Honey baked ham turkey breast is a delicious holiday favorite, but enjoying the leftovers can be tricky. Improper reheating leads to dried-out, flavorless meat. Follow this foolproof guide to revive your honey baked ham turkey breast and make it taste fresh-from-the-oven again!
Why Proper Reheating is Crucial
Honey baked ham turkey breast has a smooth glazed exterior with tender, juicy meat inside Reheating incorrectly makes the meat dry while the glaze turns sticky or hard Furthermore, bacteria can grow on improperly stored leftovers leading to food poisoning.
By following proper techniques, you can retain the ham turkey breast’s texture and taste while eliminating health risks. This allows enjoying multiple meals from one cooked ham turkey breast instead of just one serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions Based on Different Reheating Methods
Follow our simple reheating instructions based on whether you want to use the oven, stovetop, microwave or slow cooker.
Oven Method
The oven allows evenly reheating thick slices without drying them out. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take the honey baked ham turkey breast out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes before reheating.
- Pre-heat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham turkey breast slices in an oven-safe dish and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The reheating time varies based on thickness and quantity.
- Allow the ham turkey breast to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture.
Stovetop Method
The stovetop is ideal for quickly reheating smaller portions of honey baked ham turkey breast. Here is how to do it:
- Heat 1 tsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the ham turkey breast slices in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side till heated through.
- You can glaze the ham turkey breast again while reheating by brushing some honey over it during cooking.
- Cook just till the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Do not overcook.
- Let the ham turkey breast rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Microwave Method
The microwave provides a quick reheating option, but you need to be extra careful to avoid overcooking. Follow these precautions:
- Place the ham turkey breast slices on a microwave-safe dish and cover them loosely with a paper towel.
- Heat at 50% power in 30 second bursts till the slices are warmed through, but not completely hot.
- Continue heating in 10-15 second bursts till the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow to rest for a minute before eating.
- Take special care as microwaves can create hot spots and dry out certain portions.
Slow Cooker Method
For reheating a whole ham turkey breast, the slow cooker is a hassle-free option. Here is how to do it:
- Place the entire cooked ham turkey breast in the slow cooker. You can add some apple juice or chicken broth for extra moisture.
- Cook on the low setting for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Once done, brush over some glaze and increase heat to high. Let the glaze caramelize for 15-20 minutes.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before carving and serving.
Extra Tips for Reheating Honey Baked Ham Turkey Breast
Follow these additional tips for best results when reheating honey baked ham turkey breast:
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Always reheat ham turkey breast thoroughly till it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This eliminates risks of bacterial growth.
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Do not keep reheating the ham turkey breast multiple times. Reheat only the portion you want to eat immediately and refrigerate or freeze the rest.
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Slice the ham turkey breast before reheating for more even heating. Thicker slices take longer to reheat.
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Use the defrost setting first if reheating ham turkey breast straight from the freezer. Microwave just till it thaws and then use the oven or stovetop to complete reheating.
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Glaze it again just before serving for added flavor and crunch. You can use honey, brown sugar or preserves for glazing.
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Add a splash of chicken or turkey stock while reheating to keep the meat moist and juicy.
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Do not reheat cooked ham turkey breast at temperatures above 400°F as it causes the meat to dry out.
Follow these simple steps and tips to enjoy delicious honey baked ham turkey breast again and again without compromising on taste and texture! Proper reheating makes all the difference between dry, bland leftovers and a meal that tastes as good as new.
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FAQ
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