Safely Reheating Thawed Ham
After thawing in the refrigerator, reheating ham safely and evenly is straightforward. The goal is to bring the internal temperature to at least 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked hams and 165°F (74°C) for leftovers reheated for safety.
Oven reheating method:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the thawed ham in a roasting pan with 1/2 cup of liquid (water, cider, or stock) to maintain moisture.
- Cover tightly with foil and heat until internal temperature reaches 140°F for fully cooked hams or 165°F if reheating leftovers. Allow roughly 10–15 minutes per pound as a guideline, but always rely on a meat thermometer.
Microwave or stovetop:
- For slices, use the microwave at medium power with a damp paper towel or small splash of liquid, heating in short intervals until warmed through. - Stovetop reheating: pan-sear slices on low heat with a bit of butter and a splash of stock.
List of reheating tips
- Don’t refreeze thawed ham unless it was cooked after thawing. - Let the ham rest briefly before slicing for better juiciness. - Use a probe thermometer to confirm safe temperatures.
Following these steps ensures safe reheating while preserving texture and flavor.