Updated March 2026

Like Thanksgiving turkey, ham is an Easter staple for many families. The tradition started ages ago, not just for flavor but out of practicality—hogs were typically slaughtered in the fall, cured over the winter, and ready to enjoy by spring, just in time for the holiday feast.

For years, we’ve picked up our Easter ham at Costco, assuming it was the best deal in town. But with food prices climbing, we decided to put that assumption to the test. We compared prices at local retailers and taste-tested every option to see which hams are truly worth your hard-earned cash. Here’s what we found!

Is Costco Currently Selling Ham?

Costco has two main-course hams in the warehouse: the smoked Master Carve version and the Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham. 

The Master Carve version is in the refrigerated section near the cheeses and prepared foods, while the spiral hams had an area all their own. Spiral Hams are a seasonal item sold during Easter and the holidays. They typically arrive in October and March. They are in stock now as of March 2, 2026.

Costco Ham Prices 2026

Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham costs $2.39 per pound, weighing 9 to about 13 pounds. The Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked Master Carve Half Ham costs $3.99 per pound and averages 3 to 5 pounds in size.

The spiral ham is 10 cents less, and Master Carve is the same price per pound as in 2025; these prices are way less than we’ve seen in local grocery stores. Both the Costco Spiral Ham and the Smoked Ham are good deals!

We found a comparable spiral ham in a local grocery store for $6.66 per pound. For a 10-pound ham, you save $18 at the sale price and $42.70 at the regular price. The lowest price for a spiral ham in the warehouse was $2.29 per pound in 2023.

A smoked ham, comparable to Master Carve, was $4.54 per pound. That’s 55 cents more per pound. If you were purchasing a 4-pound ham, you’d save $2.20 by shopping at Costco. 

These prices are as of March 2026. 

Costco Ham Master Carve

Kirkland Signature Applewood Smoked Master Carve Half Ham is a boneless cut of meat from the pig’s back leg. These hams are slow-cooked, which allows the applewood smoke flavor to infuse the meat.

You will see on the package, “with natural juices.” This phrasing indicates that the processor added meat juices to the final product. Since the meat is sold cooked, manufacturers add liquid to ensure the meat doesn’t dry out during reheating. According to the USDA, this designation means the product must contain at least 18.5% protein. 

Since it contains nitrates, Master Carve Ham is considered processed meat. “Eating too much bacon, sausages, hot dogs, canned meat, or lunch meat—meat that has been processed in some way to preserve or flavor it—is bad for health, according to experts,” per Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

This Costco ham variety is fully cooked and gluten-free. Our full review goes into further detail on taste and preparation.

Is Costco Spiral Ham Any Good?

Yes! We’ve had Costco Spiral Ham a few times for Easter dinner, and it was a hit! It’s easy to prepare and carve.

We love that it includes the bone since making split pea soup with a ham bone is one of the best parts of Easter leftovers. Even though it has bone, it’s still easy to cut. 

Since the hams are precut, more meat is exposed to heat when cooking. This extra surface area makes them more apt to dry out. Be sure to use a glaze to help keep the meat moist. While it comes with a packet of glaze, we found the texture odd and the flavor flat and just too sweet. We recommend using this topping from Dinner at the Zoo. It is much brighter and fresher and doesn’t take long to prepare.

Whatever glaze you use, follow the cooking instructions inside the package.  

Master Carve vs. Spiral Ham: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re deciding between Costco’s Master Carve Ham and Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham, here’s a breakdown of their key differences to help you choose the best option for your Easter table.

Feature	Master Carve Ham	Spiral Ham
Type	Boneless	Bone-in, pre-sliced
Price	$3.99 per pound	$2.49 per pound
Average Weight	3-5 lbs	9-13 lbs
Ease of Carving	Easy to slice (no bone)	Pre-sliced for convenience
Texture & Flavor	Dense, meaty texture with deep applewood smoke flavor	Tender, slightly fattier with a sweeter, glazed flavor
Best Cooking Method	Oven roasting	Oven or slow cooker
Glaze	No glaze included	Comes with a glaze packet
Best For	Smaller gatherings, those who prefer boneless cuts	Larger gatherings, those who want leftovers or a ham bone for soup
Leftovers Use	Great for slicing into sandwiches or dicing for recipes	Ideal for making split pea soup or bone broth

Which One Should You Buy?

💡 Choose the Master Carve Ham if you:

• Prefer a boneless ham that’s easy to slice.
• Enjoy a smokier, more savory ham flavor.
• Have a smaller gathering or want a ham that fits in a compact fridge.

💡 Choose the Spiral Ham if you:

• Want a more traditional ham with a sweet glaze.
• Need a larger ham for a crowd.
• Love using the ham bone for soups or broths.

Both options offer great value at Costco, but your choice depends on how you plan to serve and use the ham. If you want convenience and a classic Easter centerpiece, go for the spiral ham. If you prefer a denser, boneless ham with a deep smoky flavor, the Master Carve is a fantastic option!

What’s Better, A Spiral Ham Or A Whole Ham?

Both spiral and whole hams come from the back leg of a pig. The spiral variety is more popular simply because it’s easier to serve. But there’s another reason for its popularity – taste.

While both have that meaty, salty taste we’ve come to expect with ham; the spiral cut boosts flavor from the glaze. Home cooks add this sweet concoction during the last twenty minutes of cooking a spiral ham. Since it’s pre-cut, the sauce has more surface area to stick to, making almost every piece flavorful. 

