Are you a ham lover who always ends up with leftovers after a big family gathering? Or maybe you want to stock up on your favorite spiral sliced ham without worrying about it going bad?
Whatever the reason, the good news is that you can freeze a spiral sliced ham! Whether it’s honey baked or deli slices, freezing ham is an easy and convenient way to make sure you never waste any of that delicious meat.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing spiral sliced ham, including the best techniques for freezing and thawing, how long it can last in the freezer, and more.
So let’s get started!
Can I Freeze A Spiral Sliced Ham?
Yes, you can freeze a spiral sliced ham! In fact, freezing ham is a great way to make sure you don’t waste any of that delicious meat you spent so much time and money on. Whether it’s fresh, cooked, or sliced, we’ve got the info on how to freeze spiral sliced ham so it lasts longer and stays tasting great once it’s time to enjoy the leftovers.
Why Freeze Spiral Sliced Ham?
There are many reasons why you might want to freeze a spiral sliced ham. Perhaps you bought a large ham for a special occasion and didn’t end up using all of it, or maybe you want to have some ham on hand for quick and easy meals. Whatever the reason, freezing spiral sliced ham is a great way to extend its shelf life and ensure that it stays fresh and tasty for longer.
One of the benefits of freezing spiral sliced ham is that it allows you to enjoy it at your own pace. Instead of feeling pressured to eat the entire ham before it goes bad, you can simply freeze any leftovers and enjoy them later. This can be especially helpful if you’re cooking for a smaller household or if you simply don’t want to eat ham every day for a week.
Another advantage of freezing spiral sliced ham is that it can save you money in the long run. Instead of having to throw away any unused portions of the ham, you can simply freeze them and use them later. This can help you stretch your food budget further and reduce waste in your kitchen.
Finally, freezing spiral sliced ham is a great way to ensure that you always have a delicious protein source on hand. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or an easy dinner, having some frozen ham in your freezer can be a lifesaver. Plus, since spiral sliced ham freezes so well, you don’t have to worry about it losing any flavor or texture during the freezing process.
Preparing Spiral Sliced Ham For Freezing
Freezing spiral sliced ham is a bit different than freezing regular ham. Here’s how to do it:
1. Cut the ham off the bone. If your spiral sliced ham has a bone, use a knife to cut all the meat off the bone into 8-ounce pieces, if possible (that’s what most recipes call for).
2. Stack the slices. If you’re freezing spiral cut ham, make 8-ounce stacks of slices.
3. Wrap the ham in plastic wrap. Tightly wrap each stack or chunk of ham in plastic wrap.
4. Transfer to an airtight bag. Transfer the wrapped ham to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
5. Label the package. Label each package with the name, date, and weight if you have a scale. Knowing the weight will make it easier to choose a package when you’re grabbing one.
6. Transfer to the freezer. Place the labeled package in the freezer and store it for up to two months.
Remember that frozen spiral sliced ham may lose some quality in terms of texture, but its flavor will remain unchanged. To minimize freezer burn, make sure to wrap the ham tightly and use an airtight container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen spiral sliced ham, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating it.
Best Techniques For Freezing Spiral Sliced Ham
If you have a spiral sliced ham that you want to freeze, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it stays fresh and tasty. First, it’s important to cut the ham off the bone and separate it into serving-sized portions. You can then wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and transfer them to an airtight bag or container. If you have a vacuum food sealer, use it instead for even better results.
Label each package with the name, date, and weight (if possible) so you can easily track the age of the ham. It’s best to store the ham in the freezer for up to two months for optimal quality. When it’s time to thaw the ham, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method in an airtight bag. Avoid thawing at room temperature on the countertop or in the sink to prevent bacteria growth.
When reheating your frozen spiral sliced ham, it’s important to do so slowly and at a low temperature to prevent it from drying out. Cover the ham with foil and heat in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes per pound. This will help keep the ham moist and flavorful.
By following these tips, you can freeze your spiral sliced ham with confidence and enjoy it for months to come.
How Long Can You Freeze Spiral Sliced Ham?
