Let’s say you forgot to thaw your ham for Easter brunch—or you remembered to move it to the fridge, but it didn’t fully thaw in time to cook according to your recipe. Fear not: Cooking a frozen ham is perfectly safe, according to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. To fully cook, it’ll just take about 50 percent longer than a thawed ham. (Still less time than it takes to thaw!)
Whether you planned to cook your ham in the oven, slow cooker or pressure cooker, you can go right ahead following these simple guidelines for a tender, juicy, flavorful main dish.
1. In a Conventional Oven
Your trusty oven works wonders when it comes to cooking just about anything, even a frozen ham. Heat your oven to 325°, then carefully place the ham in a roasting pan with an inch of water inside. Calculate the time needed for your ham to cook in the oven based on its weight. The rule of thumb is to cook for 18 to 20 minutes per pound.
No matter which method you choose, the USDA advises an internal temperature of at least 140° for pre-cooked hams that had been in their original packaging, 145° for uncooked ham, and 165° for leftover ham or meat that’s been re-packaged. And if you don’t already have one, here’s why you absolutely need a meat thermometer.
2. In a Slow Cooker
If you decide to cook your ham in a slow cooker—and you have a Crock-Pot large enough to fit it—cook it on the low setting for at least 6 to 8 hours. If you’re working with a larger frozen ham, you may need to allow up to 12 hours for it to fully cook. (Check the temp with your meat thermometer!)
Try the slow cooker method for an Easter brunch—just set your ham in on low overnight and wake up to a readymade feast.
3. In a Pressure Cooker
If you own an Instant Pot, you probably consider it your kitchen BFF. (We can attest!) The beauty of pressure cookers, like slow cookers, is that you can throw all of your ingredients into the pot at once and end up with a delicious meal. Carefully place your ham in the pressure cooker cut-side down, along with all the other ingredients in your recipe. Cook on high pressure for 30 to 35 minutes.
With a little extra cook time, you can make a frozen ham fabulous—and make these simple side dishes while you’re waiting.
50 Wonderful Ways to Eat Ham for Dinner
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Glazed Spiral-Sliced Ham
In my mind, few foods in a holiday spread are as tempting as a big, spiral-cut ham. I always hope for leftovers so we can have ham sandwiches in the following days. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
Your Easter celebration will be so simple to orchestrate with this sweet, smoky ham recipe at your fingertips. It feeds a crowd and the baked ham glaze tastes fantastic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sugar-Glazed Ham
This old-fashioned sugar glaze gives your ham a pretty, golden brown coating just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar and add tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia
Skillet Ham & Rice
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
Sliced Ham with Roasted Vegetables
To prepare this colorful, zesty oven meal, I "shop" in my backyard for the fresh garden vegetables and oranges (we have our own tree!) that spark the ham's hearty flavor. It's my family's favorite main dish. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona
Bourbon-Glazed Ham
Smoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Ham and Pea Pasta Alfredo
When I want a filling meal that even the kids enjoy, I toss ham and sugar snap peas with Romano cream sauce and pasta. —C.R. Monachino, Kenmore, New York
Zesty Grilled Ham
If it's ham, my kids will eat it, but they like this kicked-up recipe best of all. Even the small ones eat adult-sized portions, so be sure to make plenty. —Mary Ann Lien, Tyler, Texas
Slow-Cooked Ham
Entertaining doesn't get much easier than serving this tasty five-ingredient ham from the slow cooker. Bonus: The leftovers are delicious in casseroles! —Heather Spring, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
Beer-Braised Pulled Ham
To jazz up leftover ham, I slow-cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
With just four ingredients, this pineapple glaze for ham is straightforward and simple — just what you're looking for in a holiday ham with easy steps. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ham Steaks with Gruyere, Bacon & Mushrooms
This meat-lover’s breakfast has a big "wow" factor. It’s one of my favorites because the Gruyere, bacon and fresh mushrooms in the topping are a great combination.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Easy Citrus Ham
