Ham temperatures and a starting time for spiral-sliced leftovers
Read the label first. Fresh or cook-before-eating ham should reach 145 F, then a 3-minute rest, in an oven no lower than 325 F. Fully cooked ham still in USDA-inspected plant packaging can be eaten cold or reheated to 140 F. Leftover or repackaged ham should be reheated to 165 F.
Updated .
Storage time is on the leftover ham page and in the leftovers calculator. Beef roasts use a different USDA minimum on the prime rib page.
At a glance
| Kind of ham | Safe temperature |
|---|---|
| Fresh or cook-before-eating | 145 F, then a 3-minute rest |
| Fully cooked, still in plant packaging | Safe cold, or reheat to 140 F |
| Leftover or repackaged cooked ham | Reheat to 165 F |
| Spiral-sliced starting time (FSIS) | About 10 minutes per pound at 325 F, covered |
Read the label first. Many holiday hams are fully cooked. Some are cook-before-eating. The safe temperature depends on which one you have.
Ham helper
- Fresh or cook-before-eating ham: 145 F, then a 3-minute rest. Oven no lower than 325 F.
- Fully cooked ham in USDA-inspected plant packaging: safe cold, or reheat to 140 F.
- Leftover ham or ham repackaged outside the plant: reheat to 165 F.
- Spiral-sliced reheating method from FSIS: cover with heavy foil, 325 F, about 10 minutes per pound.
Sources
Common questions
What temperature should leftover ham be reheated to?
165 F, the same USDA leftover rule that applies to leftover ham or ham repackaged outside the plant.
What temperature is a plant-sealed fully cooked ham reheated to?
USDA says a fully cooked ham still in inspected plant packaging is safe cold, or can be reheated to 140 F.
What is the FSIS starting time for a spiral-sliced ham?
FSIS describes covering the ham with heavy foil and heating it at 325 F for about 10 minutes per pound. That is a starting time, not a substitute for the correct internal temperature.
What temperature is a fresh ham done?
145 F, then a 3-minute rest, in an oven no lower than 325 F.