How to Heat Up Honey Baked Ham Sides to Perfection

Honey baked ham is a delicious holiday classic, but the sides really take the meal to the next level Honey Baked Ham stores sell incredible side dishes like cheesy au gratin potatoes, sweet potato souffle, green bean casserole, and more The sides make holiday hosting easy by providing traditional recipes that just need to be heated and served.

If you were lucky enough to get some Honey Baked Ham frozen sides, you may be wondering how to properly heat them up. Never fear – this guide will walk you through how to heat Honey Baked Ham sides like a pro so they come out perfectly hot and delicious every time.

Read the Package Directions Carefully

The first step is reading the heating instructions on the Honey Baked Ham side packaging very carefully Different sides require different heating methods and times For example, the au gratin potatoes take 45 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered while the sweet potato souffle takes 45 minutes covered and 30 minutes uncovered.

Pay close attention to the oven temp, covered vs. uncovered time, standing time after baking, and any other special instructions. Having the info handy will ensure you heat each side properly. Rushing the process or ignoring key directions can lead to uneven cooking or worse – an overcooked, dried out side dish.

Preheat the Oven Fully

Before heating any frozen Honey Baked Ham sides, preheat your oven fully to the temperature listed on the package, which is usually 375°F. Do not try to shave off preheating time or you may end up undercooking the sides.

For even heating, position racks in the center of your oven. The fully heated environment will help the frozen sides transition gently and cook evenly from the inside out. Rushing this step can create a huge temperature drop when you put the frozen sides in the oven.

Use Oven-Safe Cookware

Honey Baked Ham sides should be heated in oven-safe cookware like ceramic or glass baking dishes. Metal pans can work as well. Avoid any plastic containers or materials not rated for high oven temps.

The cookware should be large enough to accommodate the side dish with a little extra room. Overcrowding can hinder proper heat circulation. Covering the dish with foil at the start helps contain heat and moisture.

Heat One Side at a Time

For best results, cook Honey Baked Ham frozen sides one at a time. Heating two frozen sides together can greatly reduce the oven temperature when you first put them in. The temperature may recover but it takes longer and can lead to uneven cooking.

Instead, heat them in stages. Put in the side that takes longer first. Set a timer for when you need to add the quicker cooking side. For example, if one takes 45 minutes covered and another takes 30 minutes covered, put the first in the oven then add the second 15 minutes later.

This ensures both sides heat through properly without putting too much thermal stress on the oven. Less temperature fluctuation means better, more even results.

Let Sites Stand Before Serving

After the heating time is up, Honey Baked Ham sides usually need to stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. The standing time finishes the cooking process gently as residual heat equalizes within. Skipping this short standing period can mean the sides are underdone in spots when you go to serve them.

During the standing time, you can take the foil off, fluff sides with a fork, add any crispy toppings, and do other finishing tasks to get them ready to serve. Just be sure to let them rest properly first.

Check for Doneness

With any food heating method, it is smart to also check doneness before serving. Insert a knife or toothpick into the thickest part of the Honey Baked Ham side after the standing time is up. It should slide in and out easily and look heated through.

If you hit any cold or frozen spots, return the side to the oven for 2-3 more minutes until fully hot. Checking doneness protects your guests from icy surprise bites and gives you peace of mind.

Keep Hot Sides Hot

Baked Honey Baked Ham sides should be kept hot until serving time. Leave them in the warm oven if eating within 30 minutes or so. For longer holding times, transfer them to a slow cooker or warming tray set to the “keep warm” setting.

You can also tent foil over the cooked sides dish to help retain heat. Just try to avoid letting them sit out at room temp too long where bacteria could start growing. Keep sides piping hot or properly chilled until serving for food safety.

Reheating Leftover Sides

Having delicious Honey Baked Ham sides left over is a great problem to have! Follow these tips for safely reheating leftovers:

• Only reheat amounts that will be eaten right away, do not repeatedly reheat.
• Bring sides to 165°F or higher before eating.
• Use the oven or microwave; stove-top can create hot spots.
• Cover with lid or vented foil; add moisture if drying out.
• Stir and rotate dishes for even heating.
• Allow to sit 2-3 minutes before serving.

The great flavors of Honey Baked Ham sides like sweet potatoes, green beans, or cornbread dressing make excellent leftovers. Properly reheated, they almost taste as fresh and delicious as the first time around.

Helpful Hints and Tips

Heating Honey Baked Ham sides perfectly takes a little finesse and TLC, but is easy to master. Keep these extra pointers in mind:

• For more even heating, rotate sides dishes halfway through.

• Add a splash of broth or water if sides seem dry.

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp.

• Cut any foil or plastic before heating.

• Combine side dishes with similar cook times.

• Cook stuffing or dressing separately.

• Heat mac & cheese in a pot on the stove.

With a little care and attention, Honey Baked Ham sides can be heated to absolute perfection. The right prep and process ensures your holiday table is graced with hot, delicious, side dishes that pair perfectly with the star ham. Happy feasting this holiday season!