Have you ever been in a situation where you need to cook a pre-cooked ham in the oven but don’t know the best temperature? Wondering if it’s safe to put already cooked meat in the oven? You’re not alone. In this blog post, we will provide a list of quick answers about how to slow cook a pre-cooked ham in the oven.
We hope that by reading our blog post, you’ll be able to prepare your pre-cooked ham faster and more efficiently.
What is pre-cooked ham?
A pre-cooked ham is a cut of pork that has been baked, smoked, or cured with salt to preserve it. This includes hams that you find in a deli or a grocery store that has been pre-sliced and sometimes fully cooked for your convenience.
Pre-cooked ham is often used as a centerpiece of a holiday or special occasion meals, such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day. It can be reheated or prepared in various ways, including baking it slowly to preserve moisture, grilling it until crispy on the outside, cooking whole at low temperatures, or microwaving it for a quick meal.
But since it’s called pre-cooked ham, why would you need to cook it again? That’s a common question people ask all the time. So let’s discuss it.
Do you need to cook pre-cooked ham?
Ham is cooked “pre-cooked” if it has been smoked, cured, or baked. You can tell because the package will say what kind of ham it is. If the label says that cooking is required or “fully-cooked” or “ready to eat,” then you can safely assume that it doesn’t need to be cooked. Otherwise, you’ll most likely see cooking directions on the package or some label that says cooking is required.
The story changes, though, when the ham has been stored in the freezer for a while. Once you defrost the ham, it is recommended that you cook it before serving it again. The USDA recommends that meats like ham, beef, and poultry are cooked or reheated to an internal temperature of 145°F before consumption.
What is the best temperature to cook a pre-cooked ham?
Cooking a ham at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes per pound or 10 minutes per pound, respectively, should do the trick. Make sure to let the internal temperature reach 145 degrees.
How long does it take to cook a pre-cooked ham in the oven?
Pre-cooked ham should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes per pound before being consumed. If your ham isn’t completely cooked, bake it for 20 minutes per pound. This will prevent the meat from drying out and make it more delicious. To improve the tenderness of the meat even further, place the ham cut-side down in a baking pan with foil covering it before cooking.
How long do you cook a 12-pound pre-cooked ham?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the ham in a roasting pan. Put 1/4 inch of water in the bottom of the pan. Cook for 10 minutes per pound or 2 hours total, basting every 30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle when it’s done cooking.
How long do you bake a 10 lb pre-cooked ham?
To bake a 10lb pre-cooked ham in the oven, first, preheat the oven. Next, put the ham in a roasting pan with a bit of water, cover with foil or lid and bake at 325 or 350 degrees for 10-18 minutes per pound. Make sure you baste the ham every 30 minutes.
How do you warm up a fully cooked ham?
To warm up a fully cooked ham, put it in an oven at 325 degrees. Heat until the temperature is 135-140 degrees. You can also use an oven bag. The ham will take about 15-18 minutes per pound to reheat. If your ham is already cooked or spiral sliced, remove any skin first.
How do you heat up a pre-cooked ham without drying it out?
The best way to heat up pre-cooked ham is to put it in a baking pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Put water in the bottom of the pan. Turn on the oven to 325°F and cook for 15-18 minutes for each pound of ham until an instant-read thermometer says 135F. Then, take it out and let it sit covered for 10 more minutes before you eat it!
Can you heat a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can heat a ham in a slow cooker. Most chefs and the USDA say that after cooking, reheat to 140°F. A small ham might get there in 2-3 hours on low. A large ham will take 4-6 hours on low.
How do you heat and glaze a fully cooked ham?
To heat and glaze a fully cooked ham, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 F.
- Place the ham in the oven, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes per pound.
- Bake until a meat thermometer reads 140 F
- Season with basting sauce when adding moistness and flavor.
- Unwrap, score ham, apply glaze
- Increase heat to 400 F
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes longer
How do you add flavor to a pre-cooked ham?
To add flavor to a pre-cooked ham, put basting sauces on it. When you bake the ham, cover it with foil for more tender meat. Then apply a glaze for a crispy and toasted look. Finally, add spices and herbs for more robust flavors.
FAQ
What temperature to slow cook ham in oven?
Ham can be slow-cooked in the oven at a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes per pound of whole ham or 18-25 minutes per pound for a half, respectively. Make sure to let the internal temperature reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit before removing the ham from the oven.
How to slow cook a ham in the oven overnight?
If your oven goes down below 200 degrees you can slow cook ham overnight. Place ham covered in foil in a roasting pan and into the oven. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour then reduce the temperature to 175 degrees. Cook ham at 175 degrees for 12-15 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve ever eaten a pre-cooked ham, the idea of heating it up again to make sure that it is safe for consumption may sound like an unnecessary hassle. However, there are many benefits to reheating your ham to avoid foodborne illness and safely enjoy the delicious flavors of this meat product. The tips we provided should help you get started thinking about how best to cook or warm up your pre-cooked ham before eating it again! Please check out some of our other posts for more information on cooking other meats such as beef, poultry, pork chops, or turkey breast.