The convection oven is a great tool for cooking pre-cooked ham, as reheating pre-cooked hams in a convection oven is a fast, easy, and reliable method. Pre-cooked hams already come cooked, and so reheating them in the convection oven involves only a few steps to ensure no dryness or undercooking. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare a mouthwatering pre-cooked ham in a convection oven.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Oven
First, you’ll have to select the right ham for your oven. Choose a quality ham that is pre-cooked and has a good ratio of fat for flavor. Avoid selecting pre-cooked hams that have added solution or brine as they could impart an odd texture after reheating. Select a small ham that best fits the size of your convection oven.
When selecting a ham, look for one that is labeled as “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”. This will ensure that the ham is safe to eat without any additional cooking. Additionally, look for hams that are labeled as “natural” or “hormone-free”, as these are typically of higher quality and have fewer additives. Finally, consider the size of the ham when selecting one for your oven. A larger ham may require more time to reheat, so choose one that is the right size for your oven.
Preparing Your Oven for Cooking the Ham
The next step is preheating your convection oven. Set the temperature to 325°F and press the ‘convection’ button if your oven has one. After preheating, place the ham onto a roasting rack positioned in the middle of a shallow roasting pan.
Once the ham is in the oven, you should baste it every 15 minutes with the pan juices. This will help to keep the ham moist and flavorful. Additionally, you should cover the ham with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too quickly. This will help to prevent it from burning.
Heating the Pre-Cooked Ham in a Convection Oven
Submerge the pre-cooked ham in a convenient amount of boiling water for roughly 10 minutes, making sure that it is properly covered. This will loosen and moisten the outer layer of the ham before heating. After boiling, reduce the heat of the oven to 325°F and place the pre-cooked ham onto a center rack in the convection oven. Set a timer for 38 minutes or until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached. The internal temperature of your pre-cooked ham should be checked periodically with an instant-read thermometer.
Once the pre-cooked ham has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy meal. Enjoy!
Adding Flavoring to Your Pre-Cooked Ham
To add flavorings or sauces, wait until 10 minutes before the estimated cooking time is over. Liberally brush the ham with honey, molasses, or your favorite glaze before popping it back into the oven for the remaining 10 minutes. The sugars and glazes will caramelize in the oven, creating a gorgeous and appetizing crust.
If you’re looking for a more savory flavor, you can also brush the ham with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs. This will give the ham a delicious, garlicky flavor that will be sure to please your guests. You can also add a sprinkle of brown sugar to the mixture for a hint of sweetness.
Checking Internal Temperature of the Pre-Cooked Ham
Before eating your pre-cooked ham, it must be tested for safety. Check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If the temperature is not reached, keep heating in 5 minutes increments until done.
When checking the internal temperature of the pre-cooked ham, make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. This will ensure that the temperature is accurate and that the ham is cooked all the way through. Additionally, it is important to clean the thermometer after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Carving and Serving Your Pre-Cooked Ham
After taking the pre-cooked ham out of the oven, let it cool down before carving. Then, use a sharp knife and cutting board to carefully remove the sliceable sections. Serve with warm sides and sauces.
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Cooked Pre-Cooked Ham
Here are some tips to ensure perfectly cooked and flavored pre-cooked ham in your convection oven:
- Boiling Water: Boil the ham in water for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating and avoid dryness.
- Brushes: Use brushes for glazes and sauces for easy application over the entire surface of the pre-cooked ham.
- High Temperature: Set your oven for 325°F for proper heating of your pre-cooked ham.
- Internal Temperature: Check the internal temperature of your pre-cooked ham using an instant-read thermometer regularly.
With these steps, you can now easily make a delicious pre-cooked ham in your convection oven with perfect flavor and texture.
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