites that pair wonderfully:

• Honey roasted carrots – Sweet carrots balance the saltiness.
• Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the ham juices.
• Roasted green beans – Sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and bacon.
• Cornbread muffins – A touch of sweetness and great texture contrast.
• Pecan rice pilaf – Toasted pecans add crunch.
• Sweet potato casserole – A classic comforting complement to ham.
• Cheddar-chive biscuits – Flaky, savory biscuits sop up the flavor.

A combination of vegetables, some starchy sides, and biscuits or cornbread is ideal. The possibilities are endless!

Is Market Pantry Spiral Ham Fully Cooked?

Yes, Market Pantry spiral hams are fully cooked when you purchase them. This makes preparation easy – no defrosting or lengthy cooking required.

You just need to heat the pre-cooked ham thorough to an internal temperature of 130-140°F. The ham can be served immediately after heating.

This is ideal for those who want the fantastic taste of oven-roasted ham but with the convenience of not having to cook a raw ham for endless hours.

Just be sure to verify the “fully cooked” labeling when purchasing your Market Pantry ham to be assured it’s ready to heat and eat.

Reheating Leftover Market Pantry Spiral Ham

Enjoying leftover holiday ham is one of the best parts! Here are easy methods for reheating:

Oven: Reheat sliced ham loosely tented in foil at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Stovetop: For 1-2 servings, pan fry ham lightly coated in butter or oil for 2-3 minutes per side.

Microwave: Microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds until hot.

Soup: Dice ham and add it to soups, stews or chilis in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Casseroles: Dice ham and mix it into any breakfast casserole, mac and cheese, or pot pie. Bake as normal.

Get creative with your leftover ham! It makes a delicious addition to many dishes.

Where to Find Market Pantry Spiral Ham Discounts

As a budget-friendly ham brand already, Market Pantry hams often go on sale leading up to holidays when ham is in peak demand. Here are some tips for scoring discounts:

• Watch Target weekly ads for sale prices and coupons. Holiday weekends like Easter are common promotions.
• Check the Target Cartwheel app for ham coupons around peak ham seasons. Discounts may range from 10-20% off.
• Look for markdowns on hams nearing their sell-by dates. If you cook soon after, this can mean major savings.
• Shop their best deals on “Ham Day” sales right after holidays when demand drops but inventory is still high.
• Join Target Circle for discounts and cash back opportunities on all your Market Pantry purchases.

With a little strategic shopping, you can easily find Market Pantry spiral hams on sale. Enjoy premium taste without the premium price tag!

Serving Size and Number of Servings in a Spiral Ham

Wondering how many people a Market Pantry spiral ham will feed? Here are some general serving guidelines:

• Estimate 1/3 pound of bone-in ham per average serving.
• For boneless hams, estimate 1/4 pound per serving.
• A 7-10 pound bone-in ham provides about 20-30 servings.
• A 5 pound boneless ham provides around 16-20 servings.

The number of servings also depends on whether you are serving ham as a main dish or as part of a buffet. For buffets, plan for smaller 2-3 oz portions per person since ham is alongside other dishes.

Slice ham according to your desired serving thickness. Thinner slices make the ham go farther. And don’t forget leftovers can feed many more later!

Does Market Pantry Spiral Ham Contain Preservatives?

Like most mass-produced hams, Market Pantry Spiral Ham does contain some preservatives and other ingredients to help maintain quality. Here are the main preservatives typically added:

• Sodium Phosphates – Helps retain moisture and maintain texture. Also enhances flavor.
• Sodium Erythorbate – Prevents discoloration and growth of bacteria.
• Sodium Nitrite – Also inhibits bacterial growth and provides characteristic ham color.
• Salt – For flavoring but also helps cure the meat.
• Dextrose – Sugar that contributes to savory ham taste and appearance.

Without preservatives like these, the shelf life and safety of spiral hams would be drastically reduced. The relatively short ingredient list means fewer unnecessary additives compared to some ultra-processed ham products.

How Long Should You Bake a Market Pantry Spiral Ham?

Market Pantry hams come already fully cooked, so baking them is simply a matter of reheating the ham through. Here are approximate oven bake times:

• Bone-in hams: Bake at 325°F for 12-15 minutes per pound.
• Boneless hams: Bake at 325°F for about 10 minutes per pound.

For example, a 10 lb bone-in ham would take 120-150 minutes (2-2.5 hours) total baking time.

Check temperature periodically until the ham reaches 130-140°F internally (use a meat thermometer). Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

The bone and higher fat content of bone-in hams mean they require a bit more time than boneless to heat through. But once warmed, you have a juicy ham ready for your holiday meal!

Availability of Market Pantry Spiral Hams

One of the nice perks of Market Pantry products is that they are available year-round at Target. However, you will find the largest selection and best prices for Market Pantry hams during the peak holiday ham seasons.

Here is when you can find the biggest available inventories:

• Easter: Look for hams in early spring.
• Thanksgiving and Christmas: Hams flood the aisles starting in late October all the way through December.
• New Years: Ham remains popular right up to early January.

Supply tends to run low after the holidays as demand drops off. If enjoying ham beyond the typical holidays, shop for it before the rush.

While available year-round, Market Pantry hams really shine as an easy, affordable holiday staple. Pick one up during prime ham seasons for fantastic quality without blowing your holiday food budget.

The Takeaway

For a classic spiral-sliced holiday ham that doesn’t break the bank, Market Pantry is a go-to choice. These hams offer time-saving convenience with their pre-cooked preparation, while still providing deliciously moist and flavorful meat. With choices like brown sugar glaze or flavor injections, you can easily customize your ham to suit your menu. Keep an eye out for sale prices and discounts to serve up this festive entree on a budget. With proper storage in the fridge or freezer, Market Pantry Hams can take you from holiday feasts to versatile leftovers creations all season long.