Over the holidays and at family celebrations, many of us enjoy a few slices of delicious ham. After you’ve exhausted your recipes for leftover ham, what can you do with the rest of the leftovers? Should you stash it in the fridge, or can it be frozen instead? In this post, you’ll learn about storing ham properly and what you need to do to safely freeze it for later use.
Table of Contents
Can You Freeze Cooked Ham?
The short answer is yes! It doesn’t matter what kind of cooked ham you have on hand, all types of cooked ham freeze beautifully.
The key to freezing cooked ham, and all meats for that matter, is to wrap and store it properly. It should be double wrapped in butcher paper, and can be left in the freezer for up to 6 months.
While you can technically freeze ham for up to 12 months, we recommend no longer than 6 months for the best flavor and texture.
Can You Freeze Leftover Ham?
Yes, if you’ve cooked or heated a ham and have leftovers, all you have to do is wrap it properly and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use the ham, just thaw it in the fridge, and then reheat it.
Can You Freeze Sliced Ham?
Yes, sliced ham can be wrapped and portioned into air-tight freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. You can store sliced ham in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Cook Ham
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the ham in a large baking dish. For added flavor and to keep the ham moist, mix a can of frozen orange juice concentrate with ½ cup of honey and pour it over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil.
- Bake the ham in the oven for 10-15 minutes per pound of ham. For example, if your ham is 5 pounds, you’ll bake it for 50 – 75 minutes. As the ham bakes, baste it with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes and cover again with the foil.
- The ham is fully cooked when an instant-read thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
How to Store Ham in the Refrigerator
Cooked ham can remain in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to let the ham cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty resealable bag.
How to Freeze Ham
- Wrap the ham in a double-layer of butcher paper, foil, or freezer wrap.
- Once wrapped, place it into a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label and date the package and place the ham in the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Ham?
For the best flavor and texture, we recommend freezing cooked ham for up to 6 months.
How to Thaw Frozen Ham
When you’re ready to use the ham, the safest way to thaw it is in the refrigerator. The amount of time needed to defrost the ham depends on the size and weight.
Recipes Using Cooked Ham
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How to Freeze Cooked Ham Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 4 servings cooked ham
- foil
Instructions
- Wrap the ham in a double-layer of butcher paper, foil, or freezer wrap.
- Once wrapped, place it into a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label and date the package and place the ham in the freezer.
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