• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Salt & Spoon logo
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Christmas
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Baking
    • How To
    • Substitutions
  • About
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » How To

    Ham It Up: How To Freeze Ham For Later Use

    Sep 27, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    0 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Slices on baked ham on a cutting board with a whole baked ham in the background.

    Do you have a lot of leftover ham from the holidays? Or maybe you just bought a big ham to roast and now you're not sure what to do with it all. Never fear, we have the perfect solution for you! In this blog post, we will teach you how to freeze ham so that you can enjoy it later on in the year. It's simple and easy to do, and your ham will taste just as delicious as ever. So read on for instructions on how to freeze ham correctly!

    Contents hide
    1 How Long Will Ham Last In The Fridge?
    2 Can You Freeze Ham?
    3 How To Freeze Ham
    4 How To Store Frozen Ham
    5 How Long Does Frozen Ham Last?
    6 How To Thaw And Use Frozen Ham
    7 Can You Re-Freeze Thawed Ham?
    8 How To Tell If Frozen Ham Is Spoiled
    9 Final Thoughts

    How Long Will Ham Last In The Fridge?

    When it comes to storing ham, both cooked and uncooked varieties will last for several days in the fridge. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

    The first thing to consider is how the ham is packaged. If your ham came in a sealed, vacuum-sealed package, it will last for up to two weeks in the fridge. If it is not sealed, or if you have already opened the package, it will only last for three to five days.

    Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not your ham has been sliced. Sliced ham will only last for three to five days in the fridge, while whole ham can last up to a week.

    You will also need to consider if your ham is cooked or uncooked. Cooked ham can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, while uncooked ham should be eaten within three days of being refrigerated.

    When it comes to determining how long ham will last, freshness is the most important factor. Ham that is past its expiration date or that has been left out of the fridge for more than two hours should be discarded.

    With proper storage, however, ham can be a delicious and convenient addition to any meal.

    Can You Freeze Ham?

    Yes, you can freeze ham! In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of your ham.

    When stored in the freezer, cooked and uncooked ham will last for up to six months. When freezing ham, it's important to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent freezer burn, which can make the ham dry and bland.

    Sliced or whole, cooked or uncooked, your ham will be just as delicious after being frozen and thawed.

    So if you find yourself with more ham than you know what to do with, don't despair! Just pop it in the freezer and enjoy it later on in the year.

    How To Freeze Ham

    Now that you know how long ham will last in the fridge and freezer, let's talk about how to actually freeze it so that it lasts as long as possible and maintains a good taste and texture.

    The first thing you'll need to do is decide whether or not you want to slice the ham. If you plan on using it for sandwiches or other dishes where sliced ham would be convenient, go ahead and slice it before freezing. Otherwise, you can leave it whole.

    The next thing you should do is dry your ham off with a paper towel. This will help to prevent freezer burn.

    Once you've decided if you want to slice the ham and have dried your ham, it's time to wrap it. Once the ham is dry, tightly wrap the ham in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure there are no gaps or holes. You can then store your ham in an airtight container for the best results.

    If you are freezing multiple hams, make sure to label them with the date so you can keep track of how long they've been in the freezer.

    And that's it! Your ham is now properly frozen and ready to be enjoyed later on.

    How To Store Frozen Ham

    Once your ham is properly wrapped and frozen, it's important to know how to store it so that it lasts as long as possible.

    The first thing to keep in mind is that ham should be stored in the coldest part of your freezer. This will help to prevent it from thawing and refreezing, which can cause freezer burn.

    If you have a chest freezer, ham can be stored on one of the shelves. If you have a smaller freezer that is part of your fridge, store ham towards the back where it will be the coldest.

    When storing frozen ham, make sure to keep it away from any raw meat or poultry. This will help to prevent cross-contamination.

    So if you have a ham that you're not sure what to do with, don't let it go to waste! Freeze it and enjoy it later on. With proper storage, your ham will be delicious and convenient for any meal.

    How Long Does Frozen Ham Last?

    When stored in the freezer, cooked and uncooked ham will last for up to six months. This is true for both sliced and whole ham. After that, it will start to lose its flavor and texture.

