How long can you freeze cooked ham? The answer to that question varies depending on the type of ham and its preparation. Uncooked ham can last for several months in the freezer, while cooked ham can stay for three to four months. Vacuum-sealed hams will keep for up to two months. But if you are unsure how to store ham, you can read our article for more information.
What is Ham?
Can you safely freeze ham at home before getting to the question? Let’s learn a little bit about the ham and its applications. Ham is pork from the pig’s hind leg that has been salted, wet-cut, or smoked to preserve and season it.
The processed ham is sparkling reddish and has a distinct flavor. Additionally, they emphasize the ham’s juicy, soft, sweet, salty, and occasionally smoky flavor based on the wide ham varieties.
Sliced ham can be used as a sandwich filling and in recipes calling for mustard, maple syrup, or premium manuka honey from reputable companies. It should be said that it makes the perfect juicy centerpiece for your celebratory dining tables.
Since ham and Canadian bacon have a similar appearance at first glance, occasionally, you’d see folks confuse the two. Examining their exteriors might help you tell Canadian bacon from ham because it frequently has a cornmeal coating while ham does not.
How Long Can You Freeze Ham?
In theory, freezing ham will keep it safe eternally, but after years of storage, the flavor may deteriorate. Here is what foodsafety.gov says on how long frozen ham lasts and retains its quality:
- Six months for fresh, uncured, uncooked ham.
- 3 to 4 months for uncured, cooked fresh ham.
- Ham that has been cured and cooked before consumption (3 to 4 months)
- 1 to 2 months for a sealed, fully cooked ham.
- Whole ham cooked: 1 to 2 months
- 1 to 2 months for cooked slices, halves, or spiral ham
- Country ham cooked: one month
- Don’t freeze unopened ham; canned, shelf-stable, opened: 1 to 2 months.
- Dry Italian or Spanish style ham, cut prosciutto, Parma or Serrano: 1 month
What is the Advice on Freezing Ham?
There are numerous ham varieties, including fresh, cooked, cured, and country. Any ham can be frozen; however, finding the ideal freezing method for ham can be challenging. You can freeze ham in its original packaging if it hasn’t been opened. Here are some guidelines to remember when freezing leftover ham, whole or cut into slices:
- Ensure the ham is dry and chilled (to prevent ice crystals).
- Wrap in foil, then place in a freezer bag or plastic wrap.
- Put the wrapped ham in a different freezer bag or container for storing. This will lessen the risk of freezer burn.
Test Kitchen Pro Tip: Ham freezes better, and the greater the quality. A higher-quality ham will not have the words “water added” or “having water product” on the label (see the sorts of ham in our guide). Hams devoid of water will defrost with improved texture retention. Ice crystals can form when you freeze ham with more water, and when the ham is thawed, this results in a more lacy structure.
What are the Ham Freezing Notes?
Here are some unique pointers that I have discovered while freezing ham. Avoid missing it! You will benefit from it.
Divide First into Halves
Getting the correct quantity of ham before cooking won’t take too long. Additionally, it will keep the ham from coming into touch with the air because it could cause it to absorb moisture from the air and develop a buildup of ice crystals that would harm the ham.
Keep the Ham Airtight
The air competes with ham in the cold. If exposed to air, the surface of the ham might dry out and lose its texture. Ensure the ham is kept in an airtight container or sealed in bags.
Use Parchment Paper
I erred when I first started storing meat. I put the ham immediately into the freezer without placing any paper between the slices of meat, making it challenging to remove them for the next cooking period.
To avoid this problem, I merely use a sheet of parchment.
Cut Thinly
A thicker ham may lose some of its texture and dry out less easily. Slice the ham into small pieces and separate it before freezing.
How to Thaw Ham?
The length of time needed to thaw ham after freezing will vary based on the ham’s size and type. Give larger amounts at least 2 to 3 days in the fridge to gradually thaw. Ham stays in the fridge for 3 to 4 days after it has been defrosted. Try one of our favorite ham dishes if you’re unsure how to use it. The ham can also be heated in a roasting pan while being covered in a bit of chicken broth until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
In a pan in the oven, you may also reheat frozen ham. To aid insulate the reheating process, cover it with some chicken broth or another liquid. Ham must be cooked inside to 160 degrees Fahrenheit; to find out, use a food thermometer. When using this method, cook the ham as soon as possible, just like with the microwave.
How Can I Tell if My Frozen Ham has Gone Bad?
There will be numerous visible symptoms if your ham has flipped while frozen. The substantial accumulation of ice crystals is the first thing you’ll notice that should raise red flags.
This might occur if the ham had too much moisture before frozen. Your ham becomes dry and harsh due to the inner water being sucked out by ice crystals.
The next thing to watch out for is the ham’s color-changing dramatically. It has probably already begun to deteriorate if it is noticeably more grey than you recall.
