Quickly Warming Ham And Cheese: How Long In The Oven?

Whether you're making a hot ham and cheese sandwich or warming up a holiday ham, knowing how long to warm ham and cheese in the oven is a handy skill. For sandwiches, the oven should be preheated to 325°F and the sandwiches should be baked for 12 to 15 minutes. If you're warming up a fully cooked ham, it's best to use a meat thermometer and heat the ham to an internal temperature of 140°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can estimate 10 to 15 minutes per pound of ham or 16 to 20 minutes per pound.

How long to warm a fully-cooked ham

If you're looking to warm a fully-cooked ham, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, a fully cooked ham can be sliced and served cold or at room temperature, so there is no need to reheat it. However, if you prefer to eat your ham warm, there are a few methods you can use.

One option is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the ham, cut-side down, in a heavy-duty aluminium foil-lined jelly roll pan. Let the ham stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Brush some glaze over the ham and bake it, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F. Be sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes with the glaze and keep an eye on it, covering it loosely with foil if it starts to get too dark.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can estimate the cooking time based on the weight of your ham. A rough estimate is 16-20 minutes per pound, aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F. However, it's important to ensure that your ham is completely thawed before heating it, as cooking it semi-frozen can lead to uneven results.

Another option for warming your ham is to use a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker and add about 1 cup of ginger ale, cola, stock, or water. Heat the ham on low for approximately 8 to 10 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for a fully cooked ham or 145°F for a "cook before eating" ham.

Remember, the most important thing when warming a fully-cooked ham is to avoid drying it out. Use a roasting pan, add a little water to the bottom, and cover it while it's reheating.

Warming a precooked ham in the oven

A fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham, also known as a "city ham", can be sliced and served cold or at room temperature without the need for reheating. However, if you prefer your ham warmed, it is possible to reheat it in the oven. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your ham stays moist and flavoursome.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Place the ham, cut-side-down, in a heavy-duty aluminium foil-lined jelly roll pan. This will make cleaning easier and help retain moisture in the ham. Let the ham stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Move the oven rack to the lowest position. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Brush the glaze of your choice over the ham with a heatproof spatula or pastry brush. You can make your own glaze or use a store-bought one. If you are using a store-bought glaze, it may come with a packet of glaze that you can use. Balance the sweetness of the glaze with another flavour, such as a spice, herb, or citrus. You can also add a small amount of spirits like bourbon or rum to spike your glaze.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

Bake the glazed ham in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F. Baste the ham every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of the glaze. Keep an eye on the ham, and if it starts getting too dark, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the ham from the oven and spoon the pan drippings over it. Let the glazed ham stand for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can estimate the cooking time at 16-20 minutes per pound. However, it is recommended to cook the ham to an internal temperature of 140°F.
• To prevent the ham from drying out, use a roasting pan and add a little water (not more than 1 cm) to the bottom. Cover the ham while it's reheating.
• If you plan to glaze the ham, it is best to do so after the ham is heated. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and apply the glaze, then bake until the glaze is golden brown.
• Leftover cooked ham must be reheated to a temperature of at least 165°F.

How to avoid drying out the ham

To avoid drying out the ham, it's important to ensure that moisture is retained during the reheating process. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Use a Roasting Pan and Add Water

Use a roasting pan and add a small amount of water to the bottom—no more than 1 cm. This helps to prevent the ham from drying out by providing a source of moisture during reheating.

Cover with Aluminium Foil

Wrap the top of the pan with aluminium foil before placing the ham in the oven. This helps to retain moisture by preventing the juices from escaping during the baking process, keeping the ham moist.

Brine the Ham

For a foolproof method, brine the ham for 24 to 48 hours before baking. Brining adds flavour and helps achieve the desired texture, ensuring the ham is juicy and flavourful when served.

Add a Glaze

Apply a glaze to the ham before reheating. The glaze adds flavour and moisture to the ham. Brush the glaze onto the ham occasionally during baking to retain moisture and enhance flavour.

Reheat at a Lower Temperature

Reheat the ham at a lower temperature, such as 325°F, and cover it with foil or use a baking bag. This slow and low approach helps prevent moisture evaporation, keeping the ham from drying out.

Use a Meat Thermometer

To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the ham. Aim for an internal temperature of about 140°F. This helps ensure the ham doesn't dry out during the reheating process.

How to make a ham and cheese sandwich

Ingredients

• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic salt
• Dijon mustard
• Hard rolls or buns
• Shaved deli ham
• Swiss cheese

Optional Ingredients

• Poppy seeds
• Onions

Utensils

• Cookie sheet
• Oven
• Meat thermometer
• Griddle (optional)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.
• Mix softened butter, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and dijon mustard.
• Spread the mixture generously on both sides of the buns.
• Add ham and a slice of cheese to make the sandwiches.
• Wrap each sandwich in foil.
• Bake on a cookie sheet for 12 to 15 minutes until the buns are toasted and the cheese is melted.
• Alternatively, cook the sandwiches on a griddle using indirect heat.

Tips

• If you don't like mustard, leave it out.
• You can add poppy seeds and onions to the spread for extra taste.
• If you don't have an oven, you can grill the sandwiches by assembling them, wrapping them in foil, and grilling for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

How to glaze a ham

To warm ham and cheese in the oven, it is recommended to bake for 12 to 15 minutes in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the buns to get toasted and the cheese to melt.

A fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham (also known as a "city ham") can be served cold or at room temperature without reheating. However, many people prefer to reheat and glaze their hams. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to glaze a ham:

• Choose your glaze: The sky's the limit when it comes to selecting a glaze for your ham. You can balance the sweetness with spices, herbs, or citrus. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum to your glaze, but be careful not to add too much liquid.
• Prepare the ham: Place the ham cut-side-down, in a heavy-duty aluminium foil-lined pan. Let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Apply the glaze: Brush your chosen glaze all over the outside of the ham. If your ham is pre-sliced, be sure to brush the glaze in between the slices for maximum flavour.
• Bake the ham: Move the oven rack to the lowest position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the glazed ham in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Baste the ham with 1/2 cup of glaze every 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the ham, and if it starts to get too dark, loosely cover it with foil.
• Check the temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. When the temperature reaches 140°F, your ham is ready.
• Rest and serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle the pan drippings over the ham for extra flavour and moisture.

Enjoy your delicious glazed ham!

Frequently asked questions