A beautifully glazed baked ham is often the crowning jewel of holiday feasts and celebrations For convenience, most hosts opt for a fully cooked ham that just needs reheating But how long should you heat a fully cooked bone-in ham to get it piping hot and ready to serve?

When dealing with a large 12 pound fully cooked ham, following precise time and temperature guidelines ensures the ham is heated through without drying out.

Here’s everything you need to know about reheating a fully cooked 12 pound ham for perfect doneness and taste

Determining Cook Time Based on Weight

The reheating time for a fully cooked ham varies greatly based on the size and cut. A small 5-7 pound half ham takes less time than a massive 12 pounder. Here are general guidelines based on ham weight:

• 5-7 pound half ham: Bake at 325°F for 22-25 minutes per pound

• 10-14 pound whole ham: Bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes per pound

• 12-15 pound extra large ham: Bake at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound

For a 12 pound bone-in whole ham, that equals roughly 3 hours of baking time at 325°F. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temp reaches 140°F.

Why Size and Shape Matter

The total weight of the ham is the biggest factor determining cook time, but its shape and composition also play a role:

• Bone-in vs. boneless – Bone-in hams retain more moisture but take longer to heat through. Remove the bone to reduce cook time.

• Spiral cut vs. unsliced – Slicing exposes more surface area, allowing heat to penetrate faster. Unsliced hams require more time.

• Half vs. whole – A whole ham must be heated longer than a half to bring the thickest portion up to temp.

So a 12 pound spiral-cut, bone-in half ham reheats faster than a 12 pound unsliced, boneless whole ham.

Keys for Proper Reheating

Follow these tips for reheating a fully cooked 12 pound ham:

• Place ham fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup water or ginger ale to pan.

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat ham for the recommended time per pound.

• Glaze ham halfway through baking time and continue baking until 140°F internally.

• Tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning if needed.

• Baste periodically with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.

• Allow to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing for easiest carving.

Oven Temp Tips

• For hams under 10 pounds, bake at 350°F which speeds reheating.

• For hams over 10 pounds, bake at a lower 300-325°F to ensure even heating.

• If glazing, increase oven temp to 400-425°F at the end to caramelize.

Watch glaze closely to avoid burning at higher temps.

Internal Temp Guidelines

• Heat fully cooked hams to 140°F internal temperature.

• For fresh hams labeled “cook before eating”, heat to 165°F.

• Always use a food thermometer for accuracy. Insert into the thickest part.

• Let stand 15 minutes then double check temp before serving.

Helpful Reheating Hints

• Defrost ham completely before reheating if frozen.

• Soak ham in brine or apple juice for extra moisture.

• Add thyme, parsley, cloves and peppercorns to the roasting pan.

• Score fat before baking and insert cloves into the cuts.

• Glaze periodically during baking for flavor and appearance.

• Tent with foil if the outside appears to be browning too fast.

• Carve across the grain in thin slices for tender, juicy results.

Serving Suggestions

Once reheated to perfection, serve your holiday ham with classic side dishes like:

• Biscuits, rolls, or cornbread
• Scalloped or mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potato casserole or baked mac and cheese
• Fresh cranberry sauce or relish
• Green bean casserole or glazed carrots

A hearty 12 pound fully cooked ham feeds a crowd! With its incredible aroma, carved ham makes a dramatic table presentation sure to impress guests. Accompanied by favorite sides, it satisfies holiday cravings with its classic salty-sweet flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Ham

Reheating a holiday ham seems straightforward but there are some common questions that arise. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions:

How long does a 12 pound ham need to cook?

For a 12 pound bone-in ham, allow around 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. So roughly 3 hours total. Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.

Can you overcook a fully cooked ham?

Yes, reheating at too high of a temperature or for too long can dry out a fully cooked ham. Use the recommended roasting times and check temperature.

Should you cover ham when baking?

Bake uncovered initially to allow glaze to caramelize. Tent loosely with foil during the last third of baking time if the outside seems to be browning too quickly.

Can you reheat ham in a slow cooker?

Yes, set on LOW for 4-5 hours for a 12 pound ham until heated through and fork tender. Use a quick release if checking temp.

How long does leftover ham last refrigerated?

Leftover cooked ham stays fresh 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving again. Freeze for longer storage.

Is reheated ham safe to eat?

Yes, as long as fully cooked ham is reheated to the proper internal temperature (140°F or hotter), it is safe to eat. Always refrigerate promptly after serving.

Can you reheat a spiral cut ham?

Spiral cut hams can be safely reheated using the same methods. Bake at 325°F until 140°F internally or reheat in the slow cooker on LOW.

What happens if you overheat ham?

