Did you find some Ham on SALE? Is your Ham about to expire? NO PROBLEM! Asking ‘Can You Freeze A Whole Ham’? You’ll be saving money, time and have Ham you can use later!
Why This Recipe Works
- You Can SAVE a ton of money by buying on sale.
- Ham tastes the same after it has been frozen! Who knew?
- Having a whole ham in the freezer is like having an entire meal for a crowd in the freezer!
- This is GREAT for Easy Easter Ham and Thanksgiving Ham!
Here’s How You Do It.
STEP 1. Make sure your Ham is in a container you want to freeze it in (wrapper from store, wrapped in plastic wrap and butcher paper?). Write on the container the date you frozen it, a use by date
STEP 2. Place it in the freezer.
Can You Freeze A WHOLE Ham?
Yes, you can freeze Ham easily but just placing it in the freezer. This does not affect the taste of the Ham.
Recipes that WE LOVE Using This Ingredient…
We LOVE to use frozen Ham in some of these recipes!!!
Creamy Cheesy Ham Tomato Sauce
How to Cook Country Ham Slices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Can You Freeze A Bone In Ham?
Yes, you can freeze a bone in ham, just follow these directions.
Can You Freeze A Whole Smoked Ham?
Yes, absolutely you can! Simply follow the directions below.
Can I Freeze a Spiral Sliced Ham?
Yep! Sure can! This recipe will show you how. It’s the same for all kinds of ham!
What is the Best Way To Freeze A Ham?
The very best way to freeze a ham is to see the recipe card below and use the instructions for wrapping in plastic wrap followed by freezer paper. Freezer paper can be found at the grocery store where you will find plastic wrap, aluminum foil and parchment paper.
Can I Eat Ham That Has Been Frozen For A Year or More?
That is really a judgement call. Essentially, if the meat has been frozen at 32F, it should be fine. However, freezer burn can set in and that will ruin the meat. Check the meat well for freezer burn before preparing it.
How To Know If Frozen Ham is Bad
If you notice….
- The meat appears encased in ice crystals or frost
- Meat is very light colored and dry
- The meat has been in the freezer longer than 6 months.
- There was a lot of air in the package.
Can I Freeze a Cooked Ham?
Yes, you can freeze cooked ham. Place the cooked ham slices in a freezer safe package (freezer bags) and place into the freezer. This will keep for 3-6 months.
Can I Freeze A Ham Bone?
Yes, you can freeze the ham bone! Place the ham bone in a freezer package (like a freezer zip lock bag) and freeze for up to 3-6 months. Works GREAT in PINTO BEANS!
How to Thaw Frozen Ham
Method 1:
- Remove the package from the freezer
- Place the Ham in the refrigerator.
- After 2-3 days the Ham should be thawed.
Method 2:
- Remove the package from the freezer
- Place the ham in a large bowl of cool water or in a very clean sink.
- Check every 30 minutes.
- When thawed, place in the refrigerator.
How Long Does It Take A Whole Ham To Freeze?
That depends on how much you are trying to freeze. A large ham may take 24 hours to freeze. A small ham may only take a few hours
Can You Freeze Whole Ham In the Store Package?
Yes, you can freeze Ham in its store package. You will want to use this ham within 2-3 weeks. The store package isn’t really meant for freezing. .
How Long Can You Freeze Ham?
Ham can remain frozen and still taste good with a good texture in the store package for about 2-3 weeks. I wouldn’t go longer than that. If you want to take extra precautions and wrap it in freezer safe packaging, then 3-6 months.
Does Freezing Ham Change The Taste?
Freezing Ham does not change the taste or texture at all. Ham that has been frozen tastes exactly as you would expect and this is a great way to save ham for later.
Tips and Tricks
- Buy more Ham than you need when it is on sale and freeze some for later!
- Use your frozen Ham as soon as you can. Don’t let it stay frozen longer than 6 months.
- Remember that Ham will go bad after you thaw it, use it in a reasonable time.
- Don’t try to freeze Ham that is on the verge of spoiling, it will still spoil quickly when you thaw it.
- To thaw Ham, place it in the refrigerator on the day before you plan to use it.
- Here’s a WHOLE lot of great information about ham…
If You Enjoyed Learning About How To Freeze A WHOLE Ham, You Might Also Want To See…
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How To Freeze Ham
Ingredients
- 10 lb Ham
Instructions
- Use a sharpie marker to write on the Ham container: today’s date, use by date (3-6 months), how many days until expired.
- Freeze the ham in the store container for no more than 2-3 weeks.
- If you need to freeze for longer, then wrap the ham inside the store container with several layers of plastic wrap followed by several layers of freezer paper. Secure well with tape. Be sure to label the ham well.
- Place the Ham in the freezer until needed.
Notes
- Buy more Ham than you need when it is on sale and freeze some for later!
- Use your frozen Ham as soon as you can. Don’t let it stay frozen longer than 6 months.
- Remember that Ham will go bad after you thaw it, use it quickly.
- Don’t try to freeze Ham that is on the verge of spoiling, it will still spoil quickly when you thaw it.
- To thaw Ham, place it in the refrigerator a day or two before you plan to use it.
Nutrition
A VERSE TO SHARE
I rarely point out looking at a single verse, because single verses taken out of context can be screwed around to mean anything at all. So, PLEASE go read the entire scripture, chapter and book. But I think this speaks volumes.
Romans 14: 1
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
David A Elder
Monday 28th of December 2020
Very detailed and useful information on the freezing of cooked ham. Glad we will be able to enjoy our leftover ham at a later date by freezing the slices and cubed ham. Also did not know that the ham bone could be frozen which will be great as I did not have time to make the ham bone navy bean soup and freezing the bone will allow me to make the soup at a later date.
Wendi Spraker
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
Thanks David, I appreciate it. I hope you'll cruise around and find more helpful recipes!
Julie Lowry
Tuesday 15th of December 2020
Very helpful. I've been baking hams and using the bone and trimmings for pinto bean soup for 60 years, but wasn't sure if I could freeze a ham I just bought for Christmas until I'm ready to bake it (I don't have room to store it in the refrigerator. Thank you for the tips.
Wendi Spraker
Wednesday 16th of December 2020
Hi Julie! Glad to know you found this helpful! Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll come back often!
Mary Beth Pauline-Morand
Saturday 2nd of May 2020
Great info!
Wendi Spraker
Sunday 3rd of May 2020
Thanks!
Darlene Knight
Saturday 4th of April 2020
Excellent advice; some I've used for years! Thank you for all the new ideas I've learned from your post.
Wendi Spraker
Saturday 4th of April 2020
Great Darlene! Thanks for leaving me a comment!
Rick Olson
Saturday 21st of March 2020
My wife passed away 6 mounts ago ,and I'm new at a lot of cooking. I love ham and for sandwiches .This was very helpful on how long to cook and the temp.
Wendi Spraker
Sunday 22nd of March 2020
Hi Rick, I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. My sincere condolences. I hope you'll stop back by here often, I have a lot of content for brand new cooks and people who are wanting to cook better. Best wishes through this journey. Feel free to email me with questions wendi(atsign)loavesanddishes.net