When it comes to preparing a fully cooked Smithfield ham, one of the most common questions is how long it takes to properly heat and serve it. With a delicious and iconic ham like Smithfield, you want to make sure you are heating it correctly so it is warm throughout while retaining its signature flavor and texture. In this article, we will provide a complete guide to reheating fully cooked Smithfield ham, including recommended timelines, temperatures, and tips for keeping it moist and flavorful.
What is a Fully Cooked Smithfield Ham?
A fully cooked Smithfield ham refers to a specific type of cured and smoked ham produced by Smithfield Foods in Smithfield, Virginia. Smithfield hams are world-famous for their distinctive flavor, quality, and tradition dating back to the colonial era. They are made from fresh pork raised on family farms and dry cured with salt for up to 3 months. This slow curing process allows the ham to develop its signature salty, smoky flavor while remaining incredibly juicy and tender when cooked.
Once cured, Smithfield hams are slow-smoked over maple, oak, and hickory wood. This low and slow smoking infuses the meat with a rich, nuanced smoky taste. Finally, the hams are pressed to give them their signature oblong shape before being packaged and shipped. A fully cooked Smithfield ham has gone through this entire curing, smoking, and pressing process already when you purchase it from the store. It simply needs to be reheated and sliced to serve.
How Long to Heat a Smithfield Ham?
The exact time needed to properly heat a fully cooked Smithfield ham depends on a few factors:
- Size of the ham – A whole bone-in ham can take several hours to reheat through to the center while a half ham or sliced ham may take less time.
- Reheating method – Oven heating takes longer than microwave heating.
- Final internal temperature – USDA recommends reheating cooked hams to an internal temperature of 140°F for food safety.
Taking these factors into account, here are some general guidelines for reheating times:
Whole Bone-In Smithfield Ham
- Oven:
- 8-10 lbs – About 5 hours at 325°F
- 10-12 lbs – About 6 hours at 325°F
- 12-16 lbs – About 8 hours at 325°F
- Microwave:
- 8-10 lbs – About 1 hour on Medium-Low power, rotating every 15 minutes
- 10-12 lbs – About 1 hour 15 minutes on Medium-Low, rotating every 15 minutes
- 12-16 lbs – About 1 hour 30 minutes on Medium-Low, rotating every 15 minutes
Half Bone-In Smithfield Ham
- Oven: About 3 hours at 325°F
- Microwave: About 45 minutes on Medium-Low, rotating every 15 minutes
Sliced or Diced Smithfield Ham
- Oven: About 15 minutes per lb. at 325°F on a sheet pan
- Microwave:
- Sliced – About 2-3 minutes per batch on High
- Diced – About 2-3 minutes per batch, stirring halfway on High
Tips for Reheating Smithfield Ham
Follow these tips for reheating your fully cooked Smithfield ham perfectly every time:
- Allow ham to come to room temperature before heating for more even warming. Leave wrapped ham on counter for 1-2 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 140°F.
- Place ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. The rack prevents burning.
- Baste ham occasionally as it reheats with honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, or apple cider.
- Microwave in short bursts, rotating to prevent cold spots. Let rest 5 minutes before carving.
- Add a cup of water to the roasting pan to steam and prevent drying out.
- Loosely tent ham with foil to retain moisture if oven reheating.
- Carve ham across the grain in thin slices forserving.
Can You Overcook a Fully Cooked Ham?
Yes, it is possible to overcook a fully cooked ham like Smithfield if reheated too long or at too high of a temperature. Since the ham is already cooked through the curing process, the goal in reheating is simply to warm it without drying it out or altering the texture.
Signs of an overcooked fully cooked ham include:
- Dry, stringy texture
- Charred or burnt outer layer
- Off flavors from burning
- Internal temperature exceeding 160°F
To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer and adhere to the recommended reheating times for the size and cut of your ham. Microwave in short increments to prevent accidentally overcooking edges or cold spots. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it after reheating as well so the temperature can evenly distribute.
Can You Reheat a Smithfield Ham More Than Once?
It is safe to reheat a fully cooked Smithfield ham more than once as long as proper food handling procedures are followed. To safely reheat ham leftovers:
- Store ham leftovers cut-side down in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days maximum.
