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Have some leftover ham and wondering how to use it or freeze it for later? Here’s everything you need to know about how to freeze your ham, how long it can be frozen, plus how to thaw and use it.
Do you have some leftover ham? Maybe you had an Easter or Christmas Ham, maybe you made our Jalapeño Honey Glazed Ham. Whether it was a spiral cut, whole, half, or HoneyBaked Ham, you might be wondering what to do with the leftovers. A spiral cut, cooked ham can be properly stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. If you don’t think you will use it up in that amount of time, you might want to consider freezing it!
Can You Freeze Ham?
Yes, ham freezes wonderfully. Whole, half, and spriral cut hams can all be frozen when properly wrapped for the freezer. Honey Baked Hams can also be frozen according to the instructions provided.
Most hams are packaged and sold cured and pre-cooked. If your ham is still in the store packaging it can be safely stored in the refrigerator 5-7 days or until the date on the packaging. If you are needing longer, you will want to follow the instructions to freeze the ham.
How to Freeze Ham
How to Freeze Cooked Ham:
- Wrap the ham tightly in freezer paper or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer safe, sealable container or in a freezer bag. Cover and seal tightly.
- Label with the date.
- Place in freezer.
How to Freeze Uncooked Ham. Again most are sold pre-cooked and cured, so this is referring to freezing ham in the original store packaging. Store packaging is not designed for long term freezer storage.
- Keep ham in the store-bought packaging.
- Wrap the ham in packaging tightly with freezer paper or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer safe, sealable container or in a freezer bag. Cover and seal tightly.
- Label with the date.
- Place in the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Ham?
- Whole Ham: Cooked 3-4 months, Uncooked 4-6 months
- Half Ham: Cooked 3-4 months, Uncooked 4-6 months
- Spiral Cut Ham: 3-4 months
- Honey Baked Ham: 12 weeks (3 months)
How Long to Defrost Ham?
A general rule of thumb for defrosting ham is: 4-5 hours per pound of ham
It is possible for hams over 10 lbs to take over 7 hours per pound to completely thaw out. As always, meats should be thawed in the refrigerator and not at room temperature. Which means you may need to set aside 2-3 days for your ham to defrost.
How to Reheat Ham
Place the ham in a large baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 325 degrees F for 16-18 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F.
Can I Cook a Frozen Ham?
It is possible to cook a frozen ham without thawing first. Be aware that this will impact the time needed to cook the ham to warm it thoroughly. Plan on it taking 50% longer to warm the ham.
Recipes for Leftover Ham:
How to Freeze Ham
Ingredients
- 8 pound ham
Instructions
- Wrap the ham tightly in freezer paper or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer safe, sealable container or in a freezer bag. Cover and seal tightly.
- Label with the date.
- Place in freezer.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Ham photograph by KJandCompany.co
