Today, I am going to show you how to slow cook a precooked ham in the oven. With this method you’ll get a perfectly baked ham slathered with a homemade Brown Sugar Glaze. It’s a tasty and easy dish you can make in the oven for special occasions or a holiday meal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes Christmas or Easter dinner extra special with no muss or fuss. Let’s get started!
Cured, smoked, and baked are all indicators that the ham you’re about to buy has been pre-cooked. In fact, most ham you buy at the grocery store is already safe to eat and you just have to reheat it. Plus around Easter or Christmas, they tend to go on sale!
I always buy a fully-cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham because it’s an easy way to have most of the work already done for me. But taking a few extra steps while baking your ham can bring it from good to great. I love the Kirkland Signature Ham from Costco because the flavor and price can’t be beaten.
No. Both whole or half, cooked, vacuum-packaged hams packaged in federally inspected plants and canned hams can be eaten cold, right out of the package. However, if you want to reheat these cooked hams, set the oven no lower than 325 °F and heat to an internal temperature of 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer.
How to Bake a Precooked Ham
For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what you can expect when making this recipe:
What Else Do I Need?
- A meat thermometer is pretty essential when cooking big cuts like this one. Invest in a good one like this and you’ll be set for a long time.
- The last thing you’ll need for this recipe is this Brown Sugar Ham Glaze. It’s such a simple addition but it really takes this ham to new heights. Of course, any glaze is fine, but I love this glaze recipe because it’s the best pairing of savory and sweet, matching garlic with maple syrup, brown sugar, and mustard. All glazes should basically do the same thing: caramelize the outside and give more flavor. Some (most?) precooked ham come with a glaze packet in the packaging. That will work fine, but I prefer my glaze flavor MUCH better.
Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham
FAQ
Can you eat a precooked ham without cooking it?
Can you eat ham straight from the package?
Is supermarket ham already cooked?
Do I need to cook ham before baking?
Do hams need to be fully cooked?
Some store bought hams may be fully cooked, while others may need to be cooked thoroughly before consumption. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid undercooking or overcooking the ham, which can result in foodborne illnesses or less palatable taste.
Should you cook store-bought Ham?
The answer is no. Store-bought ham is already cooked, cured, and smoked, making it safe to eat right out of the package. However, cooking it can enhance its flavor and texture, making it more enjoyable for some people. In conclusion, while it is not necessary to cook store-bought ham, doing so can help improve its taste and texture.
Does uncured ham need to be cooked?
However, uncured ham may still require cooking, depending on its specific preparation and processing methods. When a ham isn’t cooked, the label usually states the need for cooking and provides cooking instructions. Cooking uncured ham generally involves baking it in the oven, covering it with foil, and flipping the fat side up.
Should Ham be refrigerated before cooking?
Additionally, it’s crucial to keep the ham refrigerated until it’s ready to be cooked, as leaving it at room temperature can also lead to bacterial growth. By taking these cooking precautions, you can enjoy a delicious and safe meal with store bought ham. There are various reasons why cooking store-bought ham is highly beneficial for your health.