I created this recipe many years ago with items I already had on hand. Since then, it has become a family favorite. The ham is succulent with a mild citrus flavor. I was asked to share the recipe with a church social and there were so many raves, I knew the recipe was a winner! —Sheila Christensen, San Marcos, California
Creamy Mushroom Ham & Potatoes
Everyone loves these potatoes and always comes back for more. I like the comforting main dish because it uses only seven ingredients and is finished in the slow cooker.—Traci Meadows, Monett, Missouri
Broccoli Scalloped Potatoes
The combination of ham and cheese creates a wonderfully smoky flavor. I also love that I can cook an entire meal—vegetable and all—in one standout dish. —Denell Syslo, Fullerton, Nebraska
Asparagus Ham Dinner
I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
Maple-Peach Glazed Ham
This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it's so good and easy. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Cranberry Glazed Ham
That show-stopping entree you've been hoping for is right here, and it only takes five ingredients to make. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with succulent ham. —Joni Peterson, Wichita, Kansas
Potato Ham Omelet Pie
As a holiday kickoff, my family gets together in early December for a hearty brunch before going out to cut our Christmas trees. This flavorful breakfast pie, assembled in layers, was a big hit at last year's gathering. —Shelly Rynearson, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Orange-Glazed Ham
This delicious ham looked like a sparkling jewel on the table when my mom served it for Easter dinner. The flavor of the spice rub penetrates through every tender slice. Even its enticing aroma while baking can't match the wonderful taste. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Apricot Ginger Mustard-Glazed Ham
Although I usually buy spiral-sliced hams, I decided to do a home-baked ham with a gingery glaze. This is how you do special-occasion dining. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Ham with Mustard-Cream Sauce
This recipe really is too easy to taste so good! It's hard to believe three common ingredients can turn a ham slice into something so uncommonly special. Microwave some potatoes and open a bag of salad mix for a fuss-free meal. —Lisa Nelson, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Citrus-Molasses Glazed Ham
We are always searching for new ways to utilize Florida citrus, which is plentiful during the holidays in our own backyard. I know you will enjoy this. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Ham and Asparagus Casserole
With hard-cooked eggs and asparagus, this family-favorite casserole is perfect for all occasions. But it's especially nice for springtime brunches. —Donetta Brunner, Savanna, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Ham with Pineapple Sauce
We serve this dish during the holidays because everyone is crazy about it. But it makes it to the table all year-round because it’s super simple to prepare. —Terry Roberts, Yorktown, Virginia
Linguine with Ham & Swiss Cheese
My Grandmother used to make this for parties and potlucks. It was loved by all back then, and it still is today. If you don't have spinach linguine on hand, you can use all regular linguine.—Mary Savor, Woodburn, Indiana
Easy and Elegant Ham
I fix this moist, tender ham to serve my large family. It can be readied quickly in the morning, frees up my oven, tastes outstanding and can feed a crowd. Covered with colorful pineapple slices, cherries and orange glaze, its showstopping appearance appeals to both children and adults. —Denise DiPace, Medford, New Jersey
Ham and Bean Stew
You only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It's so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese. —Teresa D'Amato, East Granby, Connecticut
Ham & Cheese Ziti
This versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser. You can easily take the recipe and make it your own by changing up the cheeses or veggie. My family loves it! —Donna Bailey, Oreland, Pennsylvania
Glazed Pineapple Ham
This was the first time that I've ever done our holiday ham, and I was so happy with how crispy and juicy it turned out. It's going to be a new tradition. —Chrissy Clark, Boise, Idaho
Apricot Ham Steak
Ham is a versatile main menu item that's a standby with all country cooks. One of the best and easiest ways to serve ham slices is topped off with a slightly sweet glaze, like this apricot version. —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Potluck Ham and Pasta
