The Perfect Guide to Warming Up Honey Baked Ham and Turkey

Honey Baked Ham and Turkey are delicious ready-to-eat holiday favorites With their magical blend of savory, smoked flavor and sweet, sticky glaze, they require no preparation beyond slicing and enjoying!

But some prefer to serve their holiday centerpiece warmed through. Though heating is not required for Honey Baked meats, you can gently warm them to bring out even more luscious flavor and aroma.

In this article, I’ll explain the best way to gently warm your Honey Baked Ham or Turkey without drying it out. With my tips and tricks, you’ll keep these holiday treats moist, flavorful and mouthwatering, whether served cold or warmed.

Should You Heat Honey Baked Meats?

Honey Baked Hams and Turkeys are famous for their ready-to-eat convenience straight from the fridge. Thanks to their unique curing and smoking method, these meats have an incredible texture and flavor just as they are.

Heating is not necessary or recommended, as it can cause the ham or turkey to lose moisture Serving them chilled allows you to enjoy their premium quality

However some people prefer the aroma and slightly softer texture of warmed meat. Gently warming Honey Baked products for short time just before serving can enhance their holiday flavors.

The key is warming them gently to prevent drying out. We’ll cover the best warming methods and tips to lock in succulent juiciness later in this article.

Benefits of Warming Up Honey Baked Ham and Turkey

Here are some benefits of gently warming your Honey Baked Ham or Turkey Breast:

• Brings out even more savory aroma

• Sofens texture slightly for easier slicing and chewing

• Allows flavors to bloom, like the sweet honey glaze

• Warms the center so it’s not too chilled

• Can make leftover slices taste fresher

• Gives a hot, just-cooked taste and mouthfeel

• Ideal for serving warm holiday side dishes and fixings

Just be sure to only warm them briefly right before eating. Extended heating can lead to dry, stringy meat.

Best Ways to Gently Heat Honey Baked Meats

You’ll want to choose a heating method that applies low, even heat. Here are some recommended options:

Oven – Heating sliced meat in the oven with foil tenting gives the most even warming. Use 275°F on low heat.

Microwave – Quick and easy for heating a few slices at a time. Use 30% power in short bursts.

Skillet – Warm single slices in a skillet on medium-low, adding a splash of water or juice.

Steamer – A steamer basket can warm slices while keeping them extra moist.

Crockpot – Use a crockpot on low to gently warm entire ham for a buffet.

Avoid intense direct heat like grilling, broiling, or pan frying. Stick to more gentle warming methods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Warming Honey Baked Ham

Follow my simple step-by-step method to flawlessly heat your holiday ham:

1. Preheat Oven or Skillet

Preheat oven to 275°F. Or heat a skillet over medium-low heat.

2. Slice Ham

Use a sharp knife to slice the ham into portions about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Place Slices on Sheet Pan

Arrange slices in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with foil.

4. Tent Foil Over Ham

Tent foil loosely over the slices, sealing the edges to trap in moisture.

5. Warm Ham

Place in oven and heat approximately 10 minutes per pound. For skillet, cook 2-3 minutes per side.

6. Check Internal Temperature

Test center of ham with a meat thermometer. Stop heating at 130°F.

7. Let Stand 5 Minutes

Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before serving for even warming.

And your Honey Baked Ham is ready to serve! Use this same method for warming turkey breast slices.

Handy Tips for Warming Up Honey Baked Meats

Follow these handy tips for warming success:

• Only heat as much as needed, not the whole ham.

• Use lower power and heat, like 30% in the microwave.

• Warm it slowly and gently, avoiding direct high heat.

• Watch it closely and test temperature to prevent overheating.

• Tent foil to trap in natural moisture and juices.

• Let it rest after warming so heat distributes evenly.

• Slice across the grain for tender, evenly heated pieces.

• Add a splash of water or juice to skiillet to keep it moist.

• Serve any pan juices accumulated for extra flavor.

Preventing Dry, Stringy Meat

It’s easy for ham to become dry, stringy and leathery if overheated. Here are some tips to retain moisture:

• Heat it only partially or lightly. Don’t try to fully reheat.

• Warm small batches or single slices at a time.

• Use indirect heat like ovens rather than direct stovetop heat.

• Limit heating time based on thickness to prevent overcooking edges.

• Check internal temp and don’t exceed 130°F in the center.

• Tent with foil to seal in natural juices and moisture as it heats.

If reheating an entire ham, keep it moist with glaze, pineapples slices, or apple juice in the pan. Monitor temperature carefully. Warming thoroughly could make it dry.

Enjoy It Hot or Cold

Part of the magic of Honey Baked Ham and Turkey is that they taste amazing right out of the fridge. Don’t feel obligated to heat them up – enjoy their ready-to-eat convenience!

But for those who prefer it warmed, use my tips to gently bring out their incredible flavors and aromas. With some simple precautions, you can serve Honey Baked meats hot while keeping them deliciously moist and tender.

Carefully warming your holiday ham or turkey can make the kitchen smell like the holidays and bring smiles around the table. Just be sure not to overdo it, and you’ll have juicy, mouthwatering slices the whole family will love.