    Once ham is thawed, it should be eaten within three to five days.

    Ham that has been frozen and then thawed will not be as fresh as ham that has never been frozen, but it will still be safe to eat.

    How To Thaw And Use Frozen Ham

    When thawing ham, always do so in the refrigerator; never at room temperature. Ham that has been thawed at room temperature is more likely to develop bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Following these simple tips will help you enjoy delicious, safe ham for months to come.

    When you're ready to use your frozen ham, simply remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the fridge. Depending on the size of your ham, it could take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two to thaw completely.

    Once it's thawed, you can use it just as you would fresh ham. Slice it and enjoy it in sandwiches, dice it and add it to casseroles or soups, or shred it and use it in recipes that call for cooked ham.

    No matter how you choose to enjoy your thawed ham, it's sure to be a delicious addition to any meal.

    Can You Re-Freeze Thawed Ham?

    Once meat has been thawed, it is not safe to refreeze it. This is because the process of thawing can cause bacteria to grow, and then refreezing will not kill these bacteria.

    If you have thawed ham that you do not plan to cook right away, it is best to keep it in the fridge and use it within a few days.

    How To Tell If Frozen Ham Is Spoiled

    Even with proper storage, frozen ham will eventually go bad. When ham starts to spoil, it will develop an off odor, flavor, texture, or color, or it may show signs of mold. Keep reading below for more information on these signs of spoilage:

    • Color: One way to tell if your ham has gone bad is by the color. If it's a pink or red ham, it should remain that color. If it starts to turn brown or grey, that's a sign that it's beginning to spoil.
    • Odor: Another way to tell if ham has gone bad is by the smell. Fresh ham shouldn't have much of an odor, but if it starts to smell sour or ammonia-like, it's time to toss it out.
    • Texture: You can also tell if ham has gone bad by the texture. If it feels slimy or sticky, that means it's starting to spoil. Finally, if your ham has any mold on it, it's time to throw it away.
    • Flavor: When ham starts to spoil, it will also change in flavor. If it tastes sour or off, it's no longer safe to eat.
    • Mold: While mold can sometimes be cut away from fresh meat, ham that has gone bad will have mold throughout, so it's not safe to eat. If you're unsure whether your ham has gone bad, err on the side of caution and throw it away. It's better to be safe than sorry!

    If your ham has any of these signs, it's best to throw it out. Ham that has gone bad is not safe to eat and can cause food poisoning.

    When it comes to ham, freezing is a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy it later on. Just be sure to follow the proper storage and thawing guidelines to ensure that your ham is delicious and safe to eat.

    Final Thoughts

    Now that you know how to freeze and thaw ham, it's time to get cooking! Ham is a delicious addition to any meal, so be sure to stock up the next time you see it on sale. Your future self will thank you!

    More How To

    • Fried onion rings serve with barbecue sauce in the black iron plate
      From Fridge to Fork: The Best Way to Reheat Onion Rings
    • Popped popcorn in a bowl with popcorn kernels and a bowl of salt.
      How Long Does Popcorn Last?
    • Mozzarella sticks on a white plate cooked from frozen in an air fryer.
      How Long To Air Fry Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
    • A bowl of raw cashews with more cashews scattered around.
      How Long Do Raw Cashews Last?

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jenna!

    Welcome to my kitchen! I’m a self-taught cook, recipe developer, and food photographer with a passion for creating easy and tasty food for everyday life. My goal is to make cooking simple, delicious, and accessible for everyone.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Candy coated grapes dipped in crushed hard candy served in a white bowl.
      Candied Grapes TikTok Recipe
    • Two banana bread muffins stacked on top of each other with bananas in the background.
      4 Ingredient Banana Bread Muffins
    • 3 ingredient pineapple dump cake served in a white bowl with a scoop of coconut icecream.
      3 Ingredient Pineapple Dump Cake
    • Air fryer potatoes and carrots on a white platter with parsley.
      Air Fryer Potatoes And Carrots

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Image Use Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Salt & Spoon

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT