Cooking a fully cooked ham for a special occasion or holiday meal can be an intimidating task. Not just any recipe will give you the perfect result, so it’s important to know how long to cook a fully cooked ham before serving and what flavors to use with it. Ham is naturally sweet and lean meat, so learning how to properly cook it can help ensure each plate tastes delicious. In this blog post we will provide helpful instructions on how long you should cook your pre-cooked ham in order to achieve that perfect flavor and texture every time.
Contents
- 1 What’s the Difference Between Country and City Ham?
- 2 How to Pick the Right Ham
- 3 How to cook a fully cooked ham? – In the oven
- 4 How to cook a fully cooked ham? – Without oven
- 5 How to cook a fully cooked ham? – In slow Cooker
- 6 How long to cook a fully cooked ham?
- 7 Tips to cook fully cooked ham
- 8 What to serve with fully cooked ham?
- 9 How to store leftover fully cooked ham
- 10 Variations on fully cooked ham
- 11 Conclusion: how long to cook a fully cooked ham
- 12 FAQs: cook a fully cooked ham
- 12.1 Should you cook a fully cooked ham?
- 12.2 How warm does Fully cooked ham need to be?
- 12.3 Can you eat a fully cooked ham without reheating it?
- 12.4 How long is a precooked ham good for after heating?
- 12.5 How do you cook a fully cooked ham?
- 12.6 How do you know when a ham is cooked?
- 12.7 How long can you keep a fully cooked ham in the refrigerator?
- 12.8 Can you glaze a fully cooked ham?
- 12.9 How do you heat and glaze a fully cooked ham?
- 12.10 Do you remove the skin from a fully cooked ham?
What’s the Difference Between Country and City Ham?
As the yuletide season approaches, one of life’s most important holiday decisions awaits: which type of ham should grace your festive feast? With country hams lending a savory twist with their unique dry-cure flavor and city hams offering convenient pre-cooked boneless options – you’re sure to find something that pleases everyone. But don’t forget about all the preparation involved when opting for uncooked country ham! Whether it’s classic bone-in or modernly smokey, make sure to pick out your perfect piece for an unforgettable holiday dinner.

City ham
Give your weekly meals an upgrade with Smoky City Ham! Choose from bone-in or boneless cuts of this wet cured and smoked selection. Enjoy the extra flavor infusion that comes when opting for a bone-in variety, plus you can use it to whip up some delicious soups later on too.
Country ham
Country hams are a delicacy created through an arduous process of dry-curing with salt and spices, sometimes smoking, then aging for several months or even years! The flavor you get from this curing is intense but it takes time – to rehydrate the ham before cooking means soaking in water overnight so all that savory goodness can be enjoyed.
Fresh ham
A fresh ham is a rare find, requiring you to place an order at the local butcher’s shop. Though it takes more time and effort to prepare than its cured counterparts, this raw cut of pork holds potential for delightfully nuanced flavours that will make your taste buds sing.
How to Pick the Right Ham
When it comes to choosing the right ham for your meal, you’ll want to consider how much time you have available, how many people you are feeding, and how much flavor you would prefer. City hams are typically pre-cooked and ready-to-eat while country hams require a long soaking period before they are suitable for cooking. For a quicker meal, city ham would be your best bet. If you have more time to wait and are looking for more of a traditional flavor, then country ham is the way to go.
How to cook a fully cooked ham? – In the oven

Ingredients
– Fully cooked ham
– 2-3 tablespoons of honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a shallow baking pan. Score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern and spread it evenly with honey.
3. Sprinkle garlic over the top of the ham and cover with foil.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes per pound or until heated through (about 2 hours).
5. Remove the foil, raise oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top of the ham is browned and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 140°F (60°C).
6. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to cook a fully cooked ham? – Without oven
Ingredients
– Fully cooked ham
– 2-3 tablespoons of honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Place the ham in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover it by 1 inch. Add garlic, honey, and any other desired seasonings to the water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes per pound or until heated through.
3. Remove from the water and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
No matter how you choose to prepare your fully cooked ham, it’s important to cook it safely. Make sure the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 140°F (60°C) before serving. It’s also important to allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing, as this gives it time to evenly distribute its juices, ensuring your perfect holiday meal.
How to cook a fully cooked ham? – In slow Cooker
Ingredients
– Fully cooked ham
– 2-3 tablespoons of honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Place the ham in the slow cooker and pour in enough water to cover it by 1 inch. Add garlic, honey, and any other desired seasonings to the water.
2. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through.
3. Remove from the slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking a fully cooked ham in a slow cooker is an easy and convenient way to enjoy this delicacy with minimal effort.
How long to cook a fully cooked ham?
How long to cook a fully cooked ham? – in the oven
It takes around 2-2.5 hours at 325°F (163°C).
How long to cook a fully cooked ham? – without an oven
It takes about 10 minutes per pound when simmered in a pot on the stovetop.
How long to cook a fully cooked ham? – in slow cooker
It takes 6-8 hours in a slow cooker on low.