The precut ham is more likely to dry out during cooking, so follow the cooking instructions. 

Costco Ham Cooking Instructions

Both the Kirkland Master Carve Ham and the Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham are fully cooked; you could eat either without cooking, but they taste much better when served warm. Following the instructions carefully is essential; overcooking will cause the meat to dry out.

How To Cook A Kirkland Spiral Ham

1. Remove the plastic and place the meat, cut side down, in a baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Cook in a preheated 325-degree oven for 10 minutes per pound. 
3. Remove the foil, pour on the glaze, and cook for 20 more minutes.

The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees with an instant-read thermometer. 

You can also use the slow cooker for a spiral ham. Here’s how.

1. Spray the crock with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place the meat cut side down and pour in the glaze. You may need to add a little more liquid, such as water or even apple juice. 
3. Cook for 3-4 hours on low. 

Can You Eat Costco Ham Without Cooking?

Yes! You can eat the Costco Spiral Ham and the Kirkland Signature Master Carve hams without cooking them since they are fully cooked. However, we recommend heating them first since they taste better when warm.

To heat just a few slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.  

How To Cook A Kirkland Signature Master Carve Ham

This version is fully cooked but best served warm. Here’s how to heat.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the meat, cut side down, in a shallow roasting pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
3. Cook for 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees.
4. Remove from the oven, place on a carving board, and let stand, still covered, for 10 minutes.
5. Slice and serve.

How Much Ham Do I Need?

You will need different amounts of bone-in versus boneless ham. Plan on ⅓ lb. per person of the Master Carve ham and ¾- 1lb. per person for the spiral ham. 

Here’s a chart to help. 

How Many Guests	Spiral Ham	Master Carve (Boneless)l Ham
4	4lbs	1 ⅓ lb.
8	8lbs.	2 ⅔ lbs.
10	10lbs.	3 ⅓ lbs.
12	12lbs.	4 lbs.
20	20lbs.	6 ⅔ lbs.

How Long Can A Costco Ham Stay In The Fridge?

Costco hams are fully cooked and cured, meaning they will last quite a while in the refrigerator if properly stored. It’s best to use them within a few days of the “Use By Date.” It’s tough to determine a use-by date, but a March trip to Costco had hams with May 27 dates.

Once the meat is cooked, it’s best eaten within 3-4 days. Cooked ham can be frozen for about two months without losing quality. 

It’s important to follow proper food safety guidelines. Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours. This is when pathogens start to grow rapidly.

1. Ham Fried Rice: Dice the ham and stir-fry it with cooked rice, vegetables (like peas, carrots, and onions), scrambled eggs, and soy sauce for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.
2. Ham Omelettes: For a hearty breakfast or brunch option, add diced ham, cheese, and veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes to your omelet mixture.
3. Split Pea Soup with Ham: Use leftover ham to flavor a pot of split pea soup. Simmer split peas with broth, onions, carrots, and celery until tender, then add diced ham for a comforting and filling soup.
4. Ham Quiche: Incorporate diced ham into a quiche filling along with eggs, cheese, and vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Bake in a pie crust for a savory meal for brunch or dinner.
5. Ham Jambalaya: Add diced ham to a traditional jambalaya recipe along with shrimp, chicken, or sausage for a flavorful one-pot meal. Serve over rice for a complete Cajun-inspired dish.

Final Thoughts: Which Costco Ham Is Right for You?

Both the Master Carve Ham and Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham offer excellent value at Costco, but the right choice depends on your needs. If you prefer a classic, crowd-pleasing ham with a sweet glaze, the Spiral Ham is the way to go. But if you want a boneless, smoky-flavored ham that’s easy to slice, the Master Carve Ham is a great option—especially for smaller gatherings.

No matter which one you choose, Costco’s hams are affordable, delicious, and perfect for Easter or any special meal. Just follow the proper cooking instructions and try one of our leftover ham recipes to make the most of your purchase!

What’s Your Favorite Costco Ham?

Final Thoughts: Which Costco Ham Is Right for You?

Both the Master Carve Ham and Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham offer excellent value at Costco, but the right choice depends on your needs. If you prefer a classic, crowd-pleasing ham with a sweet glaze, the Spiral Ham is the way to go. But if you want a boneless, smoky-flavored ham that’s easy to slice, the Master Carve Ham is a great option—especially for smaller gatherings.

No matter which one you choose, Costco’s hams are affordable, delicious, and perfect for Easter or any special meal. Just follow the proper cooking instructions and try one of our leftover ham recipes to make the most of your purchase!

Final Thoughts: Which Costco Ham Is Right for You?

Both the Master Carve Ham and Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham offer excellent value at Costco, but the right choice depends on your needs. If you prefer a classic, crowd-pleasing ham with a sweet glaze, the Spiral Ham is the way to go. But if you want a boneless, smoky-flavored ham that’s easy to slice, the Master Carve Ham is a great option—especially for smaller gatherings.

No matter which one you choose, Costco’s hams are affordable, delicious, and perfect for Easter or any special meal. Just follow the proper cooking instructions and try one of our leftover ham recipes to make the most of your purchase!

What’s Your Favorite Costco Ham?

Have you tried Costco’s Spiral Ham or Master Carve Ham? Which one do you prefer, and how do you like to prepare it? Share your experience in the comments below!

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