Whether you’re choosing the perfect holiday ham, mastering a flavorful glaze, or wondering what to do with leftovers, we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down the best hams to buy, answers common ham questions, and offers delicious ways to enjoy every last bite — from festive centerpieces to hearty sandwiches.
Which Ham Should I Buy?
Our best-selling hams offer something for everyone, from classic bone-in spiral-sliced hams with glaze to rich, wood-smoked maple bourbon uncured ham. For those looking for a no-sugar-added option or an organic ham centerpiece opens in a new tab, we’ve got you covered with premium, flavorful choices perfect for any occasion.
Buying a spiral-cut ham from Whole Foods Market means knowing that the animals were raised and processed to meet both Whole Foods Market's high quality standards:
No antibiotics, ever
No animal by-products in feed
No added growth hormones
No gestation crates or farrowing stalls
No synthetic nitrates or nitrites
Where to browse more hams at Whole Foods Market? You can find the perfect ham for your next gathering in our Meat department.
Ham Recipes and Glazes
These holiday-worthy ham and glaze recipes are perfect for Easter, Christmas and New Year celebrations — but delicious enough to enjoy any occasion. Or let our Catering department take care of the ham this holiday for you!
Slow Cooker Sliced Ham with Apple Butter and Cider
Put dinner on the table without sweating over the oven by using your slow cooker. The apple butter makes it perfectly moist and sweet.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Sliced Ham with Apple Butter and Cider
Honey-Glazed Ham with Fresh Pineapple Chutney
Pineapple and ham are a winning combination. Try using this kicked-up chutney in place of simple fruit slices.
Get the recipe: Honey-Glazed Ham with Fresh Pineapple Chutney
Sour Cherry Glazed Ham
This gorgeous ham recipe uses sour cherry preserves and Dijon mustard to create a tangy glaze.
Sesame and Herb Spiral Ham
This super-easy ham gets unique flavor from a tart apricot glaze brightened with sesame seeds and fresh herbs.
Roasted Spiral-Sliced Ham with Maple and Orange Marmalade Glaze
This centerpiece protein, sweet on the outside and savory on the inside, makes a memorable main course. Encourage guests to eat the sliced oranges along with the ham since the roasting makes their peels tender and sweet.
Get the recipe: Roasted Spiral-Sliced Ham with Maple and Orange Marmalade Glaze
Ham Basics 101: Types and Tips
Use spiral-cut ham because it means less work. The shorter cook time and preslicing means that you can focus on side dishes, or more importantly, your dinner guests.
Here are some of the ham terms to be familiar with:
Boneless: Easy to handle from oven to plate, just slice and serve.
With Bone: Traditional ham with an amazing presence on the table. Look for spiral sliced for easy carving.
Spiral-Cut: Perfectly sliced from rind to bone for easy carving. Available boneless or bone-in.
Glazed: Coated with a blend of spices and sugar, honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Fully Cooked: Table ready or heat and serve.
Uncured: Produced without synthetic nitrates or nitrites (just like all the hams we sell).
Slow-Smoked: Traditional slow smoked for a deep, rich flavor.
Fresh: Leg of pork for the do-it-yourself home chef.
Here are a few simple tips for a perfectly cooked ham:
Once a ham is fully cooked, it can be served at a warm or cool temperature but never straight out of the refrigerator.
One advantage to buying a bone-in ham is to have the ham bone – great for soups and beans.
Allow for ½ to ¾ lbs per serving for a bone-in ham.
Allow for ¼ to ½ lbs per serving for a boneless ham.
Let the ham sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking.
Scoring the skin of the ham adds to a beautiful presentation. Cut ¼" deep crosswise into 1" to 2" squares to create classic diamond shapes.
If you chose to glaze your ham, don’t coat the ham with the glaze until the last hour of cooking to avoid burning.
Don’t baste ham with the drippings as they can be really salty. Try pineapple juice instead.
If you use cloves to spice up your ham, be sure and remove the cloves before slicing and serving.
Love Your Leftovers
Simple soups, salads and sandwiches. This family-friendly favorite protein provides plenty of leftovers, which you can enjoy packed into a lunch bag or reheated throughout the week.
Smoked Ham Sandwiches with Marinated Peppers and Onions
Sherry vinegar adds a distinct savory flavor to sweet peppers and pairs well with smoked ham. These sandwiches are quite portable when wrapped tightly, so consider packing them in your lunch box for work or a picnic.
Get the recipe: Smoked Ham Sandwiches with Marinated Peppers and Onions
Grilled Ham and Le Gruyère
Try this easy version of France's classic café sandwich. Using thick slices of sandwich bread and particularly thick slices of Gruyère is key. The bread should cook up crusty and toasty, and the cheese should melt and just begin to spill from the edges of the bread.
Swiss Family Sandwich
A dinner, lunch or hearty snack that comes together this easily will make everyone happy. Layer ham, turkey, tomato and greens in between warm, melted Swiss cheese on a crusty loaf of ciabatta. Slice and serve with pickles, peperoncini and your favorite crunchy side.
Slow Cooker Ham and Turkey Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are always a favorite, and this ground ham and turkey version, flavored with cider vinegar and chili powder, is a sure hit. Serve on dinner rolls as sliders, if you prefer.
Cuban Sandwich
Who can resist a traditional hot Cuban sandwich with thinly sliced meats, pickles and melted cheese on perfectly pan-toasted bread? Our version is not quite traditional, but definitely delicious. Try piling on baby spinach, sliced red onion and roasted red peppers.
Ham and Rhubarb Jam Toasties
This surprisingly elegant open-faced sandwich makes for an easy brunch dish or light dinner. A quick homemade, sweet-tart rhubarb jam is the perfect complement to salty sliced ham, mustard and rustic whole grain toast.
Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
This frittata-like dish is packed with delicious breakfast flavors. Super versatile, feel free to substitute spinach for your favorite green veggie.
Ham and Asparagus Skillet Meal
You only need one skillet to put together this quick supper with Monterey Jack and leftover spiral-sliced ham. If you wish, add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Black Beans with Kale and Ham
This simple dish provides an easy but hearty cold-weather main course on a cold night and makes excellent leftovers for lunch.
Creamy Cucumber Chive Cups
Top these fresh and light hors d'oeuvres (or snacks) with smoked salmon, chopped olives or our exceptional ham.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
A perfect winter soup, filling and tasty, you'll be glad this double recipe means leftovers! Ham hocks provide added depth. Carrots and garlic lend an antioxidant boost. Round it out with a green salad and whole grain crackers.
White Bean Soup
A small handful of chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme and parsley are especially good) stirred into the finished soup will brighten its flavor. The potatoes, carrots and celery can be cut into large chunks if you prefer a heartier texture and appearance.
Hoppin' John
A steaming bowl of this thick stew is said to bring luck for the coming year, but you don't need to relegate this dish to a New Year's menu. Smoky ham and vegetables enhance simple black-eyed peas and rice.
