Honey baked ham is a beloved holiday tradition, but the leftovers shouldn’t go to waste Turkey breast leftovers can also be transformed into quick, delicious meals with proper reheating But reheating such lean meat correctly is vital to prevent drying out.
In this guide, you’ll learn foolproof methods to reheat honey baked ham and turkey breast. With the right techniques you can enjoy moist, fully-flavored leftover ham and turkey any night of the week.
Why Proper Reheating is Crucial for Leftover Ham and Turkey
Ham and turkey breast meat are naturally lean and prone to drying out, even more so with reheating. Honey baked hams and turkey breasts have a deliciously glazed exterior that should remain slightly crispy. But improper reheating can ruin the taste and texture:
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Overcooking makes the meat tough dry, and stringy.
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High heat can melt off the glaze coating and turn it soggy.
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Uneven heating means some parts are hot while others are still cold.
To avoid these pitfalls, reheating using the right methods at lower temperatures is key. The glaze caramelization can even be enhanced with the right techniques!
How to Reheat Leftover Honey Baked Ham Slices
For reheating leftover honey baked ham slices or chunks, the oven and skillet work best. Here are tips for each method:
Oven Reheating
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Preheat oven to 300°F to prevent overcooking.
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Place ham slices or chunks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Thicker cuts may need more time.
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Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to recrisp glazed exterior. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Skillet Reheating
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tsp oil or butter.
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Add ham slices/chunks and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
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Add a splash of water or broth and cover to steam and enhance juiciness.
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Simmer for 1-2 minutes; stirring occasionally until heated through.
Microwave Reheating
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Arrange ham slices on a microwave-safe plate.
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Microwave in 30 second bursts, checking between until slices are warmed through.
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Do not overcook as the microwave can quickly dry out ham.
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Optionally brush with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar glaze before serving.
Tips
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Double check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. 145°F or above is ideal.
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Add more glaze once reheated if the initial glaze dried out.
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Add a dash of water or broth to leftovers to prevent drying out.
Reheating Leftover Baked Turkey Breast
Since turkey breast meat is extra lean, special care must be taken when reheating to prevent drying out. Here are some excellent methods:
Oven Reheating
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey breast slices or chunks in an oven-safe dish.
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Add a few spoonfuls of turkey broth, water, or wine to the bottom of the dish for moisture.
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Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Skillet Reheating
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Heat 1 tsp oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
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Add turkey slices/chunks. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a splash of broth as needed.
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Once turkey is almost heated through, add your favorite glaze like cranberry sauce or gravy.
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Toss or fold to coat turkey and finish reheating.
Microwave Reheating
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Place turkey breast slices in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water or broth.
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Microwave in 30 second increments, checking frequently to prevent overdrying.
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Allow to rest for a minute before serving.
Tips
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Add extra broth or gravy while reheating for enhanced moisture and flavor.
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Let the turkey breast rest for 5 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.
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Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage when reheating for a flavor boost.
Properly reheated turkey breast turns out moist and delicious every time. Use your preferred glazes, rubs and seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even when using the right technique, reheating ham and turkey can occasionally result in dry, stringy meat. Here are some common problems and fixes:
Problem: Meat is dry and stringy
Solution: Use lower heat and add more liquid. Tent foil over meat or use a lid to trap steam. Add juices/gravy and baste the meat as it reheats.
Problem: Glazed exterior is soggy
Solution: Use higher heat at the end like broiling to recrisp the outside glaze. Avoid adding too much liquid which can dissolve the glaze.
Problem: Meat is unevenly heated
Solution: Slice meat thinner and break up larger chunks to facilitate even reheating. Stir and flip meat frequently as it reheats.
Problem: Ham/Turkey loses flavor
Solution: Add spices, rubs, herbs, broth, juices or glazes when reheating to boost flavor. Inject extra glaze into the meat before reheating.
With a bit of trial and error, you’ll be able to reheat honey baked ham and turkey perfectly every time. The key is controlling heat and moisture properly.
Serving Ideas for Reheated Ham and Turkey
Once you’ve mastered the reheating process, get creative with how you serve the leftovers. Here are some delicious ideas:
Honey Baked Ham
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Ham and cheese sliders or paninis
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Diced ham in scrambled eggs or omelets
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Ham fried rice or pasta tossed with peas
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Ham, brie, and apple sandwich with honey mustard
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Split pea soup with ham chunks or hocks
Baked Turkey Breast
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Turkey cranberry sliders with stuffing
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Open-faced turkey melts with gravy
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Chopped turkey added to casseroles and pot pies
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Turkey salad sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and bacon
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Healthy turkey wrap with avocado and sprouts
With the right reheating techniques, you can transform your holiday leftovers into amazing everyday meals. Get the most out of your honey baked ham and turkey!
Storing Reheated Ham and Turkey Safely
To safely store leftover ham and turkey after reheating:
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Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate within 2 hours.
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Store in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
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Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
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For longer term storage, freeze reheated meat for 2-3 months.
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When freezing, portion into meal sizes. Remove air from freezer bags.
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Avoid repeated reheating cycles which diminish quality. Eat refrigerated leftovers promptly.
Following safe practices prevents harmful bacteria growth and keeps your reheated ham and turkey fresh. With proper storage, you can enjoy the flavors of the holidays long after the official gatherings.
Enjoy Your Reheated Holiday Meats Year-Round
You worked hard preparing a beautiful glazed ham or turkey breast for the holidays. Don’t let the leftovers go to waste! With smart reheating methods and safety practices, leftover baked ham and turkey can be enjoyed whenever you crave those nostalgic flavors.
Use lower oven temperatures, nonstick skillets, a bit of broth/glaze, and meat thermometers for perfect results. Then get creative transforming the leftovers into quick, tasty meals. With the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to reheat honey baked ham and turkey breast to moist, delicious perfection every time.
