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How to Freeze Cooked Ham

Leftover holiday Cooked Ham? NO PROBLEM! When you know HOW TO FREEZE Cooked Ham, you’ll be saving money, time and have Cooked Ham you can use later! 

ham wrapped in store package with price sticker

Why This Recipe Works

  • You Can SAVE a ton of money by buying on sale.
  • It tastes the same ! Who knew?
  • Having it available is like having an entire meal in the freezer!

Here’s How You Do It. 

STEP 1. Make sure its  in a container you want to do the job in (zip lock freezer bag, wrapped in plastic wrap and butcher paper?). Write on the container the date you froze it, a use by date 

A close up of the slices of spiral ham

How to make spiral ham without drying it out

STEP 2. Place it in the freezer. 

Can You Freeze Cooked Ham? 

Yes, you can freeze Cooked Ham easily but just placing it in the freezer. This does not affect the taste.

Recipes You’ll Use Yours In!…

We LOVE to use frozen Cooked Ham in some of these recipes!!! 

 

The Best Sandwich EVER @loavesanddishes.net

The Best Sandwich EVER @loavesanddishes.net

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can You Freeze A Bone In Cooked Ham?

Yes, you can freeze a bone in Cooked Ham, just follow these directions. 

Can You Freeze A Whole Smoked Cooked Ham? 

Yes, absolutely you can! Simply follow the directions below. 

Can I Freeze a Spiral Sliced Cooked Ham? 

Yep! Sure can! This recipe will show you how. It’s the same for all kinds of Cooked Ham! 

What is the Best Way To Freeze A Cooked Ham? 

The very best way to freeze a Cooked Ham is to see the recipe card below and use the instructions for wrapping in plastic wrap followed by paper. Freezer paper can be found at the grocery store where you will find plastic wrap, aluminum foil and parchment paper. 

Can I Eat Cooked 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. 

A view of three slices of ham on a grey plate with a blue napkin

How to make spiral ham without drying it out

How To Know If It  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 Cooked Ham. Place it in an ice box safe package then freez. This will keep for 3-6 months. 

Can I Freeze A Cooked Ham Bone? 

Yes, you can  the  bone! Place it  in a freez safe package (like a zip lock bag) and put in ice box for up to 3-6 months. Works GREAT in PINTO BEANS

How to Thaw

Method 1: 

  • Remove the package from the freezer
  • Place it in the refrigerator.
  • After 2-3 days it  should be thawed. 

Method 2: 

  • Remove the package from the freezer
  • Place the Cooked 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 Cooked Ham To Freeze? 

That depends on how much you are trying to freeze.

  • A large one may take 24 hours.
  • A small one may only take a few hours 
  • Be sure to wrap either in a heavy wrapper so that it is safe in there! It’s COLD in there!

How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Ham? 

If it  is wrapped in a sturdy freezer package can last 3-6 months easily. You’ll want to follow the instructions for how to freeze it that are in the card below.

Does Freezing Cooked Ham Change The Taste? 

Freezing Cooked Ham does not change the taste or texture at all. Cooked Ham that has been  tastes exactly as you would expect and this is a great way to save  for later. 

Two country ham biscuits on a blue plate on wooden table

Tips and Tricks

  • Buy more Ham than you need when it is on sale and freeze some for later! 
  • Use your it up soon. Don’t let it stay frozen longer than 6 months. 
  • Remember that it will go bad after you thaw it, use it in a reasonable time.
  • Don’t try to put it in the icebox if it  is on the verge of spoiling, it will still spoil quickly when you thaw it. Instead, use it in a dish like pinto beans and then freeze THAT if you have to. 
  • To thaw it, place it in the refrigerator on the day before you plan to use it. 
  • Interesting information about ham farmers

If You Enjoyed Learning This, You Might Also Want To See…

How to Freeze Cheese

How to Freeze Lunch Meat

Freezing Steaks.

How to Freeze Raw Meat

How to Freeze Milk. 

Ya’ll Help Me Out, OK?

Please leave me a 5 STAR comment below. This helps others find Loaves and Dishes on the internet!

ham wrapped in store package with price sticker

How to Freeze Cooked Ham

Leftover holiday Cooked Ham? NO PROBLEM! When you know HOW TO FREEZE Cooked Ham, you’ll be saving money, time and have Cooked Ham you can use later!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: freezing cooked ham, how to freeze cooked ham
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 0 minutes
freeze time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 1 minute
Servings: 20 servings
Calories: 338kcal

Ingredients

  • 10 lb Cooked Ham

Instructions

  • Use a sharpie marker to write on the Cooked Ham container: today’s date, use by date (3-6 months), how many days until expired.
  • Freeze the Cooked Ham in the store container for no more than 2-3 weeks.
  • If you need to freeze for longer, then wrap the Cooked 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 Cooked Ham well.
  • Place the Cooked Ham in the freezer until needed.

Notes

  • Buy more Cooked Ham than you need when it is on sale and freeze some for later!
  • Use your frozen Cooked Ham as soon as you can. Don’t let it stay frozen longer than 6 months.
  • Remember that Cooked Ham will go bad after you thaw it, use it quickly.
  • Don’t try to freeze Cooked Ham that is on the verge of spoiling, it will still spoil quickly when you thaw it.
  • To thaw Cooked Ham, place it in the refrigerator a day or two before you plan to use it.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Freeze Cooked Ham
Amount Per Serving
Calories 338 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 166mg55%
Sodium 2619mg109%
Potassium 637mg18%
Protein 43g86%
Vitamin C 53mg64%
Calcium 14mg1%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

A VERSE TO SHARE

Do you believe in Serendipity? I do. Among other things, my bible verse for the day today is this one. Speak the truth. It always sets you free. 

Of course, as I always say, go read the whole passage.

Hugs ya’ll…

Zechariah 8:16

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Tracy

Thursday 16th of April 2020

Thank you for your straight forward instructions on how to freeze meat, etc. I was concerned about freezing cooked ham because of water content but glad to hear that your experience has been positive. I have an entire ham for two people, don’t want to waste food and considering the pandemic situation, don’t shop much these days. Thank you so much!

Wendi Spraker

Thursday 16th of April 2020

Hi Tracy, you are very welcome! I'm glad to be of some help!

Donald Laur

Friday 13th of March 2020

just what I was looking for thanks alot

Wendi Spraker

Saturday 14th of March 2020

Hi Donald! Glad you found what you were looking for.

Wendi Spraker

Friday 25th of October 2019

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