There are a few easy ways to heat up a precooked ham in a slow cooker so it turns out juicy and delicious. The main benefits of using a slow cooker are that it gently brings the ham up to temperature while keeping it moist. Here are some tips for heating precooked ham in a slow cooker:
Can you heat a pre-cooked ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker is a great way to heat up a pre-cooked bone-in or boneless ham. The moist, indirect heat of a slow cooker allows the ham to warm through gradually without drying out the meat. Just make sure to use a recipe specifically for reheating ham in a slow cooker and don’t overcook it.
What is the best way to reheat a pre-cooked ham?
The best way to reheat a pre-cooked ham is in a slow cooker on low heat. Place the ham in the slow cooker and add 1 cup of water, apple juice, ginger ale, or other liquid. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a bone-in ham or 2-4 hours for a boneless ham. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 140°F. The low, indirect heat prevents the ham from drying out.
How long does it take to reheat ham in a slow cooker?
It usually takes about 4-6 hours to reheat a bone-in ham in a slow cooker on low heat. A boneless ham takes less time, around 2-4 hours on low. The timing depends on the size of your ham – smaller hams may only need half the time. Always check the internal temperature to ensure the ham reaches 140°F when reheated.
What temperature do you reheat ham to?
When reheating fully cooked ham in a slow cooker or oven, you want to bring the internal temperature up to 140°F. This is the safe temperature to reheat ham to while still maintaining its quality. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the ham and make sure it has reached at least 140°F before serving.
What liquid do you use to reheat ham in a slow cooker?
You can use a variety of liquids when reheating ham in a slow cooker:
- Water – Use 1 cup of water in the slow cooker under the ham.
- Apple juice, ginger ale, cola – For added flavor, use 1 cup of apple juice, ginger ale, or cola instead of water.
- Broth – Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth also work well.
- Fruit juice – Pineapple, orange, or other fruit juices infuse the ham with flavor.
- Wine or beer – For adults, use chicken or beef broth mixed with wine or beer.
The liquid keeps the ham moist in the slow cooker without drying it out. Choose your favorite!
How do you keep ham moist in a slow cooker?
Here are some tips for keeping ham nice and moist while reheating in a slow cooker:
- Use a liquid like broth, juice, or ginger ale in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker to circulate steam and moisture.
- Cook on low heat between 200°F and 250°F.
- Use a cooking bag or foil tent to minimize moisture loss.
- Baste the ham and rotate it midway through cooking.
- Don’t overcook – remove when the internal temp hits 140°F.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing into it.
Following these tips will help ensure your precooked ham stays tender and moist in the slow cooker!
Do you need to add liquid to reheat ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, it’s important to add liquid when reheating ham in a slow cooker. The liquid prevents the ham from drying out in the slow, indirect heat. Good options include:
- Broth – chicken, beef or vegetable broth
- Fruit juice – pineapple, apple, orange
- Soda – ginger ale, cola
- Alcohol – wine, beer (for adults)
- Water – best as part of a broth or juice mixture
Aim for about 1 cup of liquid in the slow cooker under the ham. The moisture from the liquid will help the ham reheat evenly and come out juicy and delicious.
Should you cover ham in slow cooker?
Yes, it’s recommended to cook the ham covered in a slow cooker. Covering the slow cooker helps:
- Circulate moisture and steam to prevent drying out
- Retain heat so the ham cooks evenly
- Add flavor if cooking with juices, broths or soda
- Reduce cooking time
- Keep the kitchen clean from spatters
Leave the lid on for the entire cooking time, and only remove it briefly to baste, flip or check the ham’s temp. The moisture and steam created by the covered slow cooker will help the ham reheat perfectly.
Can you put ham straight from fridge into slow cooker?
It’s not recommended to put a fully refrigerated ham straight into the slow cooker. While safe, this can increase the risk of bacteria growth. It’s better to let the ham come closer to room temperature before slow cooking. There are a few ways to do this:
- Let the ham sit out at room temp for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Submerge ham packaging in warm water for 20-30 minutes
- Heat ham in microwave or oven at low power briefly
Bringing the ham closer to room temp shortens the time it spends in the food danger zone while heating up in the slow cooker. Then you can refrigerate any uneaten portions immediately after slow cooking.
Can you overcook ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is possible to overcook ham in a slow cooker if left for too long. Signs of overcooked ham include:
- Dry, stringy texture
- Hardness throughout
- Loss of flavor
- Ham that falls apart
- Tough, chewy consistency
To prevent overcooking:
- Use a meat thermometer and stop cooking at 140°F
- Cook for the minimum recommended time
- Check ham halfway through and each hour after
- Add more liquid if ham looks dry
- Let ham rest 15 minutes before carving
As long as you monitor the ham and remove it once it hits the right internal temp, you can avoid overdoing it in the slow cooker.
How do you keep a ham moist in the oven?
Here are some tips for keeping a ham moist when cooking it in the oven:
- Cook at a low temperature, between 250-325°F
- Use a cooking bag or foil tent to seal in moisture
- Baste the ham frequently with glaze, juices or broth
- Apply a moist glaze towards the end of cooking time
- Do not overcook – remove ham at 140°F
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving
- Slice ham across the grain to boost tenderness
- Keep leftover ham moist by storing in broth or sauce
Monitoring temperature and preventing overcooking are key for a tender, juicy oven-baked ham. Brushing with glazes and broth helps retain moisture too.
How long does it take to bake a ham at 325 degrees?
The time required to bake a fully cooked bone-in ham at 325°F depends on the size:
- 4 to 6 pounds – 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- 6 to 8 pounds – 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- 8 to 12 pounds – 2 to 2 1/2 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds – 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
For a boneless ham, check after about 10-15 minutes per pound. Remember to use a meat thermometer and stop baking when the ham reaches 140°F. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing into it.
How long does a 10 lb ham take to cook at 300 degrees?
For a 10 lb bone-in ham, the typical cooking time at 300°F is:
- Uncooked or fresh ham – About 6 hours
- Precooked ham – About 2 1/2 hours
The exact time can vary a bit depending on the shape and thickness of your 10 lb ham. Your best bet is to use a meat thermometer. Regardless of precooked or fresh, cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Heating a precooked ham in a slow cooker is an easy, fuss-free way to make this delicious entrée with minimal preparation. Key points to remember are to use lots of liquid, cook covered on low heat, monitor the temperature, and avoid overcooking. In just a few hours, your tasty ham will be ready to serve and enjoy!