Wondering how to cook a pre-cooked ham in the oven? You’re in the right place. Below is a clear, easy method for making a small honey-glazed ham nugget that’s perfect for a family meal or a holiday for a few people. Let’s get started.
What is a ham nugget?
A ham nugget is a small, boneless ham that is usually sold fully cooked and simply needs reheating. These compact hams are convenient for small gatherings and can be reheated in an oven or an air fryer. Because they are pre-cooked, the focus is on gently warming the meat and adding a glaze or finishing touch.
Why this honey glazed ham recipe is great
- Fast and simple reheating—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small holiday meal.
- Yields a sweet, savory caramelized glaze with minimal ingredients and effort.
- Works well with a 1–2 pound ham nugget and scales easily for slightly larger sizes.
- Leftovers are delicious in sandwiches or chopped into salads and pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you need to reheat the ham and make the honey glaze.
For heating the ham nugget
- Small boneless ham nugget (precooked), about 28 oz shown in the photos
- Water (a few tablespoons to 1/4 cup for the pan)
Note: The photos show a 28 oz Wellshire Farms ham nugget (black forest flavor) as an example.
For the honey glaze
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
How to heat a ham nugget in the oven
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Put the ham nugget in a rimmed baking dish or roasting pan and add a small amount of water to the pan—about 2–4 tablespoons or up to ¼ cup. The water will create steam and help keep the ham moist as it warms.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Reheat the ham for about 8 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Once the ham is warmed through, remove it from the oven and let it rest briefly while you prepare the glaze.
How to make the honey glaze for the ham nugget
- Place the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon (if using), salt, and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the mixture is combined and begins to simmer, about 2–3 minutes. As soon as the glaze bubbles, remove it from the heat so it doesn’t overcook. Keep it warm until ready to brush on the ham.
How to cook the ham nugget with honey glaze
- Set your oven broiler to high. Place a large rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack; you can line it with parchment paper if you like, but watch it carefully under the broiler so it doesn’t smoke or scorch.
- For more glazed surface area, slice the warmed ham nugget in half horizontally or cut into thick slices. This is optional—if you prefer to keep it whole, you can still brush the glaze on the exterior.
- Brush a generous layer of the honey glaze over the cut or whole ham using a spoon or basting brush. Broil for 3–5 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove from the oven, let the ham rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
FAQs
What is a ham nugget made of?
The example ham nugget used here is made from pork and seasoned with ingredients like sugar, sea salt, vinegar, honey, and maple sugar. Ingredients vary by brand.
Is it necessary to glaze a ham?
No, glazing isn’t required, but it adds flavor and a pleasant caramelized finish. A simple glaze like this honey-maple version enhances the sweet-and-savory character many people expect from a holiday ham.
What should I serve with honey glazed ham?
This ham pairs well with roasted or mashed potatoes, sweet potato sides, fresh salads, pasta dishes, or simple vegetable sides. Leftover ham is excellent in sandwiches, salads, or scrambled eggs.
Final notes
Reheating a precooked ham nugget is fast and straightforward. The combination of gentle steaming in the oven and a quick broil with a simple honey-maple glaze produces a juicy, flavorful result with minimal fuss. Adjust glaze quantities to taste and watch the ham closely under the broiler to avoid overcooking while achieving a lovely caramelized finish.
You may also like
- Smoked chicken wings for a smoky game-day option
- Grilled chicken and mango salad for a fresh, summery side
- Easy summer salads for barbecues, picnics, and pool parties
Best Honey Glazed Ham Nugget Recipe
Servings: 3 | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Total: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For heating: 28 oz precooked ham nugget, ¼ cup water
For glaze: 3 tbsp butter, 1½ tbsp brown sugar, ¼ cup maple syrup, ⅛ tsp cinnamon (optional), ⅛ tsp salt, 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in a rimmed baking dish with the water and cover with foil. Heat about 8 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Make the glaze by combining butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium, stirring, until it bubbles, then remove from heat.
- Set broiler to high. Slice the ham if desired, brush with glaze, and broil 3–5 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. Let rest briefly, then slice and serve.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 839 kcal | Carbohydrates: 24 g | Protein: 57 g | Fat: 56 g (values are estimates and will vary with serving size and ham brand)