Heating up leftovers from a honey baked ham or roasted turkey breast is a great way to enjoy those holiday flavors again without all the work. The key is to reheat them gently to keep the meat moist and tender. Here are some tips for the best way to heat up a honey baked ham or roasted turkey breast.
Should you refrigerate before reheating?
Yes, it’s important to refrigerate cooked ham and turkey before reheating. Leaving them out too long at room temperature allows bacteria to grow. Refrigerating them ensures they stay safe to eat. Place any leftover sliced ham or turkey in an airtight container or rewrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. Store for 3-4 days maximum.
Can you freeze a honey baked ham or roasted turkey?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to preserve holiday ham and turkey for longer storage. Slice the cooked meat and place in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible. Turkey can keep for 2-3 months and ham up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What is the best way to reheat a honey baked ham?
For reheating sliced honey baked ham, the oven is ideal. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place ham slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For a whole half-ham, bake covered at 325°F for 1 hour per pound.
The microwave can also be used to reheat ham slices. Place them between two damp paper towels and microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, checking often.
What about reheating a roasted turkey breast?
For sliced roasted turkey breast, place slices in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot. Check often to prevent drying out.
Microwaving turkey slices is also an option. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.
Tips for reheating ham and turkey
- Use the defrost setting first if refrigerated more than 2 days
- Reheat thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature
- Cover with broth, turkey gravy, or au jus to add moisture
- Keep reheating times short to prevent drying out
- Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving
- Add a tablespoon of water to sliced meat before microwaving
- Stir or flip meat halfway through microwaving
- Carve off any dried edges after reheating before serving
Can you reheat ham and turkey in a slow cooker?
Yes, a slow cooker can be used to gently reheat leftover holiday ham and turkey. Place sliced meat in the slow cooker, add a small amount of broth, stock or water (about 1/4 cup), cover and heat on low for 2-3 hours until heated through. Stir halfway and add more liquid if needed to prevent drying out.
How long does reheated ham and turkey last?
For food safety, leftovers should not be reheated more than once. Reheated ham and turkey should be eaten within 3-4 days and leftovers stored in the refrigerator. Do not re-freeze meat after it has been reheated.
What are some serving ideas for reheated ham and turkey?
Get creative with your holiday leftovers! Here are some delicious ways to use up reheated ham and turkey:
- Slice and add to omelets, scrambles, quiches
- Dice and add to casseroles, pasta, salads, pizza
- Pile on sandwiches, paninis, wraps
- Top with cheese, bake into ham and turkey melts
- Toss with beans, rice, grains for a protein bowl
- Blend with broth and cream for creamy turkey or ham soup
- Make slider sandwiches on dinner rolls
- Chop and use in hash with vegetables
- Add to an omelet or breakfast tacos
Conclusion
With proper storage and reheating, leftover holiday ham and turkey can be safely enjoyed for up to a week after. The key is reheating thoroughly to 165°F using an oven or microwave, while keeping cook times short to prevent drying out the meat. Get creative with ways to use up your leftovers in sandwiches, sides, soups and other delicious recipes.
