What is the best way to reheat ham so that it’s juicy and tender? There are a lot of “tried and true” tips out there. Dad says don’t let it dry out, Grandma says use a lot of foil, and your mom-in-law says her slow cooker is the best thing ever. Hey, they all are right. But then, the internet wants to know if you have a city or country ham. Don’t panic, we’ve done the work for you and made it easy. You’ll get quick and simple step by step instructions for how to reheat ham leftovers. The secret to keeping leftover ham juicy is adding back moisture while warming it to keep it moist. You can use your air fryer, slow cooker or crock-pot, stove top, traditional oven or microwave. Remember if you can read, you can make it delicious!.
Leftover ham is a delicious treat but reheating it can be tricky. If you aren’t careful ham slices can easily dry out and become tough in the microwave. However, with the right techniques, you can reheat ham so it stays moist, flavorful and tender.
As someone who regularly cooks ham for my family I’ve discovered some foolproof methods for reheating ham slices in the microwave. Whether you have leftover baked ham, deli ham or pre-cooked ham these simple steps will ensure your ham turns out perfectly heated throughout without drying out. Keep reading for my tips and tricks!
Why Ham Dries Out When Reheated
Understanding why ham dries out in the microwave will help you avoid this mistake. The main culprits are:
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Lack of moisture: Microwaves cook very quickly, which drives moisture out of food rapidly. Ham contains very little internal moisture, so it’s crucial to add external moisture when reheating it.
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Overcooking: It’s easy to overdo it on microwave time and shrivel the ham. Reheating for short bursts is key.
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No insulation: With no steam heating element like an oven, microwaves can make ham tough and chewy very quickly. Trapping moisture next to the ham as it reheats keeps it tender.
How to Retain Moisture When Reheating Ham
When reheating ham in the microwave, the goal is to bring it up to a safe, warm temperature without drying it out. With the right technique, you can get hot, juicy ham slices perfect for sandwiches, appetizers or on their own. Here are my best tips for keeping ham moist in the microwave:
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Use a microwave-safe cover: Covering the ham helps trap steam and moisture as it heats. Use a microwave-safe lid, dinner plate or paper towel.
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Add a splash of liquid: A tablespoon or two of water, broth, juice or even wine adds crucial moisture.
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Use short cooking times: Microwave in quick 30-second bursts, checking in between. This prevents overcooking.
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Let it rest: Let the ham sit covered for a minute or two after microwaving so moisture can evenly distribute.
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Avoid overcrowding: Only reheat 2-3 slices at a time in a single layer so moisture can circulate.
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Slice thinly: Thinner slices heat more evenly and are less likely to dry out. Aim for 1/4 inch or less.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for reheating ham slices perfectly every time:
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Prepare the ham slices: Trim off any dry edges or rinds. Slice the ham no thicker than 1/4 inch. The thinner the better to prevent drying out.
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Arrange in a single layer: Place slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure they aren’t overlapping.
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Add liquid (optional): For added moisture, add 1-2 tablespoons water, broth, juice or wine to the plate.
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Cover with a damp paper towel: Cover the plate completely with a paper towel. Dampen it with water first, then wring out excess. The wet towel creates steam.
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Microwave in 30 second bursts: Heat the ham on high power in 30 second increments. Check after 30 seconds. Continue microwaving in 15-30 second bursts until warmed through.
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Allow to rest: Once the ham is heated, let it sit covered for 1-2 minutes to finish cooking and evenly distribute moisture.
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Check for doneness: The ham should be 165°F at the thickest part. If not hot enough, microwave in 15 second bursts just until warm.
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Enjoy hot: Your ham is now perfectly reheated and ready to enjoy without being dried out!
Troubleshooting: What If My Ham Is Too Dry?
If your ham slices still end up too dry or chewy after reheating, you can revive them with a quick steam treatment.
Place the dry ham slices in a microwave-safe dish and add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the ham is steaming. Let it sit covered for a few minutes after. This should rehydrate the ham and make it tender again.