- Reheat leftover ham to 165°F until steaming hot before serving again.
- Do not let ham sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours total before reheating again.
- To maintain quality, only reheat sliced ham 1-2 times. Whole bone-in hams can be reheated 2-3 times.
- Discard ham if it develops an off odor, flavor, or slippery texture after reheating.
With proper refrigeration and handling, reheating a Smithfield ham multiple times can extend its delicious lifespan for your meals.
What is the Best Way to Heat Fully Cooked Ham?
The best reheating method for a fully cooked ham depends on the cut and how much time you have:
- Whole bone-in ham – Oven is best. It evenly reheats the ham without drying it out. Use a roasting pan with rack at 325°F allowing at least 10 minutes per pound.
- Half bone-in ham – Oven or microwave work well. Microwave to quickly heat it while retaining moisture.
- Sliced ham – Microwave provides the fastest and most consistent results for packaged sliced ham. Lay flats on a microwave-safe dish.
- Diced ham – Sauteeing over medium heat or microwaving ensures even heating for diced ham bits. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
The oven is the gold standard for reheating whole Smithfield hams to piping hot perfection, but the microwave can deliver tasty results in a fraction of the time for other cuts and pieces.
Typical Nutrition Facts for Sliced Smithfield Ham
Smithfield ham is a leaner and healthier choice compared to many other deli and cured meats. A 3 ounce serving of their 93% fat free premium sliced ham contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 790mg |
| Potassium | 120mg |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Protein | 7g |
Smithfield ham provides an excellent source of protein while being lower in fat and cholesterol than many pork products. Just be mindful of the higher sodium content common to cured meats.
Tips for Slicing and Serving Smithfield Ham
Follow these tips for perfect slices and servings of Smithfield ham every time:
- Use a long, thin slicing knife for easiest cutting.
- Slice across the grain of the meat for tender, chewable texture.
- Cut very thin slices to prevent dryness after reheating.
- Chill ham before slicing for firmer, cleaner cuts. Partially freeze for ultra thin slices.
- Do not discard the fatty ends – they are the tastiest!
- Serve 3-4 ounce portions per person for sandwiches or charcuterie.
- Roll up sliced ham and secure with toothpicks when serving for occasions.
- Pair ham with biscuits, sweet mustard, horseradish, or fruit chutney for delicious ham flavors.
Can You Freeze Fully Cooked Smithfield Ham?
Yes, it is possible to freeze fully cooked Smithfield ham for longer term storage. Follow these tips for successfully freezing and thawing your Smithfield ham:
- Wrap whole ham tightly in two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Cut ham into smaller portions or slices before freezing to make thawing easier.
- Freeze ham in an airtight freezer bag with as much air removed as possible.
- Add a freezer label noting date and weight. Use frozen ham within 2-3 months for best quality.
- Thaw ham for 18-24 hours in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Avoid refreezing ham more than once, as this alters the texture.
- Use thawed frozen ham within 3-5 days.
With proper freezing and thawing methods, you can enjoy the same delicious fully cooked Smithfield ham for months after purchasing.
Common Smithfield Ham FAQs
Is Smithfield Ham already cooked?
Yes, Smithfield ham is fully cured, smoked, and cooked during production. It just needs to be reheated and sliced to serve.
Does Smithfield Ham need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keep Smithfield ham refrigerated at 40°F or below for safety and freshness until reheating to serve.
How long does unopened Smithfield Ham last?
An unopened fully cooked Smithfield ham will last 2-3 months refrigerated past its pack date. Once opened, it lasts 3-5 days.
Can you eat Smithfield Ham without cooking?
Do not eat Smithfield ham without first reheating it to 165°F for food safety.
Is Smithfield Ham already smoked?
Yes, Smithfield hams are naturally hardwood smoked for up to 24 hours during production.
Conclusion
With its distinctive flavor and tradition of excellence, Smithfield ham deserves to be heated with care so you can enjoy its signature salty, smoky taste. Allow at least 10-15 minutes per pound when oven roasting a whole ham. Microwave smaller cuts in short bursts, checking often. Use a meat thermometer and rest time for perfectly ready-to-carve results. With the proper reheating method for your size of ham, you can easily achieve Smithfield ham bliss in time for your next special meal or gathering.