- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- American foodFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 15
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍖
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day carves out a special place every April 15. This day honors the beloved, pre-sliced, and often sweet-glazed ham that graces holiday tables and family dinners alike. Gather your loved ones, try a new recipe, and enjoy this delicious centerpiece!
Want to sponsor National Glazed Spiral Ham Day? Learn how
Expected National Glazed Spiral Ham Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Glazed Spiral Ham Day often brings delicious deals from major retailers and specialty stores. Look for discounts on whole hams, special glazes, and ready-to-serve meals from brands like HoneyBaked Ham, Smithfield, Hormel, and Kentucky Legend. Grocery chains such as Kroger, Publix, and Whole Foods Market may also feature promotions on their in-house glazed hams or ingredients for homemade glazes. Keep an eye out for coupons and loyalty program offers to make your celebration even sweeter. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #GlazedSpiralHamDay. Film a quick recipe tutorial for a unique glaze or share a ham-tasting review.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GlazedSpiralHamDay. Share visually appealing photos of your glazed ham creations or festive table settings.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GlazedSpiralHamDay. Post your favorite family ham recipes or ask for tips on achieving the perfect glaze.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day Hero
Harry J. Hoenselaar
History of National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
For centuries, meat carvers struggled to navigate their way around the ham bone. In 1952, Harry J. Hoenselaar saved the day. He devised a machine that skewers a machine on spikes at the top and bottom. Hoenselaar equipped the machine with a spring-loaded slicing blade that slowly cuts through the meat, stopping when met with resistance. As the meat rotates, the spikes create a unique spiral design on it.Â
Hoenselaar was also the founder of the national chain, HoneyBaked Ham. Back in the day, these stores were the only sellers of the spiral-cut ham. Luckily for us, today you can buy this magical delicacy anywhere.Â
Glazed spiral hams come in half or whole, boneless or bone-in packaging. They are either pre-glazed or contain the glaze in a bag. You could even opt to create your glaze. The butt end of the ham is leaner than the shank end. The glazed spiral ham has something for everyone (meat-eaters, of course).
This dish is commonly featured in big, holiday feasts. With its fascinating creation technology and uniqueness, it is an occasional indulgence that is welcomed with open arms. The glazed spiral ham is enjoyed during celebrations, and then creates the best leftover sandwiches the day after. Some may argue that these are better than the day-of ham. The glazed spiral ham is a beautiful invention and deserves a day to be celebrated fully. National Glazed Spiral Ham Day recognizes this fan-favorite on April 15 every year.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day timeline
Hoenselaar files patent for spiral-sliced ham.
Hoenselaar invents the spiral-slicing machine and files a patent.
Hoenselaar establishes HoneyBaked Ham in Michigan.
Hoenselaar’s patent for spiral-cut ham expires.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
Local restaurants can feature special glazed spiral ham dishes, from classic holiday roasts to creative ham sliders or sandwiches, offering dine-in or takeout specials. Butcher shops and delis can highlight their premium hams and offer custom glazing services or kits for home cooks. Grocery stores might host tasting events for different ham varieties and glazes, providing recipe cards and pairing suggestions to inspire customers for their National Glazed Spiral Ham Day celebrations.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day FAQs
When is National Glazed Spiral Ham Day?
In 2027, National Glazed Spiral Ham Day is observed on a Thursday, April 15. This annual observance invites everyone to enjoy the iconic dish with family and friends.
How popular are glazed hams in the U.S.?
The appeal of glazed hams remains strong, with a significant portion of American households featuring them for special occasions. Industry reports indicate that ham sales consistently rank high among holiday meal choices.
What makes a spiral ham 'spiral-sliced'?
The ‘spiral-sliced’ technique involves a specialized machine that creates uniform slices from the outside in, right to the bone. This preparation ensures each piece is ready to enjoy and absorbs glazes beautifully.
What are common glazes for spiral ham?
Beyond traditional brown sugar and honey, modern glazes for spiral ham include bourbon, cherry, or even spicy sriracha variations. These diverse options allow for personalized flavor profiles to suit any palate.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day Activities
Eat glazed spiral ham
What better way to celebrate National Glazed Spiral Ham Day than to eat glazed spiral ham? Whether it is with your family and friends or alone, treat yourself to some sweet glazed ham and have a mini celebration.
Make your own glazed spiral ham
While most of our kitchens are missing the legendary spiral-slicing machine, this day can be an opportunity to make spiral ham. Try to find a recipe to recreate this delicacy with the tools you have, or you can just make a homemade glaze.
Get creative with glazed spiral ham
Outside of its original uses, the glazed spiral ham has the potential to support other dishes. This National Glazed Spiral Ham Day, try to create your unique recipe using the glazed spiral ham. This is the activity that gave us the leftover sandwich, after all.
5 Facts About HoneyBaked Hams That Will Blow Your Mind
Only the best make the cut
Hams have to clear a 16-point quality inspection.
Slow and steady process
Hams cook on hardwood chips for a full day before being sliced.
More than HoneyBaked Hams
The store offers other meats and sides such as mac and cheese.
Expert in sweetness
Their desserts are just as loved as their spiral-cut hams.
The miscuts
Some stores sell unevenly cut hams at a discounted rate.
Why We Love National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
It is the best of both worlds
Sweet and savory deliciousness all in one? Yes, please! The savoriness of the ham with the addition of the sweet, yummy glaze is an unparalleled combination. What is not to love?
It is a reminder of good times
The glazed spiral ham is often a part of family gatherings or holiday feasts. By association, it becomes symbolic of good days, quality time, love, laughs, and celebration.
It is a unique invention
The spiral-cutting technique is revolutionary in the curated meat world. Meat carvers were stumped by bones before, and this limited what they could do with meat. This is no longer a problem and the options available in the processed meat world are more than ever.
Social Media Tips for National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands