how long can you keep cooked ham in the freezer

Cold Food Storage Chart

Food
Type
Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
Ham
Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked
3 to 4 months
Fully-cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened
1 to 2 months
Cooked, store-wrapped, whole
1 to 2 months
Cooked, store-wrapped, slices, half, or spiral cut
1 to 2 months

how long can you keep cooked ham in the freezer

Although leftover ham is perfectly fine to eat cold, the USDA says to keep leftovers out of the danger zone, which is between 40 degrees and 140 degrees. Bacteria tends to grow at those temperatures, which can cause foodborne illnesses.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer.

If you decide to freeze leftovers, the safest ways to thaw them are in the microwave, in the refrigerator or using cold water.

“Cover leftovers, wrap them in airtight packaging, or seal them in storage containers. These practices help keep bacteria out, retain moisture, and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator. Immediately refrigerate or freeze the wrapped leftovers for rapid cooling,” the USDA said.

According to Google Trends, the most popular searches for leftover ham include split pea soup, ham and potato casserole, leftover ham and mashed potatoes, ham and noodle casserole and ham bone soup.

How long can a thawed cooked ham stay in the fridge?

FAQ

Can you freeze a ham for 2 years?

Technically, freezing ham will keep it safe indefinitely, but it might not taste good after years of sitting in the freezer. To determine how long frozen ham lasts and maintains its quality, here’s what foodsafety.gov says: Fresh, uncured, uncooked ham: 6 months. Fresh, uncured, cooked ham: 3 to 4 months.

How long is a fully cooked ham good for in the freezer?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that fully cooked frozen ham is safe to eat for up to one to two months. If you find yourself with leftover ham, freezing it for future use is both easy and convenient.

How long can you keep a spiral ham in the freezer?

Spiral-cut hams and leftovers from consumer-cooked hams may be stored in the refrigerator three to five days or frozen one to two months. Keep your refrigerator at 40 °F or less and your freezer at or near 0 °F. See also Ham and Food Safety.

How long can you keep a leftover ham bone in the freezer?

For best results, try to use your frozen ham bone within three months. There may be some loss of flavor if you keep it longer, and any bits of meat and cartilage remaining on it may get freezer burn or dry out.

How long can a ham stay in the freezer?

Here are the general guidelines for different types of ham: Fully Cooked Ham: Fully cooked hams, such as spiral-cut or boneless hams, can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. However, for best quality, it is recommended to consume them within 1 to 2 months.

How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?

Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.

Can you freeze a whole Ham?

Yes, you can freeze a whole ham. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For longer storage, consider using a vacuum sealer to remove as much air as possible before freezing. Q How long can I keep a ham in the freezer?

How do you store a frozen ham?

Here are some guidelines to follow: Double Wrapping: To provide extra protection against freezer burn, consider double-wrapping your frozen ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then place it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.

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