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.

partially sliced ham on board
Small fully cooked hams are perfect for baked ham dinners for a small feast, especially when cooked with a great glaze – choose one of three ideas in the recipe below.

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 15-20 minutes per 1 lb (500g) or internal temp is 140°F(60°C).
  • 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.

chart of 9 different kinds of ham by S. Clyde Weaver
Chart of Different Types of Ham by S.Clyde Weaver.com. Read their explanation on different types of hams.

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.

ham dinner on table in serving dishes family style
Classic ham dinner with scalloped potatoes, no knead bread, tossed salad and mixed frozen vegetables.

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?

ham with asparagus and scalloped potatoes
Mmm baked ham with scalloped potatoes and asparagus.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the inside of the pre-cooked ham reaches 60°C (140°F), 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.
  3. Baste the ham: Basting the ham with its own juices or a glaze will help keep it moist and add flavor.
  4. Cook at Low Temperature: A low temperature of 325°F (160°C) ensures you won’t dry out your ham.
half a fully cooked ham in a dish in oven with glaze
My half ham with hot pepper jelly glaze being basted and then covered with foil again. Notice there is moisture in the dish.

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.

ham and radish on a bun
Small fully cooked hams are perfect for slicing and enjoying on sandwiches.

Freezing Pre-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.

ham prices chart of 3 type of ham
SAVE $$$ by buying the a half ham and slicing it yourself. (Prices from 2022).

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.

  1. Ham sandwiches: Thinly sliced pre-cooked ham makes a great addition to sandwiches, wraps and buns.
  2. Ham and eggs: Whether in a quiche, frittata, omelette, breakfast strata or a quick breakfast scramble – ham and eggs are always a good combination.
  3. Ham and pasta: Dice and add to your favourite hot pasta dish like this Ham & Peas Mac & Cheese or toss into a pasta salad.
  4. Ham and soup: Chop and use in a creamy chowder in cabbage soup or in a brothy vegetable soup. The possibilities are endless.
  5. 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.
  6. Ham and baked beans: Toss some diced ham in with your baked beans or chili.
  7. Ham in salad: Add diced pre-cooked ham to any type of salad whether it’s a green salad, potato salad or pasta salad.
  8. 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!

two homemade pizzas ham and pineapple and spinach and tomato
Leftover ham is great on pizza.

Recipe for Baking a Fully Cooked Ham

fully cooked ham slices on a small platter with hot pepper jelly glaze
Print Recipe
3.65 from 17 votes

How to Bake a Fully Cooked Ham with 3 Glazes

Fully cooked hams are quick and easy to bake. Choose one of three delicious glazes for a casual weeknight dinner or a small holiday dinner. Best of all, leftover ham can be used in so many other recipes. Which glaze will you try first?
Prep : 8 minutes
Cook : 30 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 3
Author: Getty Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 small fully cooked ham

Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze (more options in notes)

  • 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly
  • 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 15-20 minutes per pound (500g).* You'll know it's hot throughout when an internal temperature reaches 140°F(60°C). Halfway through baking, baste ham by spooning the glaze around the ham over the top.
  • Remove the ham from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

Cooking Times (15-20 min for 1 lb/500g) varies by type see USDA reference. Cook until a thermometer inserted into the middle reads 140°F (60°C).
Other Glazes
Change things up with one of the following 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, 1lb or 500 g of boneless ham will serve 2-3 people.
  • 1/4 – 1/3 lb (113-150 g) per serving of boneless ham
  • 1/3 – 1/2 lb (150-225 g) of meat per serving of bone-in ham
Storing Leftovers
Wrap tightly and store in fridge for 3-4 days. See full article for recipes using leftover ham.
Tried this recipe?Mention @GetGettyS or tag #GetGettyS

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 2771mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 42g | Iron: 2mg
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fully cooked ham, glazed pecans, ham, ham glaze, precooked ham

Favourite Side Dishes to Go with Baked Ham

  1. 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.
  2. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with ham.
  3. Mashed Potato Patties: If you happen to have leftover mashed potatoes – make these patties!
  4. Salad: Pick a salad any salad! Citrus SaladSpinach SaladCarrot and Apple SaladCaesar Salad
  5. Spaetzle Gravy For a German take on things, make these German noodles, gravy and why not toss in some braised red cabbage.
  6. Scalloped Potatoes/Au Gratin: You can never go wrong with creamy or cheesy potatoes – try this extra fancy combo Leek, Carrot & Potato Gratin
  7. 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.
  8. Frozen Vegetables â€“ During winter, I’ll often add some Frozen Green Beans or Peas on the plate.
mac and cheese with ham and peas
We love extra ham in a our Ham & Peas Mac & Cheese!

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.

Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economist, who loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchen. Sign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and pdf guides.

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