My sister-in-law loves spaghetti carbonara and one of its main ingredients is ham. I brought home some leftover cooked ham from our office party last night. I thought of freezing and saving it for the next weekend until my sister-in-law is home so she can cook our favorite spaghetti carbonara. Is it alright to freeze cooked ham?
How thoughtful of you to save some cooked ham for your sister’s cooking. It really is a pleasure to have someone like our cooking so your sister must be very happy to have you.
Quick Answer
Ham is easy to freeze and it can last for around 2 to 3 months. You can either freeze it cooked or uncooked. However, do not freeze any unopened canned ham variants. Check the expiration date of any type of ham product before you purchase it.
Can You Freeze Cooked Ham?
One of the best ways to preserve ham is by freezing it. Ham can be frozen in many different ways- cooked, uncooked, or opened.
However, the only type of ham that you cannot freeze is the unopened canned ham. All cooked and opened canned hams must be refrigerated or frozen after opening in order to prolong the shelf life.
Freezing hams is a very practical way to conserve them and it does not affect the ham’s nutritive content or taste at all. Although ham may tend to get watery after it has been frozen, you may opt to slice the ham into desired sizes and cuts before putting it inside the freezer bags or containers then stacking them inside the freezer.
Don’t forget to label the dates on the containers you have put them into. To use it after freezing, just simply thaw it as it is.
You may also toss it directly to whatever it is that you are cooking with it. However, never refreeze thawed meat products for food safety reasons- hams are still safe to consume after two to three months on average if frozen.
How to Freeze Cooked Ham?
Although it is fine to freeze ham of most types, cooking the ham before freezing it will prevent the ham from becoming watery when thawed. The following are the steps on how to freeze cooked ham:
Step 1: Slice the cooked ham into desired shapes and sizes according to your preferences. This will make it easier to use when thawed.
Step 2: Pack the ham in freezer bags or containers. Vacuum as much air as possible before sealing the packaging. This will help keep the ham fresh for longer.
Step 3: Label each pack of ham with the date when you prepared it for freezing. This way, you’ll know exactly how long it’s been in the freezer.
Step 4: Stack them inside the freezer and these should be good for consumption for up to an average of 2 to 3 months. Always check the expiration date of any type of ham product before you purchase it.
Step 5: Do not freeze any unopened canned ham variants. Always refer to the packaging for instructions on the proper storage of any type of ham you buy. Ham can last in a fridge for around 7 days so make sure to consume it before then if frozen.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cooked Ham?
Cooked ham is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra cooked ham? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cooked ham:
- Make a sandwich – A classic way to enjoy leftover ham is to make a sandwich. Just add some ham, cheese, and your favorite condiments to a piece of bread, and you’ve got a delicious and easy meal.
- Make a frittata – Another great way to use up leftover ham is to make a frittata. Just add some eggs, vegetables, and cheese to a pan and cook until set. Then, top with some sliced ham and you’ve got a delicious and hearty meal.
- Make a quiche – Quiche is another great option for using up leftover ham. Just add some eggs, milk, and cheese to a pie crust and bake until set. Then, top with sliced ham and you’ve got a delicious and easy meal.
- Make ham and cheese rolls – Ham and cheese rolls are a great way to use up leftover ham. Just roll up some ham and cheese in a piece of bread, and you’ve got a delicious and easy snack or meal.
- Make a ham salad – Ham salad is a great way to use up leftover ham. Just chop up some ham and mix it with your favorite salad ingredients. You can enjoy it as is or serve it on a bed of lettuce for a delicious and easy meal.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cooked ham. Next time you find yourself with extra meat, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cooked Ham Recipes
Leftover Ham and Fried Rice
A delicious dish of cooked rice sprinkled with garlic powder, sautéed in oil, and mixed with cooked and leftover ham, kernel corn, frozen peas, and egg then seasoned with soy sauce.
3 Easy Ideas for Leftover Christmas Ham
This is a compilation of three, yummy, and easy ways on how to enjoy leftover cooked ham. It varies from barbecue kebabs to baked stuffed lasagna to Hawaiian hamburgers.
Leftover Ham 3 Ways | Cooking | Tasting Table
This is another compilation of three, delicious, and effortless ways to prepare dishes out of leftover cooked ham. This version features Hawaiian quesadilla, ham-leek frittata, and savory pinwheels.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cooked ham and it will last for 4-6 months. To freeze your cooked ham, remove all of the bones and fat and cut them into smaller pieces (this way it is easier to defrost). Wrap the pieces with aluminum foil or freezer wrap before putting them in a plastic bag. Be careful to squeeze out all of the air and label with today’s date before freezing it.
Can you share your experience of freezing cooked ham with me by leaving a comment below?