Today, I am going to show you how to slow cook a precooked ham in the oven. With this method you’ll get a perfectly baked ham slathered with a homemade Brown Sugar Glaze. You can make this tasty and easy dish in the oven for a holiday meal or a special occasion. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes Christmas or Easter dinner extra special with no muss or fuss. Let’s get started!.
Cured, smoked, and baked are all indicators that the ham you’re about to buy has been pre-cooked. Most of the ham you buy at the store is already safe to eat; you just need to heat it up. Plus around Easter or Christmas, they tend to go on sale!.
I always buy a spiral-cut, fully cooked ham with the bone in because it saves me time and effort. But taking a few extra steps while baking your ham can bring it from good to great. I love the Kirkland Signature Ham from Costco because the flavor and price can’t be beaten.
Precooked sliced ham is a delicious and convenient choice for holiday meals and special occasions It saves you the time and effort of curing and smoking an uncooked ham yourself, But how long should you cook a precooked sliced ham to ensure it is heated through while remaining juicy and tender? This detailed guide provides tips on reheating precooked ham correctly
What is Precooked Sliced Ham?
Precooked sliced ham also called city ham refers to ham that has been fully cooked and smoked at the meat processing facility before being sliced and packaged for sale. This is different from dry-cured country hams which require further cooking.
The curing process for precooked ham involves submerging the raw ham in a brine solution of water salt sugar, and nitrates. This adds flavor and preserves the meat. After brining, the ham is smoked and then boiled or baked until fully cooked through. The ham is then cooled, sliced, and vacuum sealed for longer shelf life.
Popular brands of precooked sliced ham include Honeybaked Ham, Boar’s Head, and Smithfield. They are a convenient choice for meals since no further cooking is required if eating the ham cold. However, many people prefer to gently reheat precooked ham before serving to enhance the flavor.
How to Cook Precooked Sliced Ham
Cooking precooked ham is more about properly reheating rather than fully cooking it from scratch. Here are some tips on the best techniques:
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Oven: This is the most common and effective method for reheating sliced ham. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil and heat for 10-14 minutes per pound. For example, an 8 lb ham would need to bake for 80-112 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 135°F.
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Skillet: You can also reheat sliced ham in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a couple tablespoons of water or broth to the skillet to keep the ham moist. Heat the ham over medium-low, covered, for about 10-12 minutes per pound.
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Microwave: The microwave can be used to quickly reheat individual slices of ham. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel, and microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes total.
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Slow Cooker: Layer sliced ham in a slow cooker, add some broth or water, cover and heat on low setting for 4-6 hours. The extended cook time helps infuse the ham with moisture.
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Grill: For added flavor, you can briefly grill precooked ham slices. Cook over direct medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Glaze with sauce in the final few minutes if desired.
Regardless of reheating method, the internal temperature of the ham should not exceed 140°F to avoid drying out the meat. Always allow the ham to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Choosing a Precooked Sliced Ham
When purchasing a precooked sliced ham, here are some helpful buying tips:
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Bone-in or Boneless: Bone-in ham retains more moisture during reheating. Boneless is easier to carve. Choose based on your meal plans.
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Spiral Cut: These hams have deep cuts spiraled around the meat for easier serving. The slices are also quicker to reheat.
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Brand: Opt for a reputable brand like Honeybaked Ham or one from your local deli for best quality.
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Size: Estimate about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person. An 8-10 lb. ham feeds 16-20 people.
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Glaze: Many come with a pineapple-brown sugar glaze but you can also buy unglazed ham and make your own glaze.
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Expiration Date: Check this to ensure several days of safe use after purchase.
Drizzling, Glazing and Serving Ham
While reheating a precooked ham amplifies the flavor, you can take it a step further with glazes and sauces:
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Brown sugar glaze – Mix 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard. Brush over ham last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Pineapple glaze – Simmer 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp brown sugar. Glaze ham and broil 2-3 minutes to caramelize.
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Orange marmalade glaze – Heat 1 cup orange marmalade with 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard.
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Bourbon glaze – Mix 3/4 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp orange juice. Simmer until thickened.
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Whole grain mustard sauce – Stir together 1/2 cup whole grain mustard, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
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Apple cider glaze – Whisk 3/4 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup apple butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar.
When serving the ham, always slice across the grain for tenderness. Accompany with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, baked beans, rolls, and fresh fruit for a delicious meal.
Safety Tips for Reheating Ham
To safely reheat and handle precooked ham:
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Refrigerate ham properly at 40°F or below until ready to reheat.
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Do not leave ham sitting out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours before or after cooking.
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Heat ham thoroughly to an internal temperature of 140°F. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
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Serve reheated ham immediately and refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours.
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Store leftovers for 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers only once.
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Discard ham if it has an off smell or appearance.
FAQs About Cooking Precooked Ham
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does an 8 lb precooked ham take to bake?
For an 8 lb precooked ham, bake at 325°F for 80-112 minutes, or 10-14 minutes per pound.
Can you reheat ham in the oven?
Yes, the oven is an ideal way to gently reheat sliced ham to serving temperature. Use a low temp like 325°F.
Can you overcook precooked ham?
Yes, precooked ham can dry out if cooked at too high of a temperature or for too long. 140°F is the maximum safe internal temperature.
How do you microwave precooked ham?
Place ham slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with paper towel and microwave in 30 second intervals just until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes total.
How do you know when reheated ham is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 135-140°F. And check that the meat is hot throughout.
Can I reheat ham in the slow cooker?
Yes, the slow cooker is great for reheating sliced ham gently and keeping it tender. Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours with some broth.
The Takeaway
Precooked sliced ham makes holiday meals simpler since it is ready to eat as-is straight from the package. However, taking the time to properly reheat precooked ham before serving can make all the difference in maximizing its flavor and moisture. Follow the recommendations in this guide such as using a low oven temperature and not overcooking. Test the internal temperature with a thermometer for doneness. Feel free to get creative with glazes and sauces to take your ham to the next level. With the proper techniques, you can easily reheat delicious precooked ham that will be a hit at your next dinner or gathering.
How to Bake a Precooked Ham
For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what you can expect when making this recipe:
What Else Do I Need?
- When cooking big cuts like this one, you need a meat thermometer. Get a good one like this one, and it will last a long time.
- This Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is the last thing you’ll need for this recipe. Just adding that one thing makes this ham taste even better. You can use any glaze you want, but this one is my favorite because it combines garlic with maple syrup, brown sugar, and mustard in the best way. Most glazes should do the same thing, which is to make the outside caramelize and add more flavor. Some (maybe most?) precooked ham comes with a glaze packet. That will work, but I really like the taste of my glaze MUCH more.
