The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the delicious tradition of serving honey baked ham.
Whether you received one as a gift or purchased it yourself, knowing how to properly heat and serve this tasty treat is essential for a successful holiday meal.
With so many different methods and recommendations out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But fear not!
In this article, we’ll break down the best ways to reheat and serve honey baked ham, ensuring that it stays moist and flavorful for your family and guests to enjoy.
So grab a fork and let’s get started!
How To Heat And Serve Honey Baked Ham?
First things first, it’s important to note that honey baked ham is already fully cooked. This means that you’re not cooking it, but rather reheating it to the desired temperature.
One of the most popular methods for reheating honey baked ham is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the ham in a roasting pan. If the ham is spiral-sliced, place it cut side down in a baking dish. Cover the pan with foil and add some water or a sweet liquid like cola or Vernors to the bottom of the pan. Reheat for about 10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you prefer to reheat by the slice, cover each slice with foil and heat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another option is to reheat honey baked ham in the microwave. However, be careful not to overcook it as this can dry out the meat. Start with 15 seconds for each side of a slice and adjust as needed.
When serving honey baked ham, it’s important to carve it properly to ensure that each slice is juicy and flavorful. Start by cutting off any skin and scoring through the fat layer in diamond crosshatch marks. Then, slice against the grain to ensure tenderness.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months. When reheating leftovers, use one of the methods mentioned above and be sure to check the internal temperature before serving.
Preparing Your Honey Baked Ham For Heating
Before reheating your honey baked ham, it’s important to prepare it properly. If the ham is still in its original foil wrapper, you can keep it wrapped to prevent it from drying out during heating. If you prefer to use your own foil, make sure to wrap the ham tightly to ensure that it heats evenly.
If using an oven, preheat it to the desired temperature (325-350 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a baking pan with aluminum foil. This will help keep the ham moist. Place the wrapped ham on the pan and add a tablespoon of water or a sweet liquid like cola or Vernors to the bottom of the pan. This will prevent the meat from drying out during heating.
If you’re reheating by the slice, wrap each slice in foil or place it in an ovenproof dish and cover with foil. Use the same temperature as above for no more than 15 minutes to heat each slice.
When checking the internal temperature of your honey baked ham, make sure it reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
Finally, when serving your honey baked ham, make sure to carve it properly for maximum flavor and tenderness. Start by cutting off any skin and scoring through the fat layer in diamond crosshatch marks. Then, slice against the grain for juicy and flavorful slices.
Oven Heating Method
The oven heating method is one of the most popular ways to reheat honey baked ham. It’s important to note that honey baked ham is already fully cooked, so you’re not cooking it, but rather reheating it to the desired temperature. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the ham in a roasting pan. If the ham is spiral-sliced, place it cut side down in a baking dish. Cover the pan with foil and add some water or a sweet liquid like cola or Vernors to the bottom of the pan. Reheat for about 10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The high temperature of the oven helps to evenly distribute heat throughout the ham, ensuring that it’s heated thoroughly without drying it out. The addition of water or a sweet liquid like cola or Vernors helps to keep the ham moist and flavorful.
When reheating in the oven, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature for consumption. Once reheated, carve the ham properly by cutting off any skin and scoring through the fat layer in diamond crosshatch marks. Then, slice against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Slow Cooker Heating Method
Another great method for reheating honey baked ham is using a slow cooker. This method is perfect if you want to keep the ham warm throughout the day, or if you don’t have access to an oven or microwave.
To start, unwrap the ham and tuck whole cloves between the slices in an alternating pattern. You can use 20-40 cloves depending on your taste preferences. Then, place the ham, cut side down, in your slow cooker.
Next, whisk together 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard with 1/2 cup of honey and drizzle it all over the ham. If you prefer a different glaze, feel free to use one of the other glaze recipes mentioned above.
Cook your ham on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. If your ham is frozen, you’ll need to increase the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want to make a gravy or glaze for your ham, pour the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker into a saucepan over medium heat. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water together in a bowl and pour it into the saucepan. Cook until the mixture thickens into a glaze, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
Once your ham is heated through, remove it from the slow cooker and carve it as desired. Serve with the glaze or gravy on top, or on the side for dipping.
Glazing Your Honey Baked Ham
Glazing your honey baked ham is a great way to add delicious flavor and a beautiful shine to your already cooked ham. The glaze for a honey baked ham typically includes honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices. However, there are many variations of the glaze recipe that you can try depending on your taste preferences.
To glaze your honey baked ham, start by preheating your oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a criss-cross pattern and stud it with cloves for added flavor.
Next, prepare the glaze by whisking together the ingredients in a small bowl. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to cover all sides. If you have any leftover glaze, you can reserve it for brushing on during the cooking process.
Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, brushing with the glaze every 15 minutes or so. During the last few minutes of cooking, remove the foil and broil the ham for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Once your honey baked ham is glazed and cooked to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Remember to slice against the grain to ensure tenderness and serve with any additional sauces or sides of your choice.
Serving Your Honey Baked Ham
Once your honey baked ham is reheated to the desired temperature, it’s time to serve it up! Honey Baked recommends allowing the ham to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to get it to its ideal temperature.
If you want to add some extra flavor, try glazing the ham with a sweet sauce such as honey mustard or pineapple glaze. Simply mix the sauce ingredients together and brush it over the ham during the last 10-15 minutes of reheating.
When it comes to carving the ham, remember to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you’re not sure which way the grain runs, look for the lines of muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them.
For a beautiful presentation, arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or fruit slices. You can also serve your honey baked ham with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
If you have any leftovers, consider making a delicious casserole or adding the ham to mac and cheese for a tasty twist. With these tips, you’ll be able to serve up a delicious honey baked ham that’s sure to impress your guests.
Leftover Honey Baked Ham Ideas
If you have leftover honey baked ham, there are plenty of delicious ways to use it up! Here are some ideas:
1. Honey Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders: Slice the leftover ham and place it on slider buns with sliced cheese. Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder before baking in the oven until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.
2. Honey Baked Ham and Potato Soup: Dice the leftover ham and sauté it with onions, celery, and carrots. Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and seasonings, and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in some cream or milk and serve with crusty bread.
3. Honey Baked Ham and Egg Breakfast Burritos: Scramble some eggs and mix in diced ham, shredded cheese, and your favorite veggies. Wrap the mixture in tortillas and serve with salsa.
4. Honey Baked Ham Salad: Chop the leftover ham into small pieces and mix it with mayonnaise, diced celery, and chopped pickles. Serve on bread or crackers.
5. Honey Baked Ham Fried Rice: Sauté leftover rice with diced ham, scrambled eggs, diced veggies, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a quick and easy meal.
6. Honey Baked Ham and Swiss Panini: Layer sliced ham and Swiss cheese on bread with dijon mustard. Grill in a panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
7. Honey Baked Ham and Broccoli Casserole: Combine diced ham, cooked broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked rice in a casserole dish. Bake in the oven until hot and bubbly.
These are just a few ideas for using up leftover honey baked ham. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy!