As the makers of the #1 selling boneless ham in the country, there’s a very specific nightmare that haunts us every holiday season: home cooks who fail to give their ham enough time to thaw.
It’s true, folks: every year, way too many holiday hosts make this simple mistake. Some are new to the job, and others should know better by now. They either forget or aren’t paying attention because they have a million other things to do.
We’ll be honest: there’s nothing worse than getting your oven ready to go only to find that your Kentucky Legend ham is still frozen!
Don’t jeopardize a legendary family meal. Take a look at our suggestions below for the best ways to thaw things and some quick fixes.
You can also set your phone to remind you when to start thawing that ham right now!
Defrosting ham slices can seem deceptively simple, but there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Improper thawing leads to food safety issues and affects the texture and flavor of the ham. Follow these tips for safely thawing ham slices while maintaining quality.
Planning Ahead is Key
The number one rule when defrosting ham slices is to plan ahead Never thaw ham slices at room temperature or in hot water These methods allow bacteria to grow rapidly on the exterior of the meat before the interior thaws,
Instead, thaw ham slices in the refrigerator or in cold water Both of these methods keep the ham chilled while defrosting Proper planning ensures you have time to thaw the ham using one of these safe methods.
When deciding how long ahead of time to thaw ham slices, keep these dates in mind:
-
Refrigerator thawing takes 4 to 6 hours per pound. A 1-pound package of ham slices will need 4 to 6 hours.
-
It takes 30 minutes per pound of cold water to thaw, and the water needs to be changed every 30 minutes. A 1-pound package will thaw in 30 minutes.
Factor the thawing time into your meal prep schedule. For example, if you want to have ham slices for lunch tomorrow, take them out of the freezer tonight and put them in the fridge overnight to thaw.
Rushing the thawing process can lead to improperly thawed, unsafe ham. Always make sure to leave enough lead time when thawing.
Thawing Ham Slices in the Refrigerator
Refrigerator thawing is the preferred method for most foods because it keeps the ham cold (below 40°F) during the entire process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
-
Take ham slices out of the freezer. Keep them sealed in the original packaging or place in an airtight bag if they have been repackaged.
-
Put ham slices in a bowl to catch any liquid that may leak during thawing.
-
Place the bowl on a refrigerator shelf. Choose a shelf that won’t catch fridge drips from other foods.
-
Allow 4-6 hours per pound of ham. Check ham periodically; thawing time depends on thickness of slices and amount.
-
Use thawed ham slices within 1-2 days. Cook or eat fully thawed ham slices within a day or two. Don’t refreeze.
The refrigerator method requires no work on your part, just plenty of time. Make sure your fridge is kept at 40°F or below for safe thawing.
Quick Thaw Ham Slices in Cold Water
For faster ham slice thawing, use the cold water method. The water must be kept at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. Follow these instructions:
-
Place ham slices in a leakproof bag. A heavy-duty plastic bag or sealed container works well. Remove as much air as possible.
-
Submerge bag in cold tap water. Use ice water if tap water is not sufficiently cold. Water should cover the bag completely.
-
Change water every 30 minutes. Drain and refill bowl with fresh cold water every half hour to keep the temperature low.
-
Thaw for 30 minutes per pound. A 1-pound package will thaw in 30 minutes. Larger amounts will take longer.
-
Cook or eat ham slices immediately. Do not refreeze ham thawed using the cold water method.
Replacing the water every half hour dilutes warming water with cool water. Be diligent about changing the water for food safety.
Emergency Thawing of Ham Slices
While not recommended, it is possible to thaw ham slices in the microwave if you’re in a pinch. This method can lead to uneven cooking so microwave thawing should only be used as a last resort.
Follow these precautions if microwave thawing:
-
Use slices no more than 1/2-inch thick. Thicker cuts won’t thaw evenly.
-
Arrange slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Do not overlap.
-
Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until pliable.
-
Cook ham immediately after microwaving. Do not refreeze.
Check ham frequently as it can go from frozen to cooked very quickly. Microwaving alters texture so thawed ham may be rubbery.
Troubleshooting Tricky Ham Slices
Occasionally you may run into issues when thawing ham slices. Here are some common problems and solutions:
-
Still frozen in center when thawed: This happens if slices are too thick. Next time, ask for thinner sliced ham or partially thaw before taking out of freezer.
-
Dries out when thawed: Thawed ham slices will get dried out in the fridge if left too long. Use within 1-2 days and keep sealed until ready to eat.
-
Has frozen/thawed several times: Quality diminishes each time ham is frozen and thawed. Use ham frozen and thawed multiple times for cooked dishes rather than eating cold.
-
Develops ice crystals in freezer: Ice crystals form when ham slices are frozen too slowly. Next time, freeze packaged ham promptly after purchasing.
-
Has grayish color: This is oxidation and indicates ham slices are past their prime. Discard ham with grayish tint.
With proper handling, ham slices can be thawed safely without sacrificing quality. For best results, make refrigerator thawing your go-to method. With adequate planning, you’ll have delicious thawed ham ready when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Defrosting Ham
How long does it take to thaw ham slices?
- Refrigerator: 4-6 hours per pound
- Cold water: 30 minutes per pound
- Microwave: Varies based on power level and slice thickness
Can you thaw ham slices at room temperature?
No, room temperature thawing can allow bacterial growth on the exterior of the ham before the interior thaws. Always thaw in the refrigerator or cold water.
Is it safe to thaw ham slices in hot water?
Thawing ham in hot water is dangerous, as it brings the exterior temperature into the danger zone (40-140°F) where bacteria multiply quickly. Only use cold water for faster thawing.
Can
In the Refrigerator
The best way to thaw a frozen ham is to put it in the fridge for four to six hours per pound. If you have a five-pound ham, you should be ready for it to take a whole day to thaw in the fridge.
The good news is that thawing in the refrigerator doesn’t need to lead right up to cooking time. After being frozen, a ham can be kept in the fridge for three to five more days before it is cooked.
In a Cooler
It’s not as traditional, but letting your ham thaw in a cooler will free up space in your probably already-full fridge.
Make sure that your cooler is also in a cool place, like a garage or basement. Check the cooler’s temperature every so often; don’t let it get above 40 degrees F. If the temperature starts to rise, place ice packs around the ham.