Honey baked ham makes for a spectacular centerpiece on any holiday table. The sweet savory glaze envelops the tender turkey, resulting in a feast for the senses. However, heating up a pre-cooked honey baked ham turkey requires some care to prevent drying out and preserve that signature flavor.
Follow this guide for foolproof techniques on how to properly heat a honey baked ham whole turkey from the store or leftovers. We’ll cover ideal oven temperatures, step-by-step instructions, resting times, carving tips, and more. With these helpful tricks, your guests will enjoy moist, decadent slices with every bite.
Why Proper Heating is Critical
Heating honey baked ham incorrectly can lead to disastrous results including
- Dry, rubbery meat from overcooking
- Uneven cooking or cold spots from poor technique
- Loss of flavorful juices and glaze
- Risk of foodborne illness from undercooking
That’s why following precise methods for heating fully-cooked hams is so important The goal is to gently raise the temperature while retaining moisture and avoiding contamination Read on for the secrets to honey baked ham success!
Handy Equipment to Have On Hand
Having the right gear will make heating your ham a breeze. Make sure to have these handy:
-
Meat thermometer – Tests doneness and ensures food safety.
-
Roasting pan – Provides ample airflow for even heating.
-
Aluminum foil – Creates a tent to trap in moisture while heating.
-
Basting brush – For applying glaze to add flavor and moisture.
-
Carving knife and fork – Allows you to neatly slice the heated ham.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven Heating
Using your oven is the preferred way to uniformly heat a honey baked ham turkey. Follow these simple steps:
1. Remove Ham from Fridge
Take the turkey out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before heating. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly.
2. Preheat Oven to 325°F
Preheat your oven to 325°F which is the ideal temp for heating fully cooked hams. The relatively low heat prevents drying.
3. Place Ham in Roasting Pan
Put the ham in a roasting pan, ideally one large enough to provide 2-4 inches of clearance on all sides. The ample space allows air circulation.
4. Loosely Tent Ham with Foil
Loosely cover the ham with a tent of aluminum foil, leaving some openings for steam to escape. This traps in heat and moisture.
5. Calculate Cook Time
Figure 10-15 minutes per pound to sufficiently heat the turkey. For example, a 10 lb turkey will take 150 minutes at 325°F.
6. Increase Temp for Crisp Skin
During the last 30 minutes, you can bump up the temp to 375°F if you want crisper, more browned skin. Keep monitoring to avoid burning.
7. Check Internal Temp
Test the center most part of the ham using a meat thermometer, and heat until it registers 140°F or warmer. This guarantees it’s safe to eat.
8. Let Ham Rest Before Carving
Once heated through, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to reabsorb for moister meat.
9. Carve and Serve Immediately
Use a sharp carving knife to cut neat slices, catching any juices to drizzle over the ham. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Handy Tips for Heating Honey Baked Ham
Keep these useful tips in mind for heating honey baked ham turkey to perfection:
-
Give your oven ample preheating time to reach the set temperature.
-
Choose a roasting pan that provides plenty of airflow around all sides.
-
Tenting with foil prevents the exterior from drying before the interior is fully heated.
-
Use residual juices and glaze to baste the ham and supplement moisture.
-
Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing lets juices redistribute for better flavor.
-
Heat any leftover turkey within 3-4 days for food safety and optimal freshness.
Common FAQs About Reheating Honey Baked Ham
Have some lingering questions about the process? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Can you microwave honey baked ham?
It’s not recommended. Microwaves often cause uneven cooking so some parts end up overdone while others are undercooked. Stick to oven heating.
How long is honey baked ham good for refrigerated?
An unopened fully-cooked ham will last 1 week refrigerated. Once carved, leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days. Portion out the ham as needed to avoid waste.
Is it better to reheat ham whole or sliced?
Reheating the whole intact ham does a better job of keeping it uniformly moist. If reheating slices, add a bit of broth or juice to prevent drying out.
Can you freeze and reheat honey baked ham?
Yes, freeze whole hams up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge 24 hours before reheating. Add extra glaze or broth when reheating since freezing removes moisture.
Should you take the honey baked ham out of the foil?
For the last 30 minutes, remove foil so the sugars in the glaze can caramelize and create crispy, browned exterior bits. Keep foil for the initial heating.
What happens if honey baked ham is overcooked?
Overcooking leads to dried out, shriveled meat and a tough texture. Prevent this by using a lower oven temp and testing internal doneness with a thermometer.
How long does it take to cook a 10 lb honey baked ham?
Figure around 15 minutes per pound when reheating fully cooked hams. So a 10 lb ham will take roughly 150 minutes in a 325°F oven. Exact time depends on oven calibration.
Can you bake an uncooked turkey like a honey baked ham?
No, true honey baked hams are first cured, smoked, and partially cooked well before glazing. You can certainly flavor your turkey with honey, brown sugar, and spices, but it requires full raw turkey cooking times.
Enjoy the Height of Ham Heaven
When you follow proper techniques for reheating, your honey baked ham turkey will emerge from the oven glistening, glazed to sticky perfection, and irresistibly juicy inside. Carve off slices as needed and serve this impressive centerpiece hot alongside your favorite holiday sides. Leftovers can provide delicious sandwiches or quick meals throughout the week.
We hope these step-by-step instructions give you confidence in warming this special dish. Let us know if you have any other questions as you prepare your showstopping honey baked ham. Just take it slow and steady for a meal guests will rave about. Happy ham heating!