Costco is beloved for its high-quality yet affordable bulk grocery items, including everyone’s holiday favorite – ham! A Costco bone-in or spiral sliced ham can feed a crowd, but leftovers are inevitable Before that delicious ham goes bad in the fridge, consider freezing the extras.
You can save your Costco ham for later meals and waste less food by freezing it. But is it possible to freeze a Costco ham? If so, how should you wrap it up? How long will it stay good in the freezer?
This full guide tells you how to freeze a Costco ham the right way and gives you ideas for how to store, thaw, and use those tasty leftovers in other ways.
Can You Freeze a Costco Ham?
Yes you can absolutely freeze a Costco ham both whole or in slices. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of a Costco ham and avoid wasting any of that quality, delicious meat.
Both cooked hams and raw hams can be frozen successfully. For cooked hams, make sure they are fully cooled before freezing. Raw hams should be frozen promptly before the “sell by” date.
As long as you take steps to prevent freezer burn, a Costco ham stays fresh and tasty when frozen for 2-3 months. Follow the guidelines below for freezing a Costco ham correctly.
How to Freeze a Whole Costco Ham
Follow these simple steps for freezing a whole bone-in or spiral sliced Costco ham:
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Allow cooked ham to cool completely, then tightly wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
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Place foil-wrapped ham in a freezer bag, pressing out all excess air before sealing.
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Label bag with ham weight, type, and freeze date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Freeze raw ham in original packaging within the “sell by” date on package.
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For hams with original packaging opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
How to Freeze Leftover Costco Ham
For freezing leftover cooked Costco ham after carving:
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Cut ham into smaller portions or slices for easier storage.
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Tightly wrap each ham piece or portion in plastic wrap or foil.
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Place wrapped ham pieces in freezer bags, removing excess air.
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Label bags with contents, quantity, and freeze date. Use within 2 months.
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For best quality, do not refreeze thawed ham leftovers.
Freezer Storage Time for Costco Ham
Properly stored Costco ham stays fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months. Follow these freezer guidelines:
- Fresh, uncooked whole ham: 3 months
- Fresh, uncooked half ham: 2 months
- Cooked whole ham: 2 months
- Cooked half or spiral sliced ham: 1-2 months
- Cooked ham slices or portions: 1-2 months
For maximum freshness and quality, use frozen Costco ham within 2 months. Always check for ice crystals or freezer burn before use.
How to Thaw a Frozen Costco Ham
Never thaw meat at room temperature. Thaw frozen Costco ham safely using these methods:
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Fridge: Place frozen ham in refrigerator for 24-48 hours until completely thawed.
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Cold Water: Submerge ham in a leakproof bag in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Microwave: Use the defrost setting in 30-second increments, checking often. Cook immediately.
Check for ice crystals and thoroughly thaw ham in the center before cooking. Cook frozen ham 50% longer if needed.
Tips for Freezing Costco Ham
Follow these tips for the best frozen Costco ham:
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Freeze ham in original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Portion into smaller pieces or slices for easier thawing and serving.
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Label everything accurately with weight, type, and freeze date.
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Use frozen cooked ham within 2 months for ideal texture and flavor.
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Thaw frozen ham fully in the fridge before cooking or serving.
Ideas for Using Leftover Ham
A Costco ham feeds a crowd, but you can stretch those tasty leftovers into all kinds of dishes:
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Breakfast – Ham and cheese omelets or hash.
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Lunch – Ham sandwiches or wraps. Add to salad.
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Dinner – Ham fried rice or pasta. Split pea soup.
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Sides – Scalloped potatoes with ham. Ham and beans.
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Snacks – Ham roll-ups with cream cheese. Ham and pineapple skewers.
Get creative with your leftover frozen Costco ham! The meat’s versatility makes it an easy addition to many meals.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Costco Ham?
It is not recommended to refreeze cooked ham after it thaws, as the texture suffers. Eat thawed ham within 3-5 days and do not refreeze.
For best quality and food safety, divide ham into portions and thaw only what you will consume within a few days. Refreezing repeatedly can pose health risks.
Common Questions About Freezing Costco Ham
Here are some frequently asked questions about freezing Costco ham:
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Can you freeze a spiral cut ham? Yes, spiral cut hams freeze very well for 2-3 months.
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How long does uncooked ham last in the freezer? 3-6 months for fresh, raw ham stored at 0°F.
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Is it better to freeze ham in slices? Slicing before freezing helps the ham thaw faster later on.
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Can I cook a Costco ham from frozen? Yes, cooking directly from frozen is safe though it takes 50% longer. Thaw fully for best results.
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How do you thaw a frozen ham? In the refrigerator for 24-48 hours is best. Can quick thaw in cold water if needed.
Enjoy Costco Ham for Months
Freezing a high-quality Costco ham lets you save leftovers or prep future meals with delicious meat. Follow the tips in this guide for freezing, thawing, and cooking your Costco bone-in or spiral sliced ham. With proper storage in the freezer, you can enjoy tasty ham for 2-3 months.
