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!
Kentucky Legend ham is beloved for its signature sweet, smoky flavor. But if you find yourself with leftovers after the holidays or buy ham in bulk when it’s on sale, can you freeze Kentucky Legend ham for longer storage?
The good news is yes, you can successfully freeze Kentucky Legend ham to extend its shelf life. When properly stored in the freezer, it can maintain quality and taste for up to 1 year.
Here is a complete guide to freezing Kentucky Legend ham including tips for maximizing freezer shelf life.
An Overview of Kentucky Legend Ham
Kentucky Legend has whole boneless, half, quarter, and petite hams, as well as other sizes of premium smoked ham. Their hams have a sweet and smoky flavor that you can’t miss because they are smoked twice over real hardwood.
Fully cooked ham has a refrigerator shelf life of 5-7 days. But freezing stops the aging process to prolong freshness. It allows you to buy ham on sale and always have it on hand.
Can You Freeze Kentucky Legend Ham?
It is safe to freeze fully cooked Kentucky Legend ham, and the quality or taste will not change. Frozen ham will keep its taste, texture, and moisture for up to a year if kept at 0°F.
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life when you buy ham in bulk or have leftovers after the holidays Kentucky Legend’s signature sweet smoky flavor shines through even after freezing
How to Freeze Kentucky Legend Ham
Follow these simple steps for freezing Kentucky Legend ham:
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Allow cooked ham to cool completely before freezing. Freeze within 3-5 days of refrigerating.
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Cut ham into smaller portions if freezing large quantities.
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Wrap ham tightly in plastic wrap, butcher paper or aluminum foil. Remove as much air as possible.
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Place wrapped ham in freezer bags or airtight containers. Label with type and freeze date
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Store flat in coldest section of freezer at 0°F. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing.
How Long Does Ham Last Frozen?
When properly stored at a consistent 0°F, Kentucky Legend ham will maintain optimal quality and taste frozen for up to 1 year.
For best flavor and texture, it’s best to consume frozen ham within 9 months. Although safe up to a year, ham may suffer some quality loss over longer freezer times.
Be diligent about monitoring your freezer temperature. Fluctuations above 0°F will shorten frozen shelf life. Check packages periodically for freezer burn.
Tips for Freezing Kentucky Legend Ham
Follow these tips for maximizing freezer shelf life:
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Double wrap ham in plastic and foil/freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
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Remove as much air as possible and wrap tightly.
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Label package with variety and freeze date to track freezer time.
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Store ham flat and individually versus stacked to prevent crushing.
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Once thawed, consume ham within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Ham?
It is not recommended to refreeze thawed Kentucky Legend ham. Refreezing thawed meat can negatively affect texture and lead to off-flavors developing.
For best results, thaw frozen ham in the fridge overnight. Use within 3-5 days and discard any remaining portions. Only refreeze ham that was thawed 2 days or less.
How to Thaw Kentucky Legend Frozen Ham
Always use safe thawing methods for frozen ham:
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Refrigerator Thawing: Place ham in fridge 1 day before needed. Takes 24 hours for average ham.
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Cold Water Thawing: Seal ham in a bag then submerge in cold water, changing every 30 mins.
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Microwave Thawing: Use the defrost setting in short bursts. Check often to prevent overheating edges.
Do not thaw ham at room temperature or in hot water. This can cause bacteria growth leading to food poisoning.
Tips for Cooking Previously Frozen Ham
When reheating thawed Kentucky Legend ham:
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Bake ham slices or pieces in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
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Fry ham slices in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, 1-2 minutes per side.
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Microwave on High for 30-60 seconds per slice. Cover to prevent drying out.
Always cook thawed ham to an internal temperature of 140°F. Handle just like fresh ham when cooking.
Enjoy Delicious Ham All Year Long
With proper freezing and storage methods, you can keep Kentucky Legend’s signature sweet smoked ham on hand for up to a year. Follow these guidelines for ham that maintains optimal taste and quality even when frozen.
In Cold Water
This can be done most easily by putting enough cold tap water in the sink to cover the ham. But, first, make sure that your ham’s outer packaging is undamaged and leak-proof before submerging in the water.
If you want to speed up the thawing process, don’t use hot water. The hot water could raise the temperature of the outside of the ham to a level where harmful bacteria can grow. (Read more about “What NOT to Do” below. ”).
Drain and change the water every 30 minutes. To thoroughly thaw your ham, it will take 30 minutes per pound. While this method of thawing needs more attention, thawing your ham this way is much quicker.
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.
Kentucky Legend: Home for the Holidays
FAQ
How long can you keep Kentucky legend ham in the fridge?
Is it OK to freeze a precooked ham?
Why is sliced ham not suitable for freezing?
Is Kentucky Legend ham already cooked?
Should you Thaw a Kentucky legend Ham?
Well, we’ll be honest: there’s no worse feeling than preheating your oven only to realize your Kentucky Legend ham is still completely frozen! Don’t jeopardize a legendary family meal. Check out our advice below on the best thawing methods as well as some options for when you’re in a pinch.
Can ham be frozen?
Yes, ham can be frozen. To do so, make sure the ham is cooled and dry (to prevent ice crystals). Wrap it in plastic wrap or a freezer bag and then tightly cover with foil. Place the wrapped ham in another freezer bag or freezer-friendly glass storage container to prevent freezer burn.
Can You reheat a Kentucky legend Ham?
Rather, when “cooking” a Kentucky Legend ham, you’re really just warming it up to a preferred temperature for texture and flavor. From that perspective, the best way to reheat leftover ham is the same as the best way to heat it for the first time around. So what’s the best way to (re)heat a Kentucky Legend ham? Place in an oven-safe baking dish.
Can you cook a Kentucky legend Ham?
In fact, you could cut cold slices right off our hams straight from the store to use for sandwiches or salads if you like. Rather, when “cooking” a Kentucky Legend ham, you’re really just warming it up to a preferred temperature for texture and flavor.