Is Freezing Cooked Ham Possible?

Cooked ham often takes center stage at festive meals, but with so many delicious sides and desserts to enjoy, there's usually a good amount of leftover ham. If you find yourself with more ham than you can eat—or can't send it home with guests—you may be wondering whether freezing cooked ham is an option.

Luckily, there's no need to fret about food waste. There are numerous safe ways to store that leftover ham. Follow these helpful tips to keep your holiday ham fresh and make the most of it in the days or weeks following the celebration.

Is Freezing Cooked Ham Possible?

Good news: You can indeed freeze cooked ham. In fact, many hams are either cured or smoked, which are time-honored (and still widely used) methods for preserving food for future enjoyment. As per USDA food safety guidelines, you can store ham in the freezer for up to four months.

Steps to Freeze Cooked Ham

Freezing cooked ham is quite simple. Start by letting the ham cool completely, as placing hot food directly in the freezer could affect the safety of other items. If you have a bone-in ham, remove the meat from the bone and divide it into smaller portions based on how you plan to use it. After all, unless you're hosting another large event, you likely won't need five pounds of leftover ham all at once.

To prevent freezer burn, the key is to wrap the ham tightly, ensuring that no cold air reaches the surface. Freezer burn can cause freezer burn crystals that can affect both the texture and flavor of the ham when thawed.

Store your leftover ham in the freezer and try to use it as quickly as possible. The longer it stays frozen, the higher the chance of freezer burn.

How to Thaw Frozen Ham

The most effective method to thaw your frozen cooked ham is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. You should allow about four to six hours of thawing time per pound of ham, as recommended by the USDA. (This is why it's helpful to divide leftovers—five pounds of ham will require more than one full day to thaw in the fridge.)

If you're in a hurry to thaw it, submerge the whole ham, securely sealed in a leakproof bag or container, into a bowl filled with cold water. This method will take approximately 30 minutes per pound of ham.

The quickest method for defrosting your ham is using the microwave. However, it’s important to cook it and consume it right away to avoid any risks of bacterial contamination.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham

Leftover ham can often surpass the original holiday ham in flavor! You can toss it into soups, chop it up for salads, throw it into a sandwich, or even use it as a topping for a pizza. (We have a variety of delicious leftover ham recipes that may encourage you to skip freezing it entirely!)

Don’t forget that leftover ham isn’t just for dinner—it's great for breakfast too. Incorporate some of your frozen ham into breakfast casseroles, quiches, omelets, or a scrumptious breakfast burrito. Feel free to swap in leftover ham for sliced deli ham in recipes like our ham and egg croissant sandwiches—a perfect way to repurpose your holiday ham for a brunch treat.

Commonly Asked Questions

• Why does ham taste saltier after freezing?

  Freezing ham causes its flavors to become more concentrated, which often leads to a stronger and saltier taste. Furthermore, the process of freezing and thawing results in some moisture loss, further enhancing the salty flavor. This effect is particularly noticeable in cured or pre-seasoned hams, which already have a high salt content due to the preservation process.

• How can I store cooked ham in the freezer to prevent freezer burn?

  To keep your ham in the best condition, wrap it securely in either aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Ensure that the storage vessel is sealed tightly and that as much air as possible is removed before freezing to prevent freezer burn.