How To Cook Precooked Ham: Water Or No Water?

There are a variety of ways to cook a precooked ham, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available. One popular method is to bake the ham in the oven, and most recipes recommend adding water to the pan to keep the ham moist. However, some experts advise against this.

Should you add water to the pan?

When cooking a precooked ham, it is not necessary to add water to the pan. Precooked hams are typically heated in an oven and can be wrapped in foil to prevent moisture loss. However, some people choose to add a small amount of liquid, such as water, stock, or broth, to the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham moist. This is especially useful if you are also making a glaze, as the liquid can help to prevent the glaze from burning.

If you do decide to add water to the pan, the recommended amount is about one cup or less. This can be added to the pan along with any juices that may be included in the ham's packaging. The ham is then covered tightly with foil, leaving the bottom uncovered to allow juices to run out into the pan and keep the meat moist.

It is important to note that adding too much liquid to the pan can affect the texture of the ham, making it rubbery or dry. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid adding too much water or other liquids to the pan when cooking a precooked ham.

Additionally, when reheating a precooked ham, it is essential to follow the package instructions for the best results. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and type of ham.

How long should you cook the ham for?

The cooking time for a pre-cooked ham depends on the weight of the meat, the type of ham, and your desired temperature.

If your ham is pre-cooked, you only need to heat it to an internal temperature of 110-140°F (43-60°C). If you're serving a large group, you may want to heat it to the higher end of that range. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If you don't have one, you'll be cooking for roughly 20-30 minutes per pound.

If your ham is not pre-cooked, you'll need to heat it to 150-155°F (66-68°C) and pull it out of the oven immediately. It will continue to cook for another 5-10 degrees after you remove it from the oven. If you wait until it reaches 160°F (71°C), you may end up with dry meat.

For a bone-in ham, you'll probably need about 3/4 to 1 pound per person. For a boneless ham, you'll need about 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.

If you're using a glaze, you'll need to account for this in your cooking time. Apply the glaze to the ham about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, then return the ham to the oven, uncovered, for another 30 minutes or so.

What temperature should the oven be?

When preparing a precooked ham, the oven temperature depends on the type of ham and your desired finish. For a simple reheat, a lower temperature of 250°F-300°F is sufficient. However, if you want to apply a glaze, you should increase the temperature to 350°F-400°F.

If your ham is labelled "fully cooked", you only need to heat it to an internal temperature of 140°F. Place the ham in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound until it reaches the desired temperature.

If your ham is labelled "cook before eating", follow the instructions on the package. Typically, this type of ham needs to be heated to an internal temperature of at least 145°F in an oven set no lower than 325°F.

Spiral-sliced hams require a slightly different approach. Place the ham on a sheet of heavy-duty foil, cut-side down, and wrap it tightly. Bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer reaches 140°F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching the bone.

For a bone-in ham, a temperature of 350°F is recommended. Place the ham in a roasting pan with the bone side down and the fat side up. Add a cup of water to the pan, and cover the ham completely with aluminium foil. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 110°F-140°F, depending on how warm you want your ham.

In summary, the oven temperature for cooking a precooked ham can vary from 250°F to 400°F, depending on the specific type of ham and your desired level of doneness. Always refer to the package instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham is cooked to the correct temperature.

How do you make a glaze?

To make a glaze for a precooked ham, you can use a variety of ingredients, such as fruit, brown sugar, water, and seasonings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make and apply a glaze:

Preparing the Ham:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 250° F. Remove any packaging from the ham and place it in a roasting pan, preferably with the face down. If there are any juices in the packaging, pour them into the bottom of the pan, along with about a cup of water. This will help keep the ham moist while it cooks. Cover the ham tightly with foil, leaving the bottom uncovered to allow juices to run out into the pan.

Baking the Ham:

Bake the ham according to the instructions on your specific packaging. Typically, you will bake it for around 12 to 15 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound ham will bake for approximately 120 minutes or more.

Making the Glaze:

About 45 minutes before the end of your bake time, you can start making the glaze. For a simple glaze, you can combine brown sugar, water, and seasonings like cinnamon and nutmeg in a small saucepan. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. Additionally, you can use fruit such as apples or pineapples to add a tart flavour to your glaze.

Applying the Glaze:

Bring your glaze to a boil over high heat while constantly stirring. Once it reaches a boil, remove the glaze from the heat. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, take the ham out of the oven, remove the foil, and apply the glaze generously to the outside of the ham using a basting brush.

Finishing the Ham:

After glazing, return the ham to the oven and finish baking, leaving it uncovered. Bake for another 30 minutes or so, allowing the glaze to caramelize. Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

You can also drizzle some of the leftover glaze over the sliced ham before serving, adding extra flavour and moisture.

How do you store leftover ham?

To store leftover ham, you need to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep for 3-5 days. You can also freeze leftover ham, and it is recommended to cut the ham into smaller portions and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags. According to the USDA, you can freeze ham for about 1 to 2 months.

• Use within 3-5 days: Leftover ham should be consumed within 3-5 days if stored in the refrigerator.
• Freeze in portions: If you plan to freeze the ham, consider dividing it into portions suitable for a single meal. That way, you can easily thaw and reheat the amount you need.
• Label and date: Label the container or freezer bag with the date of freezing to keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Thawing: Allow enough time for thawing, especially if you are thawing a large piece of ham. It is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator to ensure food safety.
• Reheating: When reheating leftover ham, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to kill any harmful bacteria. You can use an oven, microwave, or stovetop to reheat the ham.

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