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National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

Indulge in a scrumptious glazed spiral ham today and celebrate National Glazed Spiral Ham Day with friends and family!

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 15

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYMeat

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to indulge in a delicious glazed spiral ham on April 15 for National Glazed Spiral Ham Day! This mouthwatering holiday celebrates the tasty tradition of cooking and enjoying a spiral-cut ham with a sweet glaze. The history of this holiday can be traced back to the early 1900s when spiral-cut hams became popular thanks to their convenient and easy-to-serve shape. Whether you prefer your ham sweet or savory, this day is the perfect excuse to gather with loved ones and savor every bite of this delectable dish. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate!

TIMELINE

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day Timeline

Spiral Ham Origin

The technique of spiral slicing ham was developed in the early 20th century, making it easier to serve and increasing its popularity.

Harry J. Hoenselaar's Invention

Harry Hoenselaar invents the "Hickory Smoked Spiral Sliced Ham", along with a machine for spiral slicing ham, immensely popularising this dish.

Ham Glaze Introduction

The trend of glazing hams with sweet ingredients spread across America during the sixties, leading to the "glazed" part of National Glazed Spiral Ham Day.

Gourmet Glazes Emergence

Gourmet glazes, involving ingredients like brown sugar, honey, fruit preserves, and various spices, started trending in the '90s, adding more complexity to the traditional glazed ham.

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day begins to be celebrated as a way to appreciate this culinary creation, encouraging people to indulge in its flavors.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

Host a glazed spiral ham feast

Invite friends and family over for a delicious glazed spiral ham feast. Set up a buffet style meal with various side dishes and desserts to accompany the main event.

CREATE

Create a glazed spiral ham recipe

Put your cooking skills to the test and come up with your own unique glazed spiral ham recipe. You can even have a taste testing party with friends to see which recipe is the crowd favorite.

Go out for glazed spiral ham

Don't feel like cooking? Look for restaurants in your area that serve glazed spiral ham and treat yourself to a delicious meal without any of the prep or clean up.

WATCH

Watch cooking shows featuring glazed spiral ham

Celebrate National Glazed Spiral Ham Day by watching cooking shows that feature glazed spiral ham. You may even pick up some new tips and tricks for your own glazed spiral ham recipes.

ORGANIZE

Organize a glazed spiral ham potluck

Gather friends and family together for a glazed spiral ham potluck. Everyone can bring their own take on this delicious dish and share their recipes with each other.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

There are endless ways to enjoy glazed spiral ham

Not only is glazed spiral ham delicious on its own, but there are also countless ways to incorporate it into other dishes. Add it to a breakfast casserole, use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or dice it up and add it to mac and cheese - the options are endless and always satisfying!

It's a delicious and flavorful option for any meal

Spiral ham is a classic dish that never disappoints. Whether it's for a holiday dinner, weekend brunch, or weekday lunch, glazed spiral ham always hits the spot. Its sweet and savory flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.

It's easy to prepare

Glazed spiral ham may seem like an intricate dish, but it's actually quite easy to prepare. All you need is a pre-cooked spiral ham, some glaze ingredients, and an oven - making it a stress-free option for any meal. Plus, the leftovers can be used in various dishes for days to come!

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