This easy meal-in-one dish is a real crowd-pleaser on chilly nights. Because it bakes in two pans, you could freeze one for later, depending on your needs. It’s creamy, and filling and has a wonderful ham-and-cheese flavor. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Ham with Pineapple Salsa
A dear friend shared this recipe when she moved from Hawaii to Colorado. Now it’s one of my favorite ways to eat ham. I get lots of requests for the recipe when I make it for guests. —Dawn Wilson, Buena Vista, Colorado
Baked Ham with Cherry Sauce
There's nothing I'd rather serve for Easter dinner or another springtime occasion than succulent baked ham. My recipe features a rub that adds flavor to the meat plus a delicious cherry sauce with a hint of almond. — Lavonn Bormuth, Westerville, Ohio
Scalloped Potatoes 'n' Ham Casserole
I'm a home health nurse and got this recipe from one of my elderly clients, who had used it for years. Now, it's one of my family's favorites. It will never curdle, thanks to the secret ingredient of powdered nondairy creamer. —Kathy M Johnson, Lake City, South Dakota
Hawaiian Ham Bake
Take this sweet-and-sour specialty to your next potluck and get ready to hand out the recipe. When I buy a ham, I choose a large one so I'll have leftovers to use in this dish. It's special enough for Sunday dinners yet simple enough for busy weeknights. —Judy Reist, Bloomingdale, Ontario
Ham and Swiss Casserole
When I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas
Cheddar Ham Soup
I knew this ham soup recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The hearty soup, chock-full of leftover ham, veggies and cheese, is creamy and comforting. And even though the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd of post-holiday guests, don’t look for leftovers! —Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee
Honey-Glazed Ham
Here's an easy solution for feeding a large group. The simple honey ham is perfect for family dinners, where time in the kitchen is as valuable as space in the oven.—Jacquie Stolz, Little Sioux, Iowa
Ham & Veggie Casserole
I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around the dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Apple-Topped Ham Steak
Sweet apples combine nicely with tangy mustard in this dish to create a luscious topping for skillet-fried ham steak. I especially like to serve this to guests in fall. —Eleanor Chore, Athena, Oregon
Pretty Penne Ham Skillet
I'm a busy nurse, so fast meals are a must. This pasta is a tasty change of pace from potato-ham casseroles. —Kathy Stephan, West Seneca, New York
Apple Cider-Glazed Ham
When I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Ham & Zucchini Italiano
I strongly believe dinner should be three things: healthy, delicious and simple. With fresh zucchini, ham and marinara sauce baked with mozzarella, you can accomplish all three in the time it takes to describe the dish to a grateful family. —Madison Mayberry, Ames, Iowa
Apricot-Gingersnap Ham
I’ve been told my Easter ham is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The combination of apricot, brown sugar and gingersnaps ensures plenty of oohs, aahs and yums! —Melanie Wooden, Reno, Nevada
Epiphany Ham
I wanted to cook a ham but didn't have the ingredients for my usual glaze recipe, so I made substitutions. You can, too! Instead of black cherry, try another flavored soda, or use sweet-and-sour sauce in place of duck sauce. —Edith Griffith, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Orange Spiced Ham Steak
I turn orange marmalade, mustard and just a hint of ginger into a glaze for ham that comes together super quick, but feels extra special. And that makes it perfect for when I’m entertaining brunch guests! —Connie Moore, Medway, Ohio
Citrus-Spice Glazed Ham
My dad gave me this recipe. With its Chinese-inspired glaze, it's a fun twist on traditional ham. —Amanda Lambert, Bethel, Ohio
Ham & Spinach Casserole
This is down-home cooking at its best! Ham and veggies join forces with a creamy sauce and pretty topping to create a hearty meal-in-one. Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Ham and Cheese Pockets
These unique sandwiches are filled with ingredients most kids like. Pack these ham and cheese pockets in kiddos' lunch boxes, or make them on weekends for the whole family. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas
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Ceara Milligan