How To Cook A Frozen Pre Cooked Ham

Unlocking the Secrets of Cooking a Frozen Pre-Cooked Ham

A juicy and delicious ham is a beloved centerpiece of many meals, but what do you do when you forgot to thaw your pre-cooked ham in advance? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this guide on how to cook a frozen pre-cooked ham to perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to note that a frozen pre-cooked ham should always be thawed before cooking if possible. Thawing it in the refrigerator overnight is the best method for ensuring even cooking. However, if time is not on your side, fret not! We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves.

Method 1: Slow and Low

One method for cooking a frozen pre-cooked ham is to use the slow and low approach. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Remove any packaging or wrapping from the ham.
3. Place the frozen ham on a roasting rack or in a baking dish.
4. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound.
6. Check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer. It should read 140°F (60°C) when fully cooked.
7. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

This slow and low method will result in a tender and juicy ham that is cooked all the way through. Remember to keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Method 2: Double Dipping

If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can try the double dipping method. Here’s how:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Submerge the frozen pre-cooked ham in the boiling water.
3. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Cook the ham for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
5. Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes.

This method may result in a slightly less juicy ham compared to the slow and low method, but it still yields a deliciously cooked ham in a shorter amount of time.

Method 3: The Instant Pot Game Changer

For those with an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, this method will be a game changer. Here’s how:

1. Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the Instant Pot.
2. Add 1-2 cups of water to the pot.
3. Place the frozen pre-cooked ham on the trivet or in the steamer basket.
4. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes per pound.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the ham from the Instant Pot and let it rest before serving.

The Instant Pot infuses the ham with flavor while keeping it moist and tender. It’s a convenient and efficient way to cook a frozen pre-cooked ham without sacrificing taste.

Now that you have these three methods in your arsenal, you can confidently cook a frozen pre-cooked ham to perfection. Whether you choose the slow and low method, the double dipping method, or the Instant Pot game changer, your delicious ham will be the highlight of your meal. Bon appétit!