Quick Answer
Costco's Kirkland Signature spiral-sliced ham is fully cooked and only needs to be reheated, not cooked from scratch. Heat it covered at 325°F for approximately 15 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Apply a brown sugar, Dijon, and orange juice glaze during the final 30 minutes uncovered for a caramelized crust. A typical 8–10 lb ham feeds 12–16 people, and leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Costco's Kirkland Signature spiral-sliced ham is one of the store's most popular seasonal items, appearing in the meat department around the holidays and often available year-round in some locations. At $35–$45 for an 8–10 pound bone-in ham, it's a genuinely economical way to feed a crowd — few other proteins can anchor a 12-person dinner for under $50. The best part: it's fully cooked. The spiral slicing is done, the smoking is done, and the hard work of getting pork safely to the table has been handled at the processing facility. Your job is to reheat it gently, glaze it beautifully, and not overcook it — a common mistake that turns a juicy ham into something dry and fibrous. This guide walks through the oven method with a homemade glaze, the slow cooker method for effortless entertaining, and the best ways to use the inevitable mountain of leftovers, from ham and cheese sliders to ham and bean soup.
Is Costco Spiral Ham Already Cooked?
Yes, the Kirkland Signature spiral ham at Costco is fully cooked and safe to eat straight from the package — it has been cured and smoked at the facility before being vacuum-sealed. What you're doing when you 'cook' it at home is reheating it to a serving temperature, not cooking raw pork to a safe temperature. The USDA recommends heating pre-cooked ham to an internal temperature of 140°F, not 165°F. This distinction matters because it affects your timing and prevents you from overheating the ham, which is the most common cause of dry, tough results. Use a reliable instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone, to check doneness.
How to Heat and Glaze Costco Spiral Ham
Place the ham flat-side down in a roasting pan and add 1/4 cup of water or apple juice to the bottom of the pan to create steam. Cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil and bake at 325°F for approximately 15 minutes per pound — an 8 lb ham takes about 2 hours, a 10 lb ham about 2.5 hours. For the glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons orange juice, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. When the ham is 30 minutes away from being done, remove the foil, brush on the glaze generously, and return it to the oven uncovered. The glaze will caramelize and form a glossy, lacquered crust. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Slow Cooker Method for Costco Spiral Ham
The slow cooker method is ideal for freeing up oven space during holiday meals. Place the ham flat-side down in a 6–8 quart slow cooker. If the lid doesn't close all the way, tent a sheet of foil over the top of the slow cooker and press the lid down on top of it to seal in the heat. Cook on low for 4–5 hours (for an 8 lb ham) or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. For the glaze, mix brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard, pour it over the ham at the start of cooking, and it will form a sticky, flavorful sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker. Transfer the ham to a baking dish and broil for 3–5 minutes at the end if you want a caramelized crust.
What to Make with Leftover Ham
Leftover spiral ham is extraordinarily versatile. Ham and cheese sliders on King's Hawaiian rolls — layered with Swiss cheese, baked with a buttery Dijon-poppy seed sauce — take about 25 minutes and disappear fast. Ham fried rice is one of the quickest options: dice leftover ham into small cubes and stir-fry with day-old rice, eggs, peas, and soy sauce. The ham bone is too valuable to throw away — simmer it in a large pot with dried navy beans, diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 2–3 hours to make a deeply flavorful ham and bean soup. Ham also works beautifully in quiche, breakfast scrambles, macaroni and cheese, and split pea soup.
Recipes to Try
Costco Rack of Pork Roast
Costco Rack of Pork Roast
The Costco rack of pork — also called a pork rib roast — is a dramatic cut that looks like a standing rib roast but costs a fraction of the price. Costco carries it frenched and ready to season. A simple herb and garlic crust is all it needs. Roast it low and slow to 145°F and the result is a juicy, deeply flavored centerpiece that feeds eight people for less than $40.
Costco Ground Beef Tacos
Costco Ground Beef Tacos
Costco ground beef tacos are a weeknight staple for a reason. Costco sells ground beef in large packs at a price that makes per-taco cost unbeatable. This recipe seasons the beef from scratch — cumin, chili powder, garlic, and oregano — no seasoning packet needed. Make a double batch and the second half goes in the freezer for next week.
Costco Ground Beef Chili
Costco Ground Beef Chili
This Costco ground beef chili is the kind of recipe you make once and eat four times. A Costco pack of ground beef, canned beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a well-built spice blend simmer into a rich, thick chili that tastes like it's been cooking all day. A small amount of cocoa powder deepens the color and adds complexity without making it sweet.
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
Costco sells beef short ribs in the flanken cut — thin cross-cut slices perfect for Korean BBQ (galbi). The marinade is the dish: soy sauce, sesame oil, Asian pear or kiwi (the key tenderizing ingredient), garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. After 4 hours (or overnight), these ribs grill in 3 minutes per side into caramelized, sticky, impossibly tender perfection.