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!.
The holidays have come and gone but luckily you’ve got leftover ham waiting in the fridge. Whether it’s just a few slices or half a whole ham, reheating them properly is key to enjoying the same juicy and tender ham you had on the big day.
Unfortunately it’s easy to dry out ham slices when reheating. But have no fear – warming up ham in the oven is a simple process that keeps it irresistibly moist and flavorful.
In this article, you’ll learn how to reheat ham slices in the oven to get the best results every time. We’ll cover
- Why the oven is the best reheating method
- Step-by-step instructions
- How to prep your ham slices
- Time and temperature guidance
- Tips to prevent dryness
- Alternate quick microwave instructions
- Storing leftovers correctly
With these handy oven reheating tips, you can enjoy leftover ham for days without sacrificing texture and taste. Let’s get started!
Why Reheat Ham Slices in the Oven
The oven is hands down the best way to reheat ham slices without drying them out. More than just warming it up, using the oven maintains ham’s quality and taste. Here’s why it works so well:
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Gentle even heating – The oven surrounds ham with gentle heat, unlike the microwave that zaps just parts at a time.
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Preserves moisture – The oven’s dry ambient air helps keep moisture locked in the ham.
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Adds flavor – Oven heating brings out the smoky, salty, sweet flavors of the ham.
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Keeps texture – The ham stays tender, instead of tough and chewy.
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No drying – With the right time and temp, the oven prevents moisture loss.
Follow these straightforward oven reheating steps for flavorful, juicy ham every time.
How to Reheat Ham Slices in the Oven
Reheating ham in the oven is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This low temperature will gently warm the ham.
2. Prep Ham Slices
Take ham slices out of the fridge and let them come closer to room temp, about 15-20 minutes. Arrange slices on a baking sheet or pan in a single layer so they can heat evenly.
3. Add a Splash of Liquid
Add a splash of water, broth, or juice – about 1-2 tablespoons – to the pan. This will keep the reheating environment moist.
4. Cover Pan
Cover the baking pan completely with aluminum foil. This traps in steam and moisture as it reheats.
5. Reheat Ham
Bake ham slices for 8-12 minutes until heated through. The time will vary based on slice thickness. Check occasionally to prevent overcooking.
6. Uncover and Brown
Remove foil and bake another 2-3 minutes to brown the slices lightly.
That’s all it takes for hot, juicy leftover ham! The most important keys are the steady 325°F oven temp, pan liquid for moisture, and foil cover to seal it in.
Oven Reheating Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips for flawless oven-warmed ham:
- Let slices reach room temp before baking for more even heating.
- Use leftover ham broth or juice if you have it for extra flavor.
- Add a dash of brown sugar to the pan for caramelized edges.
- Flip slices 2-3 minutes through baking to prevent bottom burning.
- Check early and often to avoid overcooking.
- Keep reheated ham in warmer oven until ready to serve if needed.
What If You’re Short on Time? Microwave Method
If you need to reheat ham slices quickly, the microwave can work in a pinch. Here’s how:
- Layer slices on a microwave-safe plate in single layer.
- Cover with a paper towel to prevent drying.
- Microwave in 30 second bursts, flipping once.
- Heat until just warm, about 1-2 mins total.
- Let sit 1-2 mins after microwaving to allow heat to evenly distribute.
While speedy, the microwave can create hot spots and uneven heating. The oven is still the gold standard, when you have the time.
Storing Leftover Ham the Right Way
To enjoy leftover ham for as long as possible after the holidays, proper storage is key. Here are some storage tips:
- Let ham completely cool before refrigerating.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store ham slices in an airtight container.
- Use ham within 3-5 days for ideal freshness and quality.
- Freeze ham slices up to 2 months in airtight freezer bags if not using right away.
With the right reheating and storage methods, you can enjoy the most of your holiday ham. The oven warming technique keeps ham moist and delicious for days of leftovers. Give it a try after your next big feast!
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 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.
How to Reheat Fully Cooked Sliced Spiral Ham | Step by Step
FAQ
How to reheat sliced ham without drying it out?
Do you cover ham when reheating in oven?
How do you reheat Honeybaked ham slices?
How to keep ham moist after slicing?
How do you reheat leftover ham slices?
Lay your leftover ham slices on the prepared baking sheet or dish in a single layer. This allows for even heating throughout. Step 4: Cover Your Ham Slices To prevent the ham from drying out during reheating, cover it tightly with foil. This traps the heat and moisture, ensuring a succulent result. Step 5: Reheat in the Oven
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
How do you reheat a ham sandwich?
In an oven, one can reheat ham slices by wrapping them in aluminum foil with a few tablespoons of water or stock to retain moisture. Preheat the oven to 275-350°F and heat for 10-15 minutes for thin slices, or 15-20 minutes for thicker ones.
How do you reheat a Ham in the oven?
If you prefer, you can place your ham slices in a baking dish and cover it tightly with foil to trap the steam. Don’t skimp on the extra liquid you add to the foil parcel. This is what keeps the meat moist. Results: The oven was slower than the other methods, but it’s great when you have lots of meat to reheat.