Cooking a precooked ham in the oven is easier than you might think, and it’s a fantastic way to make a flavorful, juicy centerpiece for your meal. Since the ham is already cooked, your goal is to gently reheat it while adding moisture and flavor, often with a delicious glaze. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you bake a precooked ham perfectly every time.
What You Need to Know About Precooked Ham
Most hams you buy at the store are precooked, meaning they are safe to eat right away but benefit from heating to bring out their best flavor and texture. These hams might be cured, smoked, or spiral-cut, and they usually come with instructions on the package. The key is to heat the ham to an internal temperature of about 140°F without drying it out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Precooked Ham in the Oven
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven temperature between 275°F and 350°F. Lower temperatures like 275°F are great for slow reheating, which helps keep the ham moist, while 350°F speeds up the process if you’re short on time.
2. Prepare the Ham
– Remove the ham from its packaging.
– Place it fat side up on a rack inside a large roasting pan.
– Add about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the ham moist during cooking.
– Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
3. Calculate Cooking Time
Heat the ham for about 10 to 15 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound ham will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes to heat through.
4. Baste Occasionally
If you want to keep the ham juicy, baste it 1-2 times during cooking with the pan juices. This is especially helpful for spiral-cut hams, where you can separate the slices slightly to get the juices in between.
5. Prepare a Glaze (Optional but Recommended)
A glaze adds a wonderful sweet and savory finish. A simple glaze might include:
– Brown sugar
– Maple syrup or honey
– Mustard (yellow, Dijon, or whole grain)
– Freshly squeezed orange juice or pineapple juice
– Optional spices like garlic or cinnamon
Heat these ingredients in a saucepan until syrupy, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Glaze and Finish Baking
About 30 to 45 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and brush the glaze all over the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 400-425°F and bake uncovered for the remaining time, basting with glaze every 10-15 minutes. This caramelizes the glaze and creates a beautiful, sticky coating.
7. Rest Before Carving
Once done, let the ham rest covered loosely with foil for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and easier to slice.
Tips for the Best Oven-Cooked Precooked Ham
– Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure the ham is heated through but not overcooked.
– Don’t skip the water: Adding water to the pan and covering the ham with foil keeps it moist.
– Score and stud with cloves: For extra flavor and a classic look, score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves at the intersections before glazing.
– Choose the right ham: Bone-in spiral-cut hams are convenient and flavorful, but boneless hams work well too.
Simple Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
– 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
– 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– 1/4 cup orange juice or pineapple juice
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly. Use immediately to baste the ham.
Wrapping It Up
Cooking a precooked ham in the oven is straightforward and yields a delicious, moist result when done right. Just remember to heat it gently, keep it covered and moist, and finish with a tasty glaze for that perfect golden crust. Enjoy your meal!
A perfectly baked ham is easier than you think and always a crowd-pleaser!