Do you have a leftover cooked ham from your Easter feast? If so, can you freeze it twice to make sure that nothing goes to waste?
I asked an expert in the kitchen and he said that it is possible. You can freeze cooked ham twice. If you store it correctly, the cooked ham can last for 2-3 months.
The life span of the ham depends on how it is stored in the freezer. In this post, I will share with you the steps you need to take to refreeze cooked ham properly.
How to refreeze cooked ham?
To refreeze cooked ham, you need to divide the ham into smaller portions first.
Separate the pieces that are less than 3 oz. in size, and wrap them tightly with foil paper and place them on a baking sheet.
Then, place the baking sheet inside your freezer overnight so the frozen pieces freeze well.
You can also let them thaw for 2 hours first before placing them in the freezer.
After they are done, store each piece inside a Ziploc bag or another freezer-safe container (make sure that it is air-tight).
Pick smaller-sized pieces as they will be faster to defrost if you want to use them right away.
If you have a bigger piece, you can divide it into smaller pieces before freezing them.
How long does cooked ham last in the freezer?
As I said earlier, that depends on how the cooked ham is stored inside your freezer.
You should store it properly to maximize its life span.
Here are some tips:
- Make sure that the container where you place the meat has enough room for air circulation so the food will not get moldy or smelly easily after defrosting and re-freezing.
- Make sure that whatever container or wrapping you use is made of materials that do not absorb water from the frozen meat (use plastic bags or other containers).
- Make sure that no liquid gets spilled onto the meat during the thawing process.
The cooked ham can last as long as 2-3 months if you store it well when you freeze it.
But remember that we are talking about a fully cooked ham, so some of you might not like the idea of storing and re-freezing this food.
But if you want to enjoy ham for a few weeks straight, then you can always refreeze cooked ham after cooking it once.
How many times can you refreeze cooked ham?
Cooked ham can only be refrozen twice, and it is best to use the ham after your third time of refreezing.
If you reheat frozen cooked ham that was previously frozen twice, the texture will become dryer and tougher than before, and it may taste rubbery if you do.
How long can you freeze cooked ham?
Cooked can be frozen for about 3 months if it is well stored inside your freezer.
If the ham has some moisture, form, or color loss, you should consume it within one month from when you start storing it in your freezer.
How long can you freeze cooked ham slices?
Cooked ham slices can be frozen for about 3 months.
If you want to eat them again, I suggest that you do not refreeze ham slices as they are more prone to freezer burn than whole-cooked hams.
How long can you freeze a fully cooked smoked ham?
You can freeze a fully cooked smoked ham for about 3 months if you store it in the right way.
The thing that you need to remember is that the meat’s texture will change after being frozen twice or more, so expect to see some changes in its appearance and flavor.
How long can you freeze half-cooked ham?
A ham that has been partially cooked can be frozen for up to 2 years in your freezer.
If you want to use it again, let it thaw completely before cooking it again with some new ingredients.
Half-cooked hams are usually called “parboiled” hams in stores because they have already been partly boiled by the manufacturers prior to shipping. They are also sold as “fully cooked (pork)”.
Conclusion
Refreezing cooked ham is possible and it is safe. The ham can last for months as long as you store it properly.
I suggest that you only refreeze the ham after you have cooked it once and if it is still safe to eat (free from bacteria).
You should not cook a frozen ham again, because the texture may change when thawed.
If you want to use your frozen baked ham again, let it thaw before cooking or heating it up.
Cooked hams can be stored in your freezer for about 3-4 months, depending on how well they are stored inside your freezer. You can also freeze ham slices and frozen smoked ham.
I hope that your food journey is as exciting as mine!
If you want to learn more about freezing foods, visit my guide here.