Ham overheated above the recommended internal temperature risks drying out. Extended cooking times also increase this. Glazing helps keep ham moist but overcooking still negatively impacts texture and flavor.

How do you know when a big ham is done?

The best way to determine doneness is using an accurate meat thermometer. Check in the thickest section. Ham is safely reheated once it reaches 140°F internally. Let stand 15 minutes then verify temp before serving.

Can you reheat a baked ham twice?

It’s not recommended to reheat baked ham more than once. The quality greatly declines with repeated reheating. Eat leftovers within 3-4 days and don’t reheat more than one time for food safety.

Properly reheating a fully cooked ham ensures your holiday centerpiece is cooked to perfection. For a 12 pound ham, allow around 3 hours of baking time at 325°F until reaching 140°F internally. And make sure to make plenty for leftovers to enjoy!

Glazing Your Ham for Flavor and Appearance

A glistening glazed ham is sure to be the highlight of your holiday table. Brushing the ham’s outer surface with a sweet and sticky glaze provides caramelized flavor and eye-catching presentation.

But what exactly should you look for in a great glaze? And when should you apply it for the best results?

Follow these tips for glazing success:

Pick complementary flavors – Choose ingredients that pair well with the salty, smoky ham. Sweet and savory glazes are ideal.

Include a sweetener – Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, jelly and preserves lend sweetness.

Add texture – Whole spices, chopped nuts and dried fruits introduce fun flavors and crunch.

Use fruit juices – Pineapple, apple, orange and cherry juices provide moisture.

Include acid – Mustard, vinegar and citrus brighten and balance the glaze.

Add depth with spices and herbs – Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, rosemary and thyme are pleasing options.

Use sticky thickeners – Cornstarch, arrowroot and tapioca starch help the glaze adhere.

Bring to room temperature – If too hot, the glaze could melt decorative garnishes.

Apply halfway through baking – Brush over ham and let caramelize until finished cooking.

Broil at the end for extra caramelization – Watch closely to avoid burning.

Get creative with your glaze ingredients! The possibilities are truly endless for crafting a signature flavor.

Here are a few tasty glaze ideas to inspire you:

• Brown sugar ginger glaze
• Apple cider and maple glaze
• Orange marmalade and bourbon
• Cherry cola glaze
• Spiced honey mustard glaze
• Pineapple and coconut glaze

A browned, shiny glazed ham is sure to be swoon-worthy at your next holiday gathering. Brush on your glaze masterpiece and let the oven work its magic!

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare a Fully Cooked Ham

Reheating a fully cooked boneless or bone-in ham requires minimal effort for maximum rewards.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Select the Ham

Choose a fully cooked city ham, ideally spiral cut for easiest glazing and carving. Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.

2. Prep the Ham

Place ham cut side down on a foil-lined roasting pan. Brush with glaze. Refrigerate 30 minutes to allow glaze to set.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 325°F. If glazing, bake ham uncovered at 400°F once glazed until browned.

4. Bake the Ham

Bake until ham reaches 140°F internally, about 15 minutes per pound. Baste occasionally with glaze.

5. Rest and Carve

Allow to rest 15 minutes before carving into thin slices. Serve warm.

That’s really all there is to it! With these simple steps, your fully cooked holiday ham will be party-ready in no time.

Getting Creative with Leftover Ham

Leftover holiday ham presents so many tasty possibilities beyond sandwiches. Try these creative ways to savor every last delicious bite:

• Ham and Pea Risotto – Dice ham and add it to risotto with green peas and Parmesan cheese.

• Breakfast Tacos – Warm corn or flour tortillas, stuff with scrambled eggs, ham, potato and cheese.

• Ham and Bean Soup – Simmer ham bone and bits along with onion, celery, beans and chicken broth.

• Ham Salad Sandwiches – Chop ham and mix with mayo, mustard, celery, onion and pickle relish for sandwiches.

• Ham Carbonara – Sauté ham with peas and garlic, toss with hot pasta and Parmesan Alfredo sauce.

• Ham Fried Rice – Dice ham and add it to rice with peas, carrot, onion and eggs.

• Ham Quiche – Line a pie crust with diced ham and fill with an egg, milk and cheese custard. Bake.

• Ham and Cheese Stuffed Shells – Fill jumbo pasta shells with ham, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, onion and spinach.

Leftover ham can elevate so many dishes! Get creative with the options to avoid wasting a single bite.

With proper reheating technique and a sweet glaze, your holiday ham is sure be a hit. A 12 pound fully cooked ham serves a crowd, impressing guests with its iconic aroma and flavor. Just allow about 3 hours of baking time and use a thermometer for perfect doneness.