Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to serve leftover ham?
Reheating a cooked ham can be a bit tricky, as you want to make sure it stays moist and flavorful. But fear not, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for reheating your ham, including oven-baking, slow-cooking, and grilling. We’ll also discuss how to add a glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
So grab your apron and let’s get started on making that leftover ham taste just as good as the first time around!
How To Reheat A Cooked Ham?
The first step in reheating a cooked ham is to check the label for cooking instructions. It should be labeled either “fully cooked” or “cook before eating.” If it’s fully cooked, it can be heated in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 F.
To oven-bake a ham, preheat the oven to 350 F and place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan. Add about 1/4- to 1/2-inch of water to the pan to keep the ham moist. Cover the ham with loosely wrapped aluminum foil and bake at 275 degrees F for 10 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer reads 135 – 140 degrees.
If you have a spiral-sliced ham, place it on a sheet of heavy-duty foil, cut-side down. Wrap the ham tightly with the foil and bake at 300 F for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 140 F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone.
If your ham is labeled “cook before eating,” heat it in an oven set no lower than 325 F to an internal temperature of at least 145 F.
Another option is to use a slow cooker. If you have a large enough slow cooker, put the ham in it and add about 1 cup of ginger ale, cola, stock, or water. Heat the ham on LOW for approximately 8 to 10 hours, or until the temperature reaches 140 F for a “fully cooked” ham or 145 F for a “cook before eating” ham.
Grilling a whole or half ham can be difficult because it uses dry high heat. However, ham steaks or slices can be wonderful grilled. If you do want to grill a large ham, use the indirect cooking method and make sure that the coals burn down to a gray ash coating before you add the ham.
Oven-Baking Method
The oven-baking method is a popular way to reheat a cooked ham. To start, preheat your oven to 350 F and place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan. Adding about 1/4- to 1/2-inch of water to the pan will help keep the ham moist during the reheating process.
If your ham is fully cooked, cover it with loosely wrapped aluminum foil and bake at 275 degrees F for 10 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer reads 135 – 140 degrees. For a spiral-sliced ham, wrap it tightly with heavy-duty foil and bake at 300 F for about 15 minutes per pound.
If your ham is labeled “cook before eating,” heat it in an oven set no lower than 325 F until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 F.
When reheating your ham in the oven, it’s important to monitor its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. This will ensure that it reaches a safe temperature without overcooking or drying out.
Slow-Cooking Method
If you prefer a fuss-free and hands-off approach to reheating your cooked ham, using a slow cooker is a great option. However, it is important to note that the USDA does not recommend reheating leftovers in a slow cooker. If you are warming up a pre-cooked ham, you can put it in your slow cooker to heat through with just enough water or broth to cover the bottom of the liner. Make sure the ham is kept at a minimum temperature of 140°F for safe consumption.
To use the slow-cooking method, place your ham into your slow cooker cut side down. Pour ginger ale, cola, stock, or water over the ham, then cover and cook on low for 4-8 hours until heated through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the heat settings of your slow cooker.
Once the ham is thoroughly heated, you can glaze it by scoring the ham and placing it on a broiler pan. Cover the ham with your desired glaze and broil it for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully until the glaze is cooked. There are many glaze options to choose from, such as brown sugar-bourbon glaze or maple-bourbon glaze.
Remember to always check the label for specific directions on timing and liquid amounts before reheating your cooked ham. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy those juicy reheated ham slices with your other leftover sides, with veggies, or fried eggs for a quick meal.
Grilling Method
Grilling a cooked ham can be a great way to add flavor and texture to your meal. However, it’s important to note that grilling a whole or half ham can be difficult due to the dry high heat method used. Therefore, it’s recommended to grill ham steaks or slices instead.
To grill ham steaks or slices, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the ham with your favorite glaze and place it on the grill, turning occasionally until it’s heated through and has grill marks on both sides. The expected grilling time is 12-13 minutes per pound at a grill temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit or until the internal ham temperature is in the 140-150 degree range.
It’s important to note that you should put your glaze on 10-15 minutes before you remove your ham from the grill. This will give your glaze enough time to caramelize and brown. After grilling, let your ham rest for about 30-45 minutes to allow the juices to run back into the meat, making it more moist and tender.
Adding A Glaze For Extra Flavor
Adding a glaze to your reheated ham can take it to the next level of flavor. There are many glaze options to choose from, ranging from sweet to savory. A typical brown sugar-bourbon glaze is used on our Glazed Ham with Pineapple Chutney. With the Citrus Glazed Ham option, a sweet and salty flavor takes the stage. For the Port Wine Ham Glaze, it is the rich use of Cumberland Sauce that elevates the ham. Our recipe for Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham is easy to prepare, and the five-ingredient glaze is made from ingredients you already have on hand.
An easy glaze recipe is one part jam, jelly or honey with one part Dijon mustard. You can also try fabulous Montana Made Huckleberry Jelly and Chokecherry Honey that would make for one amazing ham glaze! To glaze your ham, remove it from the oven about 20-30 minutes before it’s finished cooking. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves in each diamond. Brush or spoon the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to cover it completely. Return the ham to the oven and continue cooking until the glaze is caramelized and bubbling.
Remember to watch your ham carefully while it’s under the broiler or in the oven with the glaze on it. You don’t want it to burn or become too dry. Adding a little bit of water or broth to the bottom of your roasting pan can also help keep your ham moist while it’s baking with the glaze on top.
Tips For Keeping The Ham Moist And Flavorful
If you want to keep your reheated ham moist and flavorful, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, avoid overcooking it. Overcooking can cause the ham to dry out, making it tough and chewy. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham while reheating it. Once it reaches 140 F, remove it from the oven or slow cooker.
Secondly, add moisture to the ham while reheating it. You can do this by placing a small amount of water or stock in the bottom of the baking pan or slow cooker. This will help to infuse moisture into the meat as it reheats. You can also wrap the ham in foil while reheating it to help lock in the moisture.
Lastly, consider adding a glaze or sauce to the ham after reheating it. This can help to add flavor and moisture to the meat. You can use a store-bought glaze or make your own by combining ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your reheated ham is moist and flavorful, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
