Cooking a pre-cooked ham can be a straightforward and delicious way to prepare a meal, especially for special occasions or holidays. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a juicy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed ham.
Preparing the Ham
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare the ham properly:
Remove from Refrigerator: Take the ham out of the refrigerator about an hour before cooking to let it come to room temperature[4].
Remove Packaging: Remove any packaging, including the plastic circle that covers the bone if your ham has one[4].
Score the Ham: If your ham is not spiral-cut, score the entire surface of the ham with a sharp knife. Cut long cuts from the top of the ham down to the bottom, then make a second set of perpendicular cuts to form a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze adhere to the ham and enhances presentation[3][4].
Oven Method
The oven method is one of the most common and effective ways to reheat a pre-cooked ham:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C)[1][2][4].
Use a Roasting Pan: Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows air to circulate under the ham and helps prevent it from drying out[2][4].
Add Water: Add about 1 cup of cold water to the bottom of the pan. You can also add some wine, juice, or broth for extra flavor[2][3][4].
Cover with Foil: Cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture[1][2][4].
Bake: Bake the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 135°F to 140°F[1][2][4].
Adding a Glaze
A glaze can significantly enhance the flavor and appearance of your ham:
Apply Glaze: During the last 20-30 minutes of heating, remove the foil and apply your chosen glaze. You can use a simple mixture of maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices, or something more complex like a pineapple glaze[1][2][4].
Increase Heat: After applying the glaze, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is browned and bubbling[1][2].
Slow Cooker Method
For a more hands-off approach, you can use a slow cooker:
Place in Slow Cooker: Put the ham in the slow cooker and add any glaze ingredients, or simply use chicken broth, water, or soda (like Coke or Pepsi) to keep the ham moist[1][2].
Cook on Low: Cook on low for 5-8 hours until the ham is thoroughly heated[1][2].
Broil for Glaze: If you want to glaze the ham, place it on a broiler pan, cover with glaze, and broil 10 inches from the heat for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully until the glaze is cooked[1][2].
Grill Method
While grilling a whole or half ham can be challenging due to the dry heat, it is possible with careful planning:
Indirect Cooking: Use the indirect cooking method and ensure the coals have burned down to a gray ash coating before adding the ham. This helps prevent the ham from drying out[1].
Important Facts to Remember
Internal Temperature: Heat the ham to an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F to ensure it is thoroughly heated[1][2][4].
Cooking Time: Bake the ham in the oven for 15-20 minutes per pound[1][2][4].
Moisture Retention: Use a roasting pan with water and cover with foil to prevent the ham from drying out[2][3][4].
Glazing: Apply the glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of heating and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for a caramelized glaze[1][2][4].
Scoring: Score the ham in a diamond pattern to help the glaze adhere and for better presentation[3][4].
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure your pre-cooked ham is not only heated to perfection but also looks and tastes amazing.