You can also slice up dry ham and use it in soups, casseroles or omelets where moisture will be absorbed. Diced ham also works well in fried rice, ramen noodles or pasta dishes with sauce. Get creative with leftover dry ham to keep it from going to waste!
Best Ways to Use Reheated Ham
Once you’ve mastered reheating ham slices in the microwave, you’ll want delicious ways to eat them! Here are some of my favorite reheated ham recipes:
- Ham and cheese paninis or sandwiches
- Eggs Benedict with ham slices
- Thin crust ham pizza
- Ham fried rice or noodle stir fry
- Diced ham in potato hash or frittata
- Ham, veggie and cheese omelets
- Ham and split pea soup
- Ham and bean soup
- Ham quesadillas with salsa
- Ham, apple and brie grilled cheese
Reheating ham opens up so many quick and easy meal options. Get the most out of your leftover ham with these tasty ideas.
Key Tips to Remember
Reheating ham in the microwave while keeping it tender and moist takes some technique. Follow these rules for success:
- Use thin slices no more than 1/4 inch thick
- Arrange ham in a single layer without overlapping
- Cover with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid
- Add a little liquid like water, broth or juice
- Heat in short 30 second bursts, checking often
- Let it rest covered for 1-2 minutes after heating
- Don’t overcook – 165°F is hot enough
With the proper steps, you can enjoy leftover ham without the dryness or toughness that can come from microwaving. In just a few short minutes, you’ll have hot, juicy ham ready to make mouthwatering meals or snacks.
Reheating Ham on the Stove Top
It’s the most familiar way to heat food for most, so the stove top is a popular option. Adding a cup of broth to your pot will make stove top ham softer and tender. Water is fine but ham won’t be as tasty. Cover and simmer on medium for a couple of minutes until heated through. Start low and slow with your temperature. You can also reheat ham on the stove top using a skillet. Add a few slices at a time to a skillet over medium-high heat. So that the meat doesn’t dry out, add up to ½ cup of chicken broth or a couple of tablespoons of butter or oil. Reheat ham until desired texture and taste is reached. You may add foil as a makeshift top cover to lock in much needed moisture. Remove from stove with oven mitts and prepare to serve.
Reheating Ham in a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
A slow cooker or the Crock Pot will reheat ham just fine. Using a slow cooker, you can influence the flavor by adding spices, fruits, herbs, and condiments. Most kitchens have one and operating a slow cooker can be less intimidating. Borrowing one is easy, too. The term “slow cooker” is used by most manufacturers instead of “Crock-Pot” because “Crock-Pot” is a registered trademark. ” Crock Pot is the trademark brand name of a slow cooker owned by Sunbeam.
Place cooked ham slices on a low setting. Add a liquid to yield a savory taste. Try broth, barbecue sauce, hoisin sauce, orange juice, or apple cider. Even ginger ale will do the job. Cook until heated through. It’s ok to take a quick peek and taste to see if you’ve got it right. You may need to add a bit more liquid. Make sure the ham is kept at a minimum temperature of 140°F for safe consumption. It’s a good idea to read the package for recommended directions.
Reheating Ham in the Microwave: Retaining Moisture
FAQ
How to reheat ham slices and keep moist?
How do you cook sliced ham in the microwave?
How to warm up a precooked ham?
How do you reheat a Ham in the microwave?
Make sure that each slice is separated from one another so they heat evenly. Cover the plate with a microwave safe lid or plastic wrap leaving one corner open for ventilation purposes. This allows steam out so that your ham doesn’t become overcooked while reheating meat.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
How do you reheat a sliced ham?
To reheat leftover ham slices, you can use a few methods. One way is to wrap the sliced ham in aluminum foil and heat it in an oven at 325°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F using a meat thermometer. Another option is to place the sliced ham in a frying pan with some chicken broth and cook over medium heat until heated through.
Can You microwave a ham?
Microwaveable dishes require minimal cleanup since there are no pots or pans that need washing. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly microwaved ham slices: Remove the precooked ham from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure that each slice is separated from one another so they heat evenly.