Dearborn spiral ham is a delicious fully-cooked ham that’s ready to eat right out of the package. However, heating it up properly ensures the ham stays moist, tender, and full of flavor. With Dearborn spiral ham, you have a few different reheating options depending on your preferences and timeframe.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the best reheating methods and step-by-step instructions to heat your Dearborn spiral ham to juicy perfection. Let’s get started!
Understanding Dearborn Spiral Ham
Dearborn spiral ham is a premium ready-to-eat ham made by Dearborn Brand, a local company based in Michigan. These hams are smoked for up to 24 hours, pumped with a brine solution, and slow-cooked to lock in moisture. The bone is partially removed for easier slicing.
One of the signatures of Dearborn spiral ham is the spiral cut slices, making it simple to serve. The hams come fully cooked and glazed, so they just need gentle reheating before serving. With proper handling, they stay moist and delicious.
Choosing the Best Reheating Method
There are three top options for reheating Dearborn spiral ham
Oven The oven provides an even all-around heat to warm the ham. Great for crisping the exterior glaze. Takes about 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F.
Microwave: The microwave quickly heats up portions of ham in just 2-3 minutes per pound. Best for small servings.
Slow Cooker: The slow cooker gently heats the ham in a moist environment for 4-6 hours on low. Great for set-it-and-forget it ease.
Consider your timeline, desired texture, flavor, and equipment when choosing the method. The oven is the most popular for traditional flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Oven Reheating Method
Preheating the oven and slowly bringing the internal temperature up is ideal for evenly cooked, juicy ham. Here are the detailed steps:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a meat thermometer to monitor temperature.
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Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. The rack prevents sitting in juices.
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Loosely cover ham in foil, sealing the edges to hold in moisture.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
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Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes to crisp the glaze.
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Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Carve across the grain into thin slices and serve warm.
The oven’s dry heat thoroughly and gently brings out the ham’s full flavor and texture.
Quick Microwave Reheating Tips
For quicker reheating, the microwave can heat portions of ham in just 2-3 minutes per pound:
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Place ham slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel to prevent drying.
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Microwave on high in 1-minute increments, checking frequently.
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Stop heating when slices feel hot and have an internal temperature of 140°F.
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Let rest a few minutes as they’ll keep cooking from residual heat.
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Keep portions smaller as microwaves heat unevenly. Reheat any forks cold spots.
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Add a little water or broth for extra moisture if the ham seems dry.
While the microwave won’t have the same crisping as the oven, it lets you enjoy a hot slice of ham in under 5 minutes!
Slow Cooker Method for Hands-Off Reheating
For set-it-and-forget it ease, the slow cooker gently heats the ham over 4-6 hours:
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Place ham in a slow cooker and add 1 cup broth, juice, or water.
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Cook on low for 4-6 hours, until temperature is 140°F.
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Baste the ham with pan juices every 1-2 hours for added moisture.
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Remove ham and tent with foil before slicing to redistribute juices.
The slow, even heat of a slow cooker keeps the ham incredibly tender and moist with little effort required.
Handling Leftover Dearborn Spiral Ham
Leftover Dearborn spiral ham stays fresh 3-4 days in the fridge. Here are some storage tips:
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Carve any remaining ham off the bone and store slices wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.
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Portion ham into freezer bags or containers for easy reheating later.
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Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes.
With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can enjoy your Dearborn spiral ham all week long after the initial cook!
Preventing Dry, Tough Ham
To prevent your Dearborn spiral ham from drying out or becoming tough when reheating, follow these helpful tips:
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Always use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, not just the oven temp.
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Heat it low and slow – longer times at 325°F vs. high heat.
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Tent loosely with foil to allow steam to escape but hold in moisture.
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Let it rest before carving so juices redistribute throughout the meat.
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Add liquid like broth or juice if using the slow cooker or microwave.
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Stop heating as soon as the internal temperature reaches 140°F to prevent overcooking.
With careful temperature monitoring and gentle reheating methods, your Dearborn spiral ham will turn out perfect every time.
Reheating Dearborn spiral ham to tender, juicy perfection is easy when you follow this guide. Whether you opt for the traditional oven, quick microwave, or set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker, proper reheating ensures you can enjoy the full flavors of this ready-to-eat ham. So pick up a Dearborn spiral ham at your local market and heat it up for your next meal using these helpful tips.