The length of time you can freeze spiral sliced ham depends on a few factors, such as the type of ham and how it’s stored. Generally, cured and cooked hams like honey baked, spiral, and deli sliced can be frozen for up to 2 months. Uncooked hams that haven’t been cured can be frozen for up to four months. However, it’s important to note that while frozen ham can technically last indefinitely, it may not taste as good after years of being stored in the freezer.
To ensure your spiral sliced ham stays in good condition while frozen, it’s important to properly wrap and store it. If you plan on freezing the ham for more than two months, it’s best to use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Freezer burn occurs when the meat dries out at the edges due to exposure to air. The longer the ham stays in the freezer, the more freezer burn it will develop.
If you’re freezing a spiral sliced ham that you’ve already cooked, make sure it has cooled completely before wrapping and freezing. You can freeze the ham in its original packaging if you don’t plan on keeping it frozen for more than two months. However, if you want to keep it frozen for longer, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Thawing Spiral Sliced Ham
When it comes to thawing a frozen spiral sliced ham, there are a few things to keep in mind. Planning ahead is key, as the best and safest way to thaw a ham is in the refrigerator. Allow for 4-6 hours per pound of ham, so if you have a 5-pound ham, you should plan to thaw it in the refrigerator for a full day. Larger hams may take up to 3 days to fully thaw.
If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method to speed up the thawing process. However, this method requires more attention and effort. Make sure the ham is in a leak-proof package or plastic bag and submerge it in cold tap water. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it at a safe temperature. Plan for about 30 minutes of thawing time per pound of ham.
If you forget to thaw your ham, don’t worry! It is safe to cook a frozen ham, but it will take about 50% longer than a thawed ham. Whether you plan to cook your ham in the oven, slow cooker or pressure cooker, follow simple guidelines for a tender, juicy and flavorful main dish.
It’s important to note that once you’ve used the cold water method to defrost your ham, you should cook it as soon as it’s completely thawed. Refreezing raw ham that has been defrosted in cold water is not recommended. However, once cooked, you can refreeze the ham if desired.
By following these guidelines for thawing your spiral sliced ham, you can ensure that it stays safe and delicious for all your future meals.
Tips For Using Frozen Spiral Sliced Ham
If you’ve decided to freeze your spiral sliced ham, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re ready to use it:
1. Thawing: The best way to thaw a frozen spiral sliced ham is to plan ahead and allow the ham to thaw for three days in your refrigerator. If time does not allow, you may wish to leave the ham at room temperature or even immerse a tightly packaged ham in cool water to hasten the thawing time.
2. Cooking: If you forgot to thaw your ham or it didn’t fully thaw in time, don’t worry! Cooking a frozen ham is safe, according to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. To fully cook, it’ll just take about 50 percent longer than a thawed ham. Whether you planned to cook your ham in the oven, slow cooker or pressure cooker, you can go right ahead following these simple guidelines for a tender, juicy, flavorful main dish.
3. Oven Cooking: Preheat your oven to 325 F. While waiting for the oven to come to temperature, place your ham in a roasting pan. Add an inch of water to the bottom of the pan and wrap the top of the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to lock the moisture in, so your ham doesn’t dry out while it thaws and cooks. Pop your foil-wrapped ham in the oven and cook it until its internal temperature meets or exceeds 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Instant Pot Cooking: Place the frozen ham on a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Drizzle with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar, pressing it against the ham to help it stick. Fold up the sides of the foil, forming it around the ham. Set the foil-wrapped ham on a trivet in your Instant Pot with 1.5 cups of water and cook on Manual High Pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a full Natural Release and check the internal temperature of the ham with an Instant-Read Thermometer.
5. Refreezing: If your defrosted ham has not been in the refrigerator for more than three or four days, you can refreeze it—but be aware that the texture of the meat may suffer a little. Since freezing ham ruptures the cell structures of the meat, refreezing it will only compound the issue by breaking down even more cells and leaving the meat drier.
By following these tips, you can safely freeze and use spiral sliced ham for future meals without sacrificing taste or quality.