How To Cook Frozen Ham? – Easy & Quick Ways

Maybe you have bought a frozen ham, or you have some leftovers in the freezer, and now you are looking for the best way to cook it.

Do not worry; I will tell you everything about how to cook frozen ham. When cooked properly, a frozen ham can be just as delicious as a fresh one.

However, it is essential to note that a frozen ham’s cooking times will differ. A good rule of thumb is to add about 50% more cooking time to the recommended cook time for a fresh ham.

Another essential thing to remember is that you should never try to cook a frozen ham without thawing it first. This can lead to uneven cooking and even food poisoning. The safest way to thaw a frozen ham is in the refrigerator; this will take several hours, so plan ahead.

Once your ham is thawed, you are ready to cook it. You can cook the ham in the oven, slow cooker, or microwave. However, we recommend cooking it in the oven or slow cooker for the best results.

Now I will give you some tips on how to cook your frozen ham differently!

How To Cook Frozen Ham In The Oven?

It’s simple to prepare a frozen ham in the oven. But first, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then, line a roasting rack with paper towels and lay the ham on top of it in a roasting pan. To keep the ham moist, add water to the bottom of the pan before placing it in the oven.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about two hours until the ham reaches 160 degrees F internally.

How To Cook Frozen Ham In Slow Cooker?

Maybe you have a party and want to keep the ham warm. In this case, the slow cooker is ideal!

To cook a frozen ham in the slow cooker, fill the pot halfway with water and submerge the ham. Set to low for six to eight hours or until the center of the ham reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Read More: 6 Best Frozen Pie Crust – Make Your Baking Life Easier!

How To Cook Frozen Ham In The Microwave?

Sometimes you are out of time and need to cook the ham quickly. In this case, you can cook it in the microwave.

Place the ham in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with water. Microwave on high for four to five minutes or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can follow the above methods if your ham is thawed. But what if you forget to thaw the ham or don’t have time?

How To Cook Frozen Ham Without Thawing?

Maybe you have an unexpected group of friends and don’t have time to thaw the ham. In this case, you can cook it without thawing it.

Yes! It will take 50 percent longer to cook, but it is possible.

1. In The Oven

You can trust your oven to cook a delicious frozen ham. First, heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then, place the ham in a roasting pan with an inch of water. Cover it with foil and bake for 18 to 20 minutes per pound.

For example, if your ham weighs seven pounds, you should cook it for two hours and 30 minutes.

2. In A Slow Cooker

You will need a large slow cooker to cook a frozen ham. First, fill the pot halfway with water and submerge the ham.

Set your oven to low and cook the ham. Ensure the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which should take 10 to 12 hours.

3. In The Microwave

The microwave is not ideal for preparing frozen ham, but it is possible. You can use your microwave to thaw the ham before cooking it or cook it directly from frozen.

To cook a frozen ham in the microwave, place it in a dish with one inch of water. Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes per pound.

Let the ham rest for three to five minutes before carving.

Now you know how to cook a frozen ham in different ways! So whether you are short on time or forgot to thaw the ham, these methods will help you cook a delicious meal for your family and friends.

My Method Of Cooking Frozen Ham (With Recipe)

We have our method of cooking frozen ham that is simple and delicious. This recipe is for a three to five-pound ham.

To start with this, you will first need to gather the following ingredients:

• One and a half cups of water
• A three to five-pound frozen boneless ham (spiral-sliced would be the best)
• One-fourth cup of unsalted butter (It should be melted)
• One-third cup of brown sugar

You don’t need to thaw the ham before cooking. I like to use frozen ham because it helps keep the meat moist during cooking.

First, you will need to place a rack at your Instant Pot’s bottom. Then, fill the pot with one and a half cups of water. 

Then, lay your frozen ham on a large aluminum foil (heavy-duty) sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the top of the ham and then sprinkle it with brown sugar. Press the sugar into the ham using your hands, forcing it to adhere. Then wrap up the sides of the foil to seal in the meat.

Place the foil-wrapped ham on the rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot.

Now, it’s time to cook the ham. First, put the lid on the pot and set it to manual high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pot to natural release for 10 minutes. Then release the pot air.

Carefully remove the ham from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to rest for five to 10 minutes before carving.

This ham is delicious and served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. Enjoy!

FAQs – How To Cook Frozen Ham

Cook Your Ham Frozen If You’re In A Rush

Now that you know how to cook frozen ham, you can have dinner on the table in no time! So whether you are short on time or forgot to thaw the ham, these methods will help you get a delicious meal on the table in no time.

• One important tip is to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. This ensures that the ham is cooked all the way through and safe to eat.

• Another tip is to allow the ham to rest for five to 10 minutes after cooking before carving. It will make the ham more flavorful and moist as more and more juices will distribute throughout the meat.

If you are looking for delicious frozen ham recipes to make for your next family gathering, try this method of cooking frozen ham. It is simple and delicious!