Can You Freeze Ham from the Deli?

Ham is a deli meat staple. Whether you prefer juicy honey ham, smoky Black Forest ham, or classic baked ham, having a supply of sliced deli ham on hand makes whipping up quick sandwiches and snacks a breeze. But like all fresh meats, ham has a relatively short shelf life once sliced and taken home from the grocery store deli. So what’s the best way to make your store-bought ham last? Freezing it is a great option!

When you freeze deli ham, you can buy it when it’s on sale or in the type you like, then store it away to enjoy for weeks. Read on for tips on freezing deli ham to maintain quality and taste.

Can You Freeze Deli Ham?

The good news is that freezing deli ham is perfectly safe, and freezing is actually the best way to extend the shelf life of fresh sliced ham once opened. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an opened package of sliced deli ham will only last 3-5 days in the fridge But ham that is properly frozen can keep for 1-2 months in the freezer

Cured, smoked, and pre-cooked deli hams freeze especially well because they are lower in moisture than fresh pork. Freezing helps lock in flavor and slows down the growth of bacteria.

So go ahead and stock up on those ham steals when you find them! Having a stash of frozen ham slices ready to thaw cuts down on trips to the grocery store deli

How to Freeze Sliced Deli Ham

It’s not hard to freeze deli ham, but making sure it’s properly packed can help keep it from getting freezer burn, which can ruin the taste and texture. Here are some tips on packaging ham for the freezer:

• If freezing a newly opened package of ham, simply place the entire original packaging in a freezer bag or wrap in foil before freezing. This prevents freezer burn while keeping the meat contained and stackable for efficient storage.

• To freeze ham slices individually, place each slice between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper before storing together in a freezer bag or container This prevents slices from sticking together so you can remove only what you need

• For convenience, form sliced ham into stacks with parchment dividers before freezing in bags or containers. Thawed stacks make it easy to grab a few slices at a time.

• Wrap ham pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil if not using bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible and wrap tightly.

• Label deli ham packages with contents and freeze-by date before stashing in the freezer. Place newer items toward the back with older food up front for easy access.

Proper freezer wrapping is important to maintain ham’s quality and taste during freezing. But equally important is thawed ham storage. For best safety and quality, thawed deli ham should be used within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze thawed deli meats.

How Long Does Deli Ham Last in the Freezer?

With proper freezer storage, most deli ham will retain optimal flavor and texture quality for 1-2 months in the freezer, according to USDA guidelines.

Cured or smoked hams may last even longer at 2-3 months. If ham develops signs of freezer burn such as dry, whitish areas, it has probably expired and is best discarded.

For maximum safety and quality, use frozen deli ham within these time frames:

• Fresh sliced ham: 1-2 months
• Cured ham: 2-3 months
• Smoked ham: 2-3 months
• Cooked ham: 1-2 months

Labeling frozen ham packages with dates ensures you use the oldest ham first.

Thawing Frozen Deli Ham

Allow frozen ham to thaw gradually in the refrigerator. Place ham slices or packages on a plate or tray to catch any liquid during thawing.

For quicker thawing, place ham in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Refrigerate thawed ham and use within 3-5 days.

Avoid thawing deli ham at room temperature or in hot water. This raises the temperature in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F which can increase bacteria growth.

The microwave can be used to thaw very small portions of deli ham when heated immediately until steaming hot.

Once deli ham is thawed, it’s best to use promptly and avoid refreezing which further degrades texture and taste. But thawed ham can be refrozen in cooked dishes or casseroles.

Serving and Cooking Frozen Deli Ham

Thawed deli ham is great for cold sandwiches, wraps, and pizza toppings. For hot ham dishes, thawed frozen deli ham can lose moisture during cooking. Try these tips:

• In cooked dishes like omelets, quiche, pasta, or soup, substitute thawed ham with chopped frozen ham. The frozen pieces will thaw and steam during cooking.

• For ham sandwiches or paninis, partially thaw ham then finish thawing during the heating process to add moisture.

• Glaze or coat ham slices in sauce or seasonings before pan-frying or broiling to help retain moisture.

• Chop fully thawed ham and add to dips, spreads, omelets, frittatas, and casseroles. The extra ingredients help retain moisture.

• Heat thawed ham thoroughly to an internal temperature of 140°F.

With proper freezing techniques, ham from the grocery store deli can be enjoyed for months after purchasing. Follow these guidelines on packaging, thawing, and cooking for enjoying delicious deli ham on hand anytime.

Storing Leftover Baked Ham

Besides packaged sliced deli ham, many folks buy a whole fresh ham during the holidays to enjoy a delicious baked ham meal with all the fixings. But rather than serving an entire ham in one sitting, baked ham leftovers are common. To maximize enjoyment of your baked ham over multiple meals:

• Allow the cooked ham to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating. Use leftover baked ham within 3-5 days.

• For longer storage, carve baked ham off the bone and freeze slices or chunks in freezer bags. Use within 1-2 months.

• Freeze ham stock in ice cube trays or containers to use later in soups, stews, and more.

• Wrap and freeze leftover baked ham bones to add rich, smoky flavor to beans or greens later on.

• Refrigerate glaze drippings to transform into sauces.

With proper refrigeration and freezing, your whole baked ham can provide the gift of delicious meals for weeks after the initial feast.

Common Questions about Freezing Deli Ham

Freezing deli ham enables you to always have a stash ready for quick sandwiches, pizzas, and recipes. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

**