Air pockets in the packing are another item to be on the lookout for. They indicate oxidation, which has taken place and has accelerated spoiling by causing freeze-burns.
A foul scent is the most obvious indication that your piece of meat has expired. This won’t become obvious until the thawing process is well underway, but it should eventually become apparent and perhaps even impossible to prevent.
For more than four months, your ham has been trapped in the cold of your freezer, and you can ensure that it has begun to rot. Unfortunately, in this case, it’s best to discard it.
How Long are Ham Leftovers Good for?
You can generally rely on your senses. Although it’s important to note that professional kitchens, in compliance with stringent health code standards, will throw food out after three days of refrigeration, if it still looks and smells decent, it’s probably still good.
It does occasionally happen that meats are lab-treated to increase their shelf lives, but it doesn’t happen very often.
What are Different Types of Hams?
There are different varieties of ham, which change according to the methods employed for advancement. The primary objectives are to intensify the flavor of ham, give it a deeper color, and preserve raw meat.
Continue to work on the eight primary ham varieties for freezing. Additionally, you can make new meals with the remaining hams.
Country Ham
Preserve raw meat by smoking (but not permanently), aging, and seasoning with salt, spices, and sugar. The meat’s appeal is increased by its intense saltiness in addition to its rich and robust flavor.
The dry-cured ham has a firm texture and a crimson hue. The fantastic ingredient goes excellent with soups and beans, among other dishes.
McDonald’s Ham
Smithfield Foods produce this particular country ham. The ham is prepared and cured (covered in pepper, cold smoked, and aged six months).
There is no better option for a special holiday meal than a succulent and tasty ham from Smithfield.
City Ham
The most popular kind of ham marketed in the US is called “city ham.” They are prepared by submerging raw meat in saltwater or injecting brine into it for several months, allowing the salt to enter the heart entirely.
City ham is pink in hue, succulent, juicy, and mild. In addition, a few brands also smoke the ham to enhance depth.
The wet-cured ham is fully cooked; you can either serve it right away or reheat it first.
Prosciutto
The Italian ham known as prosciutto is popular in the US as well. A particular flavor is added during the dry-curing process on premium pork leg. Uncooked Prosciutto Crudo and cooked Prosciutto Cotto are the two varieties of ham.
A delicious, mildly sweet, and the salty product is prosciutto. Season it with herbs and spices like garlic, pepper, and rosemary to give the brownish-red tint a distinctive and enticing aroma.
Eat tiny slices and let their sweet and salty flavor melt on your lips to get the natural taste. Additionally, you may make delicious prosciutto rolls for appetizers bursting with genuine Italian flavors.
What Are Some Recipes for Ham?
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
The perfect way to combine meat and potatoes is with a scalloped potato and ham, adding a savory touch to the excellent list. Use ordinary potatoes only; cheddar (gruyere is fine) would be a great addition to the recipe.
Serve a crisp, leafy side dish alongside the creamy, starchy, and rich meal, such as steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. Add a tiny dollop of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon. Is it delicious? Could you give it a go for your next meal?
Peas Carbonara Pasta
The entrée is made savory by combining fettuccine, parmesan, and an extraordinarily creamy sauce. The smoked flavor from the ham is what distinguishes peas pasta carbonara and makes it even more delicious.
Ham and Asparagus Dinner
This quick recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare. Gather spiral or corkscrew spaghetti, cooked ham, fresh asparagus, basil, and parmesan cheese. The blend of flavors and textures is fantastic. Sounds alluring, no?
Dinner with asparagus and ham is ideal if you don’t want to serve a complete ham or any leftover ham.
For Two Years, Can I Freeze Cooked Ham?
It is different to freeze cooked ham as opposed to uncooked ham. Ham that hasn’t been cooked yet can be kept frozen for two years if it’s still fresh.
But with cooked ham, all of it has already been done—handling, seasoning, boiling, or baking. After two years of being frozen, your cooked ham will lose flavor and quality.
The maximum amount of time your ham should be frozen is six months. Your cooked ham should be wrapped twice in plastic to keep it safe and guarantee quality. Additionally, this will preserve as much flavor as possible.
Conclusion
If you’re storing your ham for a few days, it’s best to keep it in its original packaging. Double-wrapping helps to retain maximum flavor and prevent moisture from escaping. To double-wrap your ham, ensure it’s tightly wrapped so it doesn’t dry out. It’s also best to place it in the fridge as soon as possible, and it will last much longer if it’s refrigerated.
Once the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees, baste the ham every 10 minutes to maintain the flavor. Recheck the temperature after 30 minutes. When the ham is done, it should register at 145 degrees. Serve immediately, or allow to sit 20 minutes before carving. This recipe makes a delicious holiday treat! You can also serve your ham hot or cold if you cook it at room temperature and double-wrap it for added convenience.