No matter how you choose to prepare your fully cooked ham, it’s important to cook it safely. Make sure the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 140°F (60°C) before serving and allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing in order to allow the juices to evenly distribute.
Tips to cook fully cooked ham
– Score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern to help it absorb more flavor and moisture.
– Brush on glaze or sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
– Use a thermometer to check internal temperature before serving.
– Slice thinly for maximum tenderness.
– Allow the ham to rest before serving.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Enjoy a delicious fully cooked ham this holiday season with these easy tips! With the right temperature and timing, you can make sure your meal is tender, juicy, and flavorful every time.
What to serve with fully cooked ham?
Fully cooked ham pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, fresh fruit salad or roasted root vegetables. It also goes nicely with sweet glazes and sauces like honey mustard, apricot jam or teriyaki sauce. For an easy appetizer to serve alongside your ham, try deviled eggs or a cheese platter.
How to store leftover fully cooked ham
Leftover fully cooked ham can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze the ham for up to 3 months.
No matter how long you choose to cook a fully cooked ham, it is important to remember that safety is key! Make sure the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 140°F (60°C) before serving, and allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Follow these simple tips and you’ll have a delicious, juicy meal in no time.
Variations on fully cooked ham
Fully cooked ham can be served with a variety of sauces and seasonings, depending on your preference. Try adding honey, brown sugar, apricot jam or teriyaki sauce for a sweet glaze. For something savory, try garlic cloves, rosemary or thyme. You can also add in some fresh fruits like apples or pineapple for a tasty flavor combination.
Conclusion: how long to cook a fully cooked ham
Cooking a fully cooked ham is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic holiday dish. Depending on how you choose to prepare the ham, cooking times may vary from 10 minutes per pound when simmered in a pot on the stovetop, to 2-2.5 hours at 325°F (163°C) in an oven, or up to 6-8 hours in a slow cooker on low. No matter how you choose to cook your ham, make sure the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 140°F (60°C) before serving and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, fresh fruit salad or roasted root vegetables. Leftover fully cooked ham can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thanks for reading how long to cook a fully cooked ham?
FAQs: cook a fully cooked ham
Should you cook a fully cooked ham?
Enjoy fully cooked hams served hot or cold! For an added twist, warm up your vacuum-packaged and canned varieties at a minimum temperature of 325°F – taking care to ensure the internal temp reaches 140°F for maximum safety.
How warm does Fully cooked ham need to be?
Give your fully cooked ham the perfect reheat in a 325-degree oven and let it reach an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees! Want even faster results? Place your delicious hunk o’ meat into an oven bag for up to 10 minutes per pound. Skin not part of that tantalizing picture? Simply chop off any protective layers before you heat ’em up.
Can you eat a fully cooked ham without reheating it?
Ham, ham, and more ham! Treat your taste buds with a variety of pre-cooked hams – canned or vacuumed sealed from federally inspected plants. Serve it cold or warm to an internal temperature of 145°F for the perfect flavor explosion that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
How long is a precooked ham good for after heating?
Delectable hams that are labeled “fully cooked” can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or heated up to a delightful 140° F. Refrigeration is key; plastic-wrapped ones stay fresh for about 7 days, but take notice of those packaged in vacuum sealed bags – they should only last until their expiration date.
How do you cook a fully cooked ham?
Bring your holiday ham back to life! To enjoy a perfectly-reheated slice, place it on a rack in the roasting pan and add some water. Then wrap the whole thing tightly with foil before slipping into an oven preheated at 325F for 16-20 minutes per pound until you’ve reached 135 F – when tested by meat thermometer.
How do you know when a ham is cooked?
The USDA advises that all fresh and ready-to-eat hams be cooked to a delightful temperature of 325°F, ensuring they reach an internal warmth of 145°F before being served. Get your thermometers at the ready – it’s time for some tasty ham.
How long can you keep a fully cooked ham in the refrigerator?
Storing cooked ham can be easy and convenient – just pop it in the fridge or freezer! Keep your delicious dish fresh for up to three days by storing it airtightly. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then enjoy yummy meals throughout the week or month.
Can you glaze a fully cooked ham?
To transform your pre-cooked ham into the perfect centerpiece for a special occasion, glaze it ahead of time and then quickly reheat in the oven. It’s an easy process that takes no more than 30 minutes – usually only 10 minutes per pound.
How do you heat and glaze a fully cooked ham?
Infuse your ham with the exquisite flavor of glaze by baking it to perfection! Unwrap, score and apply a special homemade glaze before cranking up the heat for 15-20 minutes. The result? A tantalizingly tender turkey that registers 140F on its thermometer after being cooked at 325 F for approx. 18 minutes each pound – don’t forget basting while you’re at it.
Do you remove the skin from a fully cooked ham?
When you’re prepping a smoked ham, make sure to remove the thick and chewy rind – it’s not at all appetizing! The top of the meat will be completely encased in this tough outer layer but on the underside, only some parts may have been covered. Underneath that brown crust lies succulent goodness waiting for your tastes buds’ discovery.
Chef Angelo Landi has been in the culinary industry for over 20 years, and he has spent the last six of those developing the menu for Coal Vines. His favorite pizza on the menu is the Spicey Meatball, which is made with spicy sausage, pepperoni, and calabrese salami. When he’s not in the kitchen cooking up a storm, Chef Angelo enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.
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