How to Cook a Small Fully Cooked Ham
Small, fully cooked hams are perfect for a baked ham dinner for one or two, especially when topped with one of three favourite glazes. But don’t stop there! These fully cooked hams are very versatile and can be used for so many cold or hot dishes. Have a look at the list below and let me know how else you like to use cooked ham.
Also Read: Grilled or Oven Roasted Asparagus, Scalloped Potatoes, Classic Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad
How to Cook a Fully Cooked Ham
Hams that are clearly labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat” can be eaten as is, directly out of the package. In fact, these hams are great to use in ham sandwiches. However, for a nice ham dinner – you want to cook it or heat it through. And, you want to make it extra tasty without becoming dry. Here’s the basic steps.
- Score it lightly.
- Apply a glaze – see recipe for three options.
- Place in dish with liquid, cover and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes per 1 lb (500g) or internal temp is 140°F(60°C) (USDA) Uncover for last 10 minutes if using a glaze to let the sugars caramelize and shine.
- Rest, slice, serve.
Choosing a Fully Cooked Ham
Ham is meat from the hind leg of a pig that has been wet or dry cured and/or salted with or without smoking. There are different types of fully cooked and un-cooked hams available in grocery stores and butcher shops. Each has a different cooking method, so be sure to match your recipe with the type of ham of you have.
To ensure you’re getting a fully cooked ham always read the package carefully and look for FULLY COOKED or READY TO EAT. If the package clearly states “cook thoroughly” it is an uncooked ham and cooking times and temperatures will be different than shown here.
Is Ham Healthy?
Ham is a good source of protein and vitamins, but high in sodium. Depending on how it was cured, it may also contain nitrates. Enjoy it in moderation and consider low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake. We love it, but like to limit the amount of ham, deli meat and other cured or processed meats to once a month. How about you?
How to Avoid Drying Out Ham
The biggest concern with pre-cooked or fully cooked hams is over cooking or drying them out. Here’s how to ensure that doesn’t happen to you.
- Cover: Whether using a lid or aluminum foil, cover the ham during cooking to keep moisture locked in. If you prefer to caramelize the glaze, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking and increase the heat.
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the inside of the pre-cooked ham reaches 60°C (140°F), USDA that will ensure it’s nice and hot throughout. Be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone for an accurate reading. **NOTE: This temperature is for fully cooked, ready to eat ham from inspected plants.
- Baste the ham: Basting the ham with its own juices or a glaze will help keep it moist and add flavor.
- Cook at Low Temperature: A low temperature of 325°F (160°C) ensures you won’t dry out your ham.
Storing Pre-Cooked Hams
Before Cooking – Closed Package
Check the Best Before Date on your sealed, pre-cooked ham, chances are you have a couple of months to use it. Once you open the sealed package, you should use your ham within 3-4 days.
After Cooking – Cooked Ham Leftovers
Store cooked ham leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can You Freeze Fully Cooked Ham?
Fully cooked hams like the “football” ham I used in this recipe are safe to freeze. However, because they have high moisture level, the texture may change once thawed. You can freeze fully cooked ham before or after baking.
For best results, I recommend dicing up any leftovers in convenient portion sizes so you can add them to soups, casseroles, pizzas or other dishes. When diced, any texture changes are less noticeable than when you use whole frozen hams as a main entree.
8 Other Ways to Use Pre-Cooked Hams
The best part about fully cooked hams is that you can use them in SO many other ways. Use them them cold just as is or use them as ingredients in other recipes. Here are 8 ideas to get you started.
- Ham sandwiches: Thinly sliced pre-cooked ham makes a great addition to sandwiches, wraps and buns.
- Ham and eggs: Whether in a quiche, frittata, omelette, breakfast strata, egg bites or a quick breakfast scramble – ham and eggs are always a good combination.
- Ham and pasta: Dice and add to your favourite hot pasta dish like this Ham & Peas Mac & Cheese or toss into a pasta salad.
- Ham and soup: Chop and use in a creamy chowder in cabbage soup or in a ham and bean soup. The possibilities are endless.
- Ham and potato hash: Dice up pre-cooked ham and potatoes, and cook them in a skillet for a tasty hash. Add some onions and peppers for extra flavor.
- Ham and baked beans: Toss some diced ham in with your baked beans or chili.
- Ham in salad: Add diced pre-cooked ham to any type of salad whether it’s a green salad, potato salad or pasta salad.
- Ham on pizza: With or without the pineapple, ham is a great addition to pizza.
These are just a few examples of how pre-cooked ham can be used in different dishes. The possibilities are endless!
Recipe for Baking a Fully Cooked Ham
How to Bake a Fully Cooked Ham with 3 Glazes
Ingredients
- 1 small fully cooked ham
Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze (more options in notes)
- 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly or apricot jam
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place fully cooked ham flat side down in an oven-proof dish large enough to fit ham with some room to spare. Use glass, ceramic dish, oven-proof skillet or roasting pan.
- Score top of ham by making shallow cuts, 1/4" (1 cm) deep, through the outer rind both lengthwise and crosswise.
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Spoon glaze over ham pushing some into the shallow cuts. Add 2 Tbsp water to dish and cover with lid or foil to keep ham moist during baking.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes per pound (500g).* Internal temperature reaches 140°F(60°C). Halfway through baking, baste ham by spooning the glaze around the ham over the top. If using a glaze, uncover for last 10 minutes to let it caramelize and turn glossy. If not using a glaze, keep covered to keep moisture in.
- Remove the ham from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Video
Notes
Replace hot pepper jelly with apple jelly or apricot jelly. Or try these glazes: Maple Glaze
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Pineapple Glaze – add pineapple pieces too
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey Portion Planning
Generally, a 600 g pre-cooked, ready-to-eat boneless ham will serve 2-4 people.
It will take about 20-25 minutes. Storing Leftovers
Wrap tightly and store in fridge for 3-4 days. See full article for recipes using leftover ham.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Favourite Side Dishes to Go with Baked Ham
- Roasted vegetables: Since you’ve got the oven going – roast some veggies! Just note that they’ll take longer since the roasting temp for the ham is lower than typical roasted veggies.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with ham.
- Mashed Potato Patties: If you happen to have leftover mashed potatoes – make these patties!
- Salad: Pick a salad any salad! Citrus Salad, Spinach Salad, Carrot and Apple Salad, Caesar Salad
- Spaetzle & Gravy For a German take on things, make these German noodles, gravy and why not toss in some braised red cabbage.
- Scalloped Potatoes/Au Gratin: You can never go wrong with creamy or cheesy potatoes – try this extra fancy combo Leek, Carrot & Potato Gratin
- Corn on the cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs well with ham. You can grill or boil the corn and serve it with butter and salt.
- Frozen Vegetables – During winter, I’ll often add some Frozen Green Beans or Peas on the plate.
- Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce – perfect for spring or Easter.
What’s your favourite side to go with ham and which of the glazes will you try first? Let me know how your baked ham turns out. Comment below or tag me on Instagram @getgettys.
Cook with the seasons, effortlessly! I’m Getty, a food educator and Professional Home Economist, helping you select, store, and serve seasonal ingredients in delicious, simple, everyday meals. Sign up for seasonal tips and recipes delivered straight to your inbox, and dive deeper with my books, guides, or YouTube content.