How to Reheat Ham Without Drying it Out

Ham is one of those foods that is perfect for leftovers. But knowing how to reheat ham without drying it out is the key! If you don’t do it right, you’ll end up with rough and chewy ham that is just unpleasant to eat. 

Reheating ham doesn’t have to be a difficult process. With the right method and some helpful tips, you can have a delicious and juicy leftover meal in no time. There are two different methods for reheating that I recommend. Read on to learn the best way to reheat ham without drying it out. 

Reheating Ham in the Oven 

Reheating ham in the oven is easy, and it’s a good method to use if you have quite a bit of ham to reheat. Added moisture is the trick to ensure it stays juicy and full of flavor, no matter how you reheat your ham. To do this in the oven, you’ll need the following items: 

• Leftover ham 
• Aluminum foil
• An oven-safe dish
• Water 

Once you have the necessary items, you’re ready to get started: 

Step 1: 

Preheat the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: 

Place the ham in an oven-safe dish. 

Step 3: 

Pour 1/4 cup of water into the dish. 

Step 4: 

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure to seal it tightly. 

Step 5: 

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. 

Step 6: 

Carefully remove the foil and check the temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read at least 140°F. 

Step 7: 

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. 

Reheating Ham in the Microwave 

Another way to reheat ham without drying it out is to use the microwave. This method is fast and easy, but it’s important to note that microwaves can cause uneven heating, so you’ll need to be extra careful. Again, the water is the most important part of the equation! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Leftover ham
• Microwave-safe plate
• Paper towels
• Water 

Once you have the necessary items, follow these steps: 

Step 1: 

Place the ham on the plate and cover it with a few layers of wet paper towels. They don’t have to be sopping wet but don’t wring them out completely either. You can use one damp paper towel, but a single layer won’t be as effective as several layers for retaining moisture better.

Step 2: 

Place the plate in the microwave and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. 

Step 3: 

Carefully remove the plate from the microwave and check the temperature and repeat if necessary until it’s to your desired temperature. 

Step 4: 

Let the ham rest for a minute before serving. 

Simple Tips for Reheating Ham

• The amount of time and cooking temperature for reheating will vary depending on your oven and your microwave. Some ovens may require a lower or higher temperature, and microwaves may require more or less time.

• If the ham is still cold in the center after reheating, microwave it for an additional 15 seconds at a time until it’s heated through so you don’t dry it out. You can easily end up with overcooked ham in the microwave, so be sure to stick to those short bursts of time for better results.

• Avoid reheating ham in the oven for so long that all the water evaporates, as this can cause it to dry out.

• If you have a whole ham or part of a whole spiral ham (glazed ham, country hams, or smoked ham) leftover, place it in a slow cooker with about an inch of water in the bottom and reheat it on medium until it’s heated through. You can keep it even more moist by spooning water over the surface of the ham every once in a while. You won’t really have to worry about internal temperature since your ham is already cooked, but you could use a meat thermometer to check to see if the ham is heated all the way through. 

• For a more flavorful ham, reheat leftover ham in pineapple juice, top with pineapple slices, and serve with new side dishes. This is a great way to put a whole new delicious meal on the dinner table with just ham leftovers! Alternatively, you could use orange juice. 

• You can add an extra glaze packet to reheated ham to give it a fresh flavor. 

• Skip the reheating and use cold ham to make leftover ham sandwiches. This is one of the best ways to enjoy ham during the holiday season after you’ve worked hard to prepare a large spread of food. The next day you just want to relax, and tossing those ham slices on a sandwich is the easiest and best option!

With these simple steps and helpful tips, you can easily reheat your leftover ham without drying it out. There are so many different ways you can heat your ham, but always remember, the important thing is that you don’t dry it out! So remember to keep that moisture locked in no matter what method you use!

Need ideas for completing your meal? These 21 best side dishes for ham are the perfect pairing!