Can You Freeze A Whole Ham?

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!!! 

Spiral Sliced Ham

Creamy Cheesy Ham Tomato Sauce

How to Cook Country Ham Slices

The Best Sandwich Ever

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…

How to Freeze Cheese

How to Freeze Lunch Meat

Freezing Steaks.

How to Freeze Raw Meat

How to Freeze Milk. 

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How To Freeze Ham

Did you find some Ham on SALE? Is your Ham about to expire? NO PROBLEM! When you know HOW TO FREEZE Ham, you’ll be saving money, time and Ham you can use later!

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Course: main

Cuisine: American

Keyword: freezing ham, how to freeze whole ham

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 minute minute

Servings: 20 servings

Calories: 551kcal

Author: Wendi Spraker

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

Nutrition Facts

How To Freeze Ham

Amount Per Serving

Calories 551 Calories from Fat 342

% Daily Value*

Fat 38g58%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Cholesterol 141mg47%

Sodium 2692mg112%

Potassium 649mg19%

Protein 49g98%

Calcium 16mg2%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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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.