Skip to Content

How Long to Heat a Ham

Need to know how long to heat a ham for perfect results? We’ve got you covered!

In this article we are going to look at how long to heat a ham, both fresh and from frozen.

In many cases, people purchase ham that has actually been pre-cooked and simply needs to be warmed up. But they don’t realize it and wonder why it ends up being unappetizing and overcooked!

Ham Steak Photo
(Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez)

The majority of hams that you buy from the supermarket are referred to as wet-cured hams, which are actually cured and smoked. This means they are cooked and just need reheating.

If, however, you buy fresh ham, it needs to be both seasoned and cooked.

How Long to Heat a Cooked Ham

The heating times will vary depending upon the weight of the ham and whether it includes the bone:

Whole, bone in (10-14 pounds): 15-18 minutes per pound 

Half, bone in (5-7 pounds): 18-24 minutes per pound

Arm picnic shoulder, boneless (5-8 pounds): 25-30 minutes per pound

Vacuum packed, boneless (6-12 pounds): 10-15 minutes per pound

Spiral cut, whole or half (7-9 pounds): 10-18 minutes per pound 

How Long to Cook Fresh Ham

For fresh ham the cooking times are – unsurprisingly – longer. You should also allow your meat time to rest after cooking:

Whole leg, bone in (12-16 pounds): 22-26 minutes per pound

Whole leg, boneless (10-14 pounds): 24-28 minutes per pound

Half, bone in (5-8 pounds): 35-40 minutes per pound 

Ham Potato Soup Picture
(Lisa Grant)

How to Reheat Cooked Ham

There are several ways in which you can reheat cooked ham, including using both the slow cooker and oven.

When using a slow cooker, it is best to use a whole or half ham with the bone in, which helps add flavor.

You simply need to place your ham into the slow cooker, cover it and cook on low for 5-8 hours (depending on weight) until the ham is heated throughout.

If you are glazing your ham, score it once it has been heated and place it in a roasting tray covered with foil. Place under a broiler, about 10 inches away from the heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, checking frequently to see how well done it is.

Cheesy Ham Dinner Image
(Rebekah Garcia Kalinowski)

To reheat ham in the oven, put it into a roasting tray and add about an inch or so of water to the pan. Wrap tightly with foil and cook at 325 degrees Fahrenheit per our cooking times above.

You can check the temperature of your ham by taking a thermometer reading, ensuring it is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

How to Make Ham Glaze

Many people opt to make a homemade ham glaze when roasting ham. It adds a lot of flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking.

For that reason glazing ham is particularly popular when preparing a cooked ham. It preserves much of the flavor and moisture, while also adding a delightful sweetness.

To make a ham glaze you will need:

  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground cloves
  • Garlic cloves
Ham Steak Pic

Ham Glaze Recipe

Cyd Converse
This sweet and sticky ham glaze recipe adds so much flavor to your favorite ham steak or roasted ham recipe.
4 from 4 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 2202 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the sugar, honey, mustard, cinnamon and cloves.
  • Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Reduce the heat and add the garlic and cook for just a few minutes until it begins to simmer.
  • Remove from heat and let the glaze cool before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 2202kcalCarbohydrates: 356gProtein: 1gFat: 92gSaturated Fat: 58gSodium: 107mgSugar: 350g
Keyword Dinners, Ham
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Ham Steak Pic
(Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez)

More Dinner Ideas with Ham

Love ham and want to use up the leftovers in a really delicious way? Our ham potato soup is a classic crowd favorite!

Make this quick and simple cheesy ham dinner any night of the week. You’ll just need to add rice and a few veggies.

For the perfect addition to brunch or a big weekend breakfast, give our ham asparagus scones are not to be missed. They are perfectly savory and delicious.

4 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)