Are you planning to serve a delicious Dearborn spiral ham at your next family gathering or holiday party?
While these hams are already fully cooked and ready to eat, reheating them can be a bit tricky. You want to make sure that the ham stays moist and flavorful without drying out.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best methods for heating up a Dearborn spiral ham, including tips from experts in the industry.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, read on to learn how to make your Dearborn spiral ham the star of your next meal.
How To Heat Up A Dearborn Spiral Ham?
There are several ways to heat up a Dearborn spiral ham, but the key is to do it gently and slowly to prevent it from drying out. Here are some methods to consider:
1. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a roasting pan with a rack. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for about 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Remove the foil and let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
2. Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can also heat up your Dearborn spiral ham in the microwave. Place the ham in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
3. Slow Cooker Method: For a hands-off approach, you can also use a slow cooker to heat up your Dearborn spiral ham. Place the ham in the slow cooker and add some liquid (such as water, apple juice, or chicken broth) to keep it moist. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the ham rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. And if you want to add some extra flavor, you can brush on a glaze or sprinkle on some herbs and spices before heating.
Understanding Dearborn Spiral Hams
Dearborn Spiral Hams are a premium product, known for their high-quality and delicious taste. These hams are slow-cooked and smoked for up to 24 hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. They come with the glaze on, ready to heat and eat, making them a convenient option for any occasion.
One of the key features of Dearborn Spiral Hams is their spiral slicing, which makes them easy to serve and carve. They are also semi-boneless, which means that one of the bones has been removed to make carving even easier. The hams are pumped with brine, sugar, and spices before being cooked with smoke added, resulting in a rich and complex flavor.
To ensure the best quality of your Dearborn Spiral Ham, it is recommended to serve it at room temperature. If you prefer to heat it up, the oven method is the most popular and reliable option. However, microwaving or using a slow cooker can also be effective if you’re short on time or prefer a hands-off approach.
Choosing The Right Method For Reheating
When it comes to reheating your Dearborn spiral ham, there are a few factors to consider before choosing the right method. The first thing to consider is the amount of time you have. If you have several hours to spare, the slow cooker method may be ideal for you. This method allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy ham. However, if you’re short on time, the oven or microwave method may be more suitable.
Another factor to consider is the texture and flavor you want to achieve. If you want a crispy exterior and a caramelized glaze, the oven method may be best. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer texture and a more subtle flavor, the slow cooker or microwave method may be better options.
Lastly, consider the equipment you have available. If you don’t have access to an oven or slow cooker, the microwave method may be your only option. It’s important to note that while the microwave method is quick and convenient, it may not result in the same texture and flavor as the other methods.
Preparing The Ham For Reheating
Before reheating your Dearborn spiral ham, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it. First, remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic wrap or netting. If the ham has a glaze packet, set it aside for later use.
Next, if the ham has a layer of fat on top, you can score it in a criss-cross pattern with a sharp knife to help the heat penetrate and to allow the glaze to seep in. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.
If you’re using the oven method, place the ham on a roasting pan with a rack to allow air to circulate around it. Cover the ham with aluminum foil, making sure it’s loosely wrapped to allow steam to escape. If you’re using the microwave method, place the ham in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap.
If you’re using the slow cooker method, place the ham in the slow cooker and add enough liquid (such as water, apple juice, or chicken broth) to cover the bottom of the pot. You can also add any vegetables or seasonings you like at this point.
No matter which method you choose, always make sure to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer before serving. The recommended temperature for reheating fully cooked hams is 140°F. If your ham has a glaze packet, you can brush it on during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking time for added flavor and color.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Dearborn spiral ham is heated up to perfection without losing any of its delicious flavor and moisture.
Oven Method: Step-by-Step Guide
The oven method is the most traditional and popular way to heat up a Dearborn spiral ham. Here is a step-by-step guide to using this method:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a roasting pan with a rack. This will allow the heat to circulate around the ham and prevent it from sitting in its own juices.
3. Cover the ham with aluminum foil, making sure it is tightly sealed around the edges.
4. Bake the ham for about 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Remove the foil and let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, making it more tender and flavorful.
6. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can brush on a glaze or sprinkle on some herbs and spices before heating. Just be sure to do this during the last 30 minutes of baking, so that the glaze doesn’t burn.
By following these simple steps, you can heat up a delicious Dearborn spiral ham that is moist, tender, and full of flavor.
Slow Cooker Method: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided to use the slow cooker method to heat up your Dearborn spiral ham, here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
1. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the ham from sticking.
2. Unwrap the ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic pieces that cover the bone. If there is a glaze packet included, discard it.
3. Add flavor: Rub brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, and balsamic vinegar all over the meat using your hands. Pour pineapple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Place the ham in the slow cooker: Place the ham flat side down in the slow cooker. If it doesn’t fit, you can place it on its side so that the lid can close.
5. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker tightly, either with the lid or aluminum foil, and cook on low for 4-5 hours until heated through. Baste twice during the last hour of cooking.
6. Rest and serve: Once done, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Remember to check the internal temperature of your ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 140°F before serving. You can also add your own personal touch by experimenting with different flavors and glazes to make your Dearborn spiral ham even more delicious.
Glazing And Flavoring Options
If you want to add some extra flavor to your Dearborn spiral ham, there are several glazing and flavoring options to consider:
1. Brown Sugar Glaze: Mix together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create a sweet and tangy glaze. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
2. Honey Mustard Glaze: Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and melted butter to make a delicious glaze. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. Pineapple Glaze: Combine crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make a tropical glaze. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking and add pineapple slices on top.
4. Herb Rub: Mix together chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage) with olive oil and garlic to create a flavorful rub. Rub the mixture all over the ham before heating.
5. Spiced Rub: Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar to make a delicious spiced rub. Rub the mixture all over the ham before heating.
No matter which glazing or flavoring option you choose, be sure to apply it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. With these options, you can elevate your Dearborn spiral ham to a whole new level of deliciousness!