Whether you are hosting a festive holiday gathering or simply trying to make the most of Sunday dinner leftovers, knowing exactly how long to reheat fully cooked ham is the difference between a succulent centerpiece and a dry, disappointing meal. Since a fully cooked ham is already safe to eat, your primary goal is to warm it through while preserving the natural juices and fats that make this cut of meat so flavorful.
Reheating ham is not a one-size-fits-all process. The time required depends heavily on the weight of the ham, whether it is bone-in or boneless, and the appliance you choose to use. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the essential timings, temperatures, and techniques to ensure your ham remains the star of the table.
Understanding Your Ham Before Reheating
Before you set your timer, it is vital to identify what type of ham you have. Most hams purchased at the grocery store are labeled as “fully cooked,” “precooked,” or “ready-to-eat.” These have already been cured, smoked, or baked.
Bone-in hams generally take longer to heat because the bone acts as an insulator, while boneless hams allow heat to penetrate more evenly and quickly. Spiral-cut hams are convenient but are the most prone to drying out because the pre-sliced meat exposes more surface area to the air. Knowing these distinctions helps you adjust your reheating strategy for the best results.
Reheating Ham in the Oven: The Golden Standard
The oven is the most reliable method for reheating whole or half hams. It provides a steady, dry heat that can be moderated to prevent the exterior from burning before the interior is warm.
For a whole or half fully cooked ham, the standard recommendation is to preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the meat to warm gradually.
Reheating Time for Bone-In Ham
If you have a whole bone-in ham weighing between 10 and 14 pounds, you should plan for 15 to 18 minutes per pound. For a smaller bone-in half ham (around 5 to 7 pounds), the time increases slightly to 18 to 24 minutes per pound because the heat must penetrate the density of the cut.
Reheating Time for Boneless Ham
Boneless hams are typically more uniform in shape. For a 6 to 12-pound boneless ham, reheating at 325 degrees Fahrenheit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per pound.
Warming Spiral-Cut Ham
Because spiral-cut hams are already sliced, they require a gentler touch. At 325 degrees Fahrenheit, you should aim for 10 to 18 minutes per pound. The key here is to keep the slices tightly pressed together to minimize moisture loss.
Using a Slow Cooker for a Moist Finish
The slow cooker is an excellent alternative if you want to free up oven space or if you are worried about the meat drying out. This method uses low, moist heat, which is perfect for maintaining the ham’s texture.
To reheat a ham in a slow cooker, place the meat inside with about a half-cup of water, broth, or apple juice. Set the appliance to the low setting. A small to medium-sized ham will typically take 5 to 8 hours to heat through completely.
It is important to note that the USDA does not recommend using a slow cooker to reheat leftovers if they need to reach a high safety temperature quickly. However, for a fully cooked ham that only needs to be “warmed,” the slow cooker is a popular and effective choice for many home cooks.
Speed Reheating: Air Fryer and Microwave
When you only need to reheat a few slices for a quick sandwich or breakfast, the oven is inefficient. This is where modern countertop appliances shine.
Reheating Ham in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is surprisingly effective for ham slices. Preheat the air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap your slices in aluminum foil to prevent them from becoming “ham jerky” and heat for 6 to 8 minutes. If you prefer a bit of a crisp edge, you can skip the foil and cook the slices for 3 to 4 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, turning them halfway through.
Microwaving Ham Slices
The microwave is the fastest method but requires the most care. To keep the meat from becoming rubbery, place slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to the dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power in 30 to 60-second bursts until the meat is heated through.
The Importance of Internal Temperature and Resting
While time-per-pound estimates are a great starting point, the only way to be 100% sure your ham is ready is by using a meat thermometer.
The USDA guidelines state that a fully cooked ham packaged in a USDA-inspected plant should be reheated to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are reheating ham that has been “repackaged” (such as leftovers from a previous meal or a ham you bought from a local butcher that wasn’t vacuum-sealed), you should heat it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety.
Once the ham reaches its target temperature, remove it from the heat immediately. Let the ham rest, covered in foil, for at least 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist.
Expert Tips to Prevent Dry Ham
The biggest enemy of a reheated ham is evaporation. To prevent your dinner from becoming dry and tough, follow these expert strategies:
- Add Liquid: Always place a small amount of liquid (water, chicken stock, or pineapple juice) in the bottom of your roasting pan. This creates a steamy environment that protects the meat.
- The Foil Tent: Wrap your ham tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil. If the ham is too large to wrap, cover the entire roasting pan with foil, ensuring the edges are crimped tightly to the rim.
- Cut-Side Down: If you are reheating a half ham, always place it “face down” or cut-side down in the pan. This protects the most vulnerable part of the meat from direct heat.
- Glaze at the End: If you plan on applying a sugary glaze, do not do it at the beginning. Wait until the last 20 to 30 minutes of reheating. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for this final stage to help the glaze caramelize without overcooking the interior of the ham.
FAQs
How long do I reheat a 10-pound fully cooked ham?
For a 10-pound fully cooked bone-in ham in an oven set at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. If it is a boneless ham, the time will be shorter, roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I reheat a fully cooked ham from frozen?
It is highly recommended to thaw the ham completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating a frozen ham will take significantly longer—often 50 percent more time—and the exterior is likely to dry out or burn before the center is even warm. Allow 4 to 6 hours of thawing time per pound in the refrigerator.
Is it safe to eat fully cooked ham cold?
Yes, fully cooked ham is safe to eat right out of the package without any reheating. This is common for sandwiches or deli-style servings. However, for a traditional dinner, most people prefer the texture and flavor that comes with warming the meat and adding a glaze.
Why did my ham turn white or gray after reheating?
This usually happens when the ham has been overheated or not properly covered. The “white” appearance is often a sign of protein denaturation and moisture loss, meaning the ham is dried out. To avoid this, stick strictly to the 140 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature and always keep the meat covered with foil.
How many times can you reheat ham?
According to food safety guidelines, you can safely reheat leftovers multiple times, but the quality of the ham will decrease with each cycle. Each time you heat and cool the meat, it loses moisture and the texture becomes tougher. It is best to only reheat the portion you plan to eat immediately.