master-cooks | Didn't Thaw Your Ham? Here's How To Cook It From Frozen

Cooking a frozen ham might seem daunting, but it can be done efficiently with a few straightforward steps. First, preheat your oven to 325°F. While the oven is warming, place the frozen ham in a roasting pan. It's important to remember that cooking times will increase when starting with a frozen piece, generally by about 50 percent compared to a thawed ham. For example, a thawed ham typically requires about 18 to 20 minutes per pound, so a frozen ham will need approximately 27 to 30 minutes per pound. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and place it in the oven. While the ham is cooking, prepare a glaze if desired. Common glazes include honey mustard or brown sugar, which can be applied during the final 30 minutes of cooking. To ensure the ham is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 140°F for pre-cooked hams and 145°F for uncooked hams. Once the ham is done, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This method ensures a delicious, juicy ham even if you forgot to thaw it in advance.

Other ways you can cook a frozen ham

In addition to oven roasting, there are two other methods for cooking a frozen ham. One of the easiest options is to use a slow cooker, as long as the ham isn't excessively large. When using a slow cooker, position the ham with the cut side facing down and add water or another liquid, like apple juice, along with any vegetables and seasonings you prefer. Depending on its size, cook the ham on low for four to six hours. After four hours, use a meat thermometer to check its progress and estimate when it will be fully cooked. You can also baste the ham with the drippings from the bottom of the slow cooker to enhance its juiciness.

Another option is to utilize a pressure cooker, which is also effective for cooking frozen chicken breasts. For this technique, place a trivet in the pressure cooker and set the ham cut-side down on top, along with any vegetables, liquids, and seasonings. Cook the ham on high pressure for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. To thicken the drippings, take out the ham, mix a cornstarch slurry into the pressure cooker, and use the sauté function until the mixture thickens.

Didn't Thaw Your Ham? Here's How To Cook It From Frozen

Other ways you can cook a frozen ham

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