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A view of three slices of ham on a grey plate with a blue napkin
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5 from 1 vote

How to Thaw Ham

Have ham frozen for the upcoming holidays? Family dinner and need to thaw the ham? Here’s how to thaw ham, all kinds!
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 hours
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to thaw ham, thawing ham
Servings: 20 servings
Calories: 606kcal
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • Refrigerator or large container
  • Towel or plate
  • Unscented garbage bags

Ingredients

  • 1 10 lb ham

Instructions

Method 1 (Refrigerator)

  • Remove the ham from the freezer.
  • Place a large serving platter in the refrigerator with a kitchen towel on top of it.
  • Lay the ham on top of the platter and towel.
  • Allow to thaw in the fridge for 3 days before cooking

Method 2 (cool water)

  • Fill a large container with cool water.
  • Wrap the ham in two layers of unscented trash bags
  • Lower the trash bags into the large container of cool water.
  • Change the water every 30 minutes.
  • Ham will thaw at a rate of 1lb per 30 minutes.

Video

Notes

  • Plan ahead and place the ham into the fridge for about 3 days before you plan to use it.
  • Be SURE to put a plate or towel beneath the ham to collect any dripping juices as it thaws in the refrigerator.
  • Use the cool water method if you will need the ham more quickly.
  • Double bag the ham in an unscented garbage bag to keep the water out if you are thawing using the cool water method.
  • Use a VERY CLEAN cooler, sink or a plastic tub for thawing the ham with the cool water method.

Nutrition

Calories: 606kcal | Protein: 54g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 2961mg | Potassium: 714mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 2mg