Buy an instant-read thermometer—they cost about ten bucks and change your life. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding bone. Wait three seconds, and boom: you know exactly what’s happening inside.
No more guessing, no more cutting open the ham to peek. You are now a scientist-chef, and the data is delicious. Plus, you can impress guests by casually saying, “Just checking the core temp—hold on.”
A moment for the leftover ham
Leftover ham? Reheat it gently to 165°F for food safety (especially if serving a crowd). But don’t nuke it into a hockey puck—warm slowly in a pan with a splash of broth or honey. That’s love, in temperature form.
Leftover ham becomes sandwiches, soups, or breakfast hash. And now you know how to bring it back to life without turning it into cardboard. You’re basically a ham whisperer.
Ham Cooking Temperature: Safe Internal Temperatures