Ham is a delicious centerpiece for many holiday meals and family gatherings. But getting a large, cooked ham safely from point A to point B can be a challenge. With proper planning and precautions, you can keep your ham appetizing, attractive and safe for guests to enjoy.
Follow this comprehensive guide for tips on preparing, packing, transporting and serving cooked ham without a hitch.
Choosing the Right Ham
Start with a high quality cooked ham that suits your needs:
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Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in hams hold their shape better for slicing. Boneless are easier to carve.
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Glazed or unglazed – Glazes add flavor but can get sticky. Unglazed needs you to add your own.
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Spiral cut – Pre-sliced in a spiral pattern means easier serving
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Size – Estimate how many servings you need. Whole bone-in hams are 15-20 lbs.
Select a ham cured and smoked properly to be cooked to temperature without drying out. Read labels and ask questions at the butcher counter.
Advance Preparation
Proper planning prevents poor ham! Follow these steps
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Cook it – Cook your ham 1-2 days before transporting This allows it to cool and firm up
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Carve it (optional) – For boneless hams, carving before transport helps maintain shape and slices.
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Portion it – Cut bone-in hams into smaller portions to reheat separate servings later.
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Save juices – Refrigerate ham juices to pour over reheated portions or use in recipes.
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Refrigerate – Chill ham thoroughly before packing to keep it cold longer.
Packing Protections
Use these methods to protect ham shape, texture and safety:
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Wrap tightly – Prevent drying by wrapping ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
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Seal airtight – Use containers with tight-fitting lids to seal in moisture.
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Freeze gel packs – Place ham in insulated cooler with frozen gel packs to keep chilled.
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Cushion slices – Separate carved ham slices with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
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Buckle up – Pack ham securely to prevent shifting during transport.
Transporting Pro Tips
Follow these top tips for safe travels:
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Pack Chilled – Transfer ham straight from fridge into cooler.
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Limit Openings – Avoid opening cooler repeatedly to maintain temperature.
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Stay Cold – Use enough frozen packs to surround ham and maintain under 40°F.
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Keep Cool – Don’t leave cooler in direct sun; keep in air conditioning if possible.
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2 Hour Limit – Refrigerate any portions not eaten within 2 hours of removing from cooler.
Serving Success
You made it! Finish strong with these serving recommendations:
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Check Temp – Use a food thermometer to verify ham is above 140°F before serving.
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Freshen Up – Unwrap ham and brush with glaze, juices or broth to restore moisture if needed.
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Rest Before Carving – Let ham sit 20-30 minutes after removing from cooler for easier slicing.
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Sharpen Knives – Use sharp, smooth-edged knives for thin, even slices.
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Cut Across Grain – Carve across the grain for tender slices.
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Moisten as You Go – Brush juices onto cut surfaces to keep meat from drying out.
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Refrigerate Leftovers – Store leftovers promptly in airtight containers. Discard any ham left out over 2 hours.
Troubleshooting Ham Problems
Q: My ham dried out during transport. Help!
A: Unfortunately dried out ham can’t be reversed. Next time, wrap extra tightly and ensure ham is completely chilled. Consider cutting into portions to reheat with added moisture.
Q: The ham shifted and some slices are smushed. What now?
A: Gently reform the shape as best you can and continue slicing. Avoid damaged portions when serving or use them chopped in recipes. Pack more cushioning next time.
Q: I can’t tell if my ham stayed cold enough. Is it still safe?
A: When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk foodborne illness. Stick to the 2 hour rule after removing from cooler and monitor cooler temperature closely.
Q: The bone poked through the foil. Did I ruin the ham?
A: Not necessarily! Unwrap, trim any dried portions and brush with glaze or broth before serving. Next time, use a more rigid container to protect shape. Or consider deboning.
Q: My glaze smudged onto other food. What do I do?
A: Unfortunately glaze can’t be removed fully once smudged onto other items. Next time, wrap glazed items separately and use nonstick containers or liners if needed.
Keep On Carving
Transporting cooked ham requires strategy and know-how. With proper planning, packing, and serving, your holiday ham can arrive looking beautiful and tasting delicious. Follow these tips for hassle-free ham travel every time you need to carve, carpool and carry-on this crowd-pleasing roast.
How to Transport an Easter Ham in Your Vehicle
The host should usually be in charge of cooking a big main dish like an Easter ham because it can be hard to move. But maybe their oven broke down the day before, or maybe they have the biggest dining room table but you can’t trust them in the kitchen. Either way, if you are in charge of bringing the ham, we recommend:
- Cook it as you prefer.
- Leave it in the roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil when it’s done.
- Wrap everything in old towels to help keep it hot.
- Put it in a laundry basket and fill up the extra space with towels to keep it from moving around while you’re driving.
Tips for Transporting Food in a Vehicle
Coming up is Easter, and we can’t wait to eat a delicious meal with our family and friends. When there is a large crowd, cooking a full meal can be overwhelming for whoever is hosting. We are often asked to bring something to the meal to make things easier for the hostess. There are lots of tasty recipes that everyone loves. The only problem that we experience is trying to transport our dish without a disaster occurring. Luckily, we have some tips to help you out.
How to Reheat a Fully Cooked Spiral Ham | Step by Step
FAQ
Can you travel with a cooked ham?
How do you keep ham warm and moist after cooking?
How long can a fully cooked ham be unrefrigerated?
How do you reheat a cooked ham without drying it out?
How should a ham be stored?
Ham should be stored tightly wrapped to prevent the meat from drying out due to exposure to air. Whenever possible, leave the ham wrapped in its original package to minimize handling of the meat. If the original package is open, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil, a leak proof bag, or place in an airtight container.
How do you keep a Ham Warm when traveling?
Pack the turkey or ham in an insulated cooler with ice or frozen packs just before your travel to keep it cold. Before serving, warm the meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit once you get at your location. People often inquire about the best method to keep a ham warm.
How do you store leftover ham?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil, an airtight bag or airtight container and then store in a refrigerator at 40°F or less. See Storage Chart below for storage time of leftovers. Do not slice the ham until just before serving. Slices will lose moisture and dry out faster than uncut pieces.
How do you cook a spiral ham?
Ham is being heated. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the ham from its package and put it face down in a baking dish or roasting pan. (Lie the whole ham on its side.) Heat at 275°F for 12-15 minutes per pound, firmly covered with a lid, foil, or in a cooking bag. What is the best way to cook a spiral ham?