Reheating ham is a great way to enjoy delicious leftovers from a holiday meal or other gathering. Properly reheated ham can taste just as fresh and flavorful as it did the first time. Follow these tips for reheating ham slices, whole hams, and other types perfectly.
How Long to Reheat Ham in the Oven
The oven is the best way to reheat a whole bone-in ham or a partial ham. Set the oven to 325°F and place the ham on a baking sheet or pan. Allow 15-20 minutes per pound, so a 10 lb ham would need 150-200 minutes in the oven. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the ham reaches 140°F.
If you are reheating ham slices in the oven, place them on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
How to Reheat Sliced Ham on the Stove Top
The stovetop is ideal for quickly reheating sliced ham for sandwiches or other uses. Add a teaspoon of water or broth to a skillet. Place the ham slices in the skillet over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the ham is hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
You can also reheat deli-style sliced ham this way without any liquid. Simply place the slices in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
How to Reheat Ham Slices in the Microwave
The microwave provides a fast method for heating already-sliced ham. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel or vented plastic wrap. Microwave on High for 30 seconds to 1 minute per slice until heated through. Check and flip the slices halfway through.
Allow thicker slices a little extra microwave time. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to the plate for additional moisture. Take care not to overheat the ham, as it can quickly become dry.
Tips for Reheating Leftover Ham
- Use the oven or microwave for reheating sliced ham to get it piping hot throughout. Pan frying can lead to uneven heating.
- Add a splash of chicken or ham stock, juice, or even ginger ale when reheating ham to help keep it moist.
- Glaze or brush ham with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar or preserves before reheating to coat the outside.
- Bake ham wrapped in foil but open the foil at the end to crisp the outside for 10-15 minutes.
- Ham reheats well directly from frozen. Thaw first for quicker more even heating.
- Reheat cooked ham sausages and smoked ham hocks by simmering in liquid like broth, beer or water.
- Dice or shred ham before reheating for faster heating. Chunks take longer than thin slices.
- Use lower power and cook ham in short intervals when microwaving to prevent drying out.
- Add ham to cooked beans, rice, pasta, omelets, pizza and soup for easy reheating while adding flavor.
- Grind or chop ham to use in ham salad, dips, sandwiches, omelettes and more.
- Heat ham in its original glaze, or make a new glaze to keep it moist.
FAQs
What is the best way to reheat a spiral cut ham?
The best way to reheat a spiral cut ham is in the oven. Place the ham cut-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 8-10 minutes per pound until heated through. The foil helps keep the ham moist.
Can you reheat ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker is an excellent way to gently reheat ham. Place ham slices or chunks in the slow cooker, add 1/4 cup broth or water, and cook on Low for 3-4 hours until heated through. Keep the lid on so the ham stays moist.
How do you reheat ham and keep it from drying out?
The key is to reheat ham gently and utilize a little liquid. Bake ham slices or chunks loosely covered with foil and add a splash of water to the pan. Or reheat in the slow cooker with broth. Microwaving can make ham dry so microwave at a lower power in short bursts.
Recipes Using Leftover Ham
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Ingredients: Diced ham, cubed bread or croissants, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, diced onions, salt and pepper
- Instructions: Lightly grease a casserole dish. Scatter bread or croissant cubes in dish. Top with ham, cheese, and onions. Whisk eggs with milk and seasonings and pour over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350F for 45-60 minutes until set.
- Notes: You can add chopped veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Top with shredded cheese once baked.
Ham and Potato Soup
- Ingredients: Ham bone with meat, russet potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, chicken or ham stock, milk, butter, flour, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper.
- Instructions: Simmer ham bone in stock with bay leaf and thyme. Remove bone and chop meat. Sauté onion, carrot and celery. Add potatoes and stock and simmer. Make a roux with butter and flour. Add milk to roux. Add roux and ham to soup. Cook until potatoes are tender.
- Notes: For a creamier soup, blend some of the cooked potatoes into the soup. You can use leftover diced ham instead of the bone.
Ham Fried Rice
- Ingredients: Cooked rice, diced ham, onion, frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, eggs
- Instructions: Scramble eggs in a pan. Remove and set aside. Heat oil in wok or skillet. Cook ham and onion. Add rice, peas, carrots and soy sauce. Toss together over high heat. Stir in scrambled eggs.
- Notes: You can add other vegetables like corn or broccoli. For a spicy kick, add sriracha. Serve with additional soy sauce.
Here are some specific recommendations for appliances and equipment that work well for reheating ham:
Microwave:
- Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology (NN-SD27HS) – The inverter technology delivers consistent heating at a lower power level, which is great for gently reheating ham without drying it out. The microwave also has a one-touch sensor reheat button for ham.
- Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven – With a power level as low as 10%, this microwave can reheat ham evenly on a lower setting to prevent drying out. The large 1.2 cubic feet capacity accommodates most plates and dishes.
Oven:
- GE JB645RKSS Electric Range – This range has a built-in temperature probe that you can use when reheating ham in the oven. It accurately measures the internal temp of the ham and turns the oven off when it reaches the target temp.
- Bosch 800 Series Electric Wall Oven – The convection baking mode circulates air for fast, even reheating. The full-color LCD display is easy to use for selecting oven modes and target temps.
Stovetop:
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Skillet – The tri-ply construction conducts heat evenly, preventing hot spots while reheating ham slices on the stovetop. Durable stainless steel won’t react with foods.
- Anolon Advanced Bronze Nonstick Skillet – The bronze color provides great heat visibility so you can adjust the temperature as needed. The nonstick surface prevents ham from sticking as it reheats.
Any of these appliances would do an excellent job reheating ham without drying it out. Look for low, steady heat and features that help prevent hot spots.
Reheating ham correctly helps bring out its full flavor and texture. Follow these reheating methods to enjoy delicious ham again and again without any waste.
