how long does ham hock last in freezer

The Ultimate Guide to Freezing Ham Hocks How Long They Last and How to Use Them

Ham hocks are a delicious and versatile cut of pork that can add tons of flavor to soups, stews, beans, and more. But if you’ve purchased more ham hocks than you can use right away, you’re probably wondering – how long do ham hocks last in the freezer? And what’s the best way to freeze them for maximum freshness?

As an avid home cook and meal prepper I rely on my freezer to stash ham hocks and other meats for future use. After years of trial and error, I’ve dialed in the perfect system for freezing ham hocks so they stay fresh and delicious for months.

In this complete guide, I’ll share everything I know about how to freeze ham hocks correctly, such as:

• How long ham hocks last in the freezer
• The best way to prep and package ham hocks for freezing
• Tips for thawing and cooking frozen ham hocks
• Creative ways to use up frozen ham hocks

Arm yourself with this knowledge, and you’ll never have to toss an expired ham hock again! Let’s get freezing.

How Long Do Ham Hocks Last in the Freezer?

A fresh ham hock that hasn’t been frozen will only last in the fridge for three to five days. As it turns out, ham hocks can last up to 4 months after being frozen.

I like to follow the USDA recommendation of using frozen ham hocks within 4 months for peak quality and taste. Much longer than that and the texture can become unpleasantly tough.

Of course, properly stored ham hocks can technically last for 6 months or even a year in the freezer before becoming unsafe to eat. But the flavor will progressively deteriorate over time. Stick to 4 months or less for the best results.

And always make sure to label your frozen ham hocks with the freeze date so you know when they were stored. This allows you to easily keep track of which ones need to be used up first.

How to Prep Ham Hocks for Freezing

To get the most mileage out of your frozen ham hocks, it’s important to prep them properly before they go into cold storage.

Here are my tips for pre-freezing ham hock prep:

• Choose fresh, raw ham hocks whenever possible. They tend to freeze better than pre-cooked or cured ham hocks.

• Rinse and pat the ham hocks dry. Trim off any large chunks of fat or sinew.

• Parboil the ham hocks for 2-3 minutes to seal in moisture. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.

• Pat the blanched ham hocks very dry with paper towels before packaging. This prevents freezer burn.

• Portion into usable sizes if freezing a large quantity. I like to separate mine into 1 or 2 pound packages.

Correct pre-freezing prep is key for retaining moisture and flavor! Now let’s talk about the best packaging methods.

How to Package Ham Hocks for Freezing

It’s critical to protect ham hocks from freezer burn by sealing them in an airtight, moisture-proof material before freezing. I recommend one of these methods:

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, pressing out all air pockets. Double wrap for extra protection.

• Place in zip-top freezer bags, remove air, and seal. Freezer bags work well for odd ham hock shapes.

• Use aluminum foil pouches, pressing out air before tightly sealing the foil. Foil is puncture-proof and durable.

• Vacuum seal if you own a food sealer appliance. This removes oxygen and minimizes freezer burn.

No matter which technique you use, make sure to label the pouches clearly with contents and freeze date before placing in the freezer.

Now just pop those packages in the freezer set at 0°F or below, and your ham hocks are preserved for up to 4 months!

Thawing and Cooking Frozen Ham Hocks

When you’re ready to savor those frozen ham hocks, use this method for safe thawing and cooking:

• Thaw frozen ham hocks for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Don’t thaw at room temp or in warm water due to bacteria risk.

• Once thawed, rinse the ham hocks and pat dry. Place in a crockpot or Dutch oven with seasonings, vegetables, stock or water.

• Simmer the ham hocks over low heat or on low setting for 4-5 hours until very tender. The connective tissue needs ample time to break down.

• Carefully remove meat from bones when cooked. Discard skin, bones, and any gristle or fat.

• Chop or shred the tender ham meat, or leave whole chunks. Use immediately in your favorite recipes.

Slow cooking is ideal for bringing out the richness of ham hocks. The flavor will concentrate as they simmer, so get ready for intensely porky dishes!

Creative Ways to Use Frozen Ham Hocks

Besides soup and beans, what else can you make with frozen ham hocks? Get creative with these unique recipe ideas:

• Ham hock confit – Cook ham hocks in olive oil and herbs until tender. Jar and store submerged in oil.

• Ham hock ragu – Chop ham hock meat and simmer in tomato sauce. Toss with pasta.

• Hock and bean chili – Add chopped ham hock to your favorite chili recipe. It boosts the heartiness.

• Hock stock – Simmer hocks to make a rich pork broth. Use for risotto, sauces, braising liquid.

• Hock fried rice – Stir chopped ham hocks into fried rice with veggies and egg.

• Ham hock collard greens – Saute chopped hocks and greens with seasoning for a southern side.

With a stash of frozen ham hocks in your freezer, you’ll always be ready to infuse recipes with delicious smoky pork flavor.

Master Ham Hock Freezing and Usage

Now that you know how long ham hocks last in the freezer and the best practices for storing them, you can confidently buy ham hocks in bulk and freeze them for months of use.

Follow these ham hock freezing tips:

• Prep raw, fresh ham hocks by trimming, blanching and drying thoroughly before freezing.

• Protect hocks from freezer burn by sealing tightly in plastic wrap, bags or foil pouches.

• Label packages clearly with contents and freeze date. Store at 0°F or below.

• For best quality and food safety, use frozen ham hocks within 4 months.

• Thaw slowly in fridge before simmering in recipes for at least 4 hours until tender.

• Get creative with unique ways to use chopped or shredded frozen ham hocks in entrees, sides and more!

Now there’s no reason to let a single ham hock go to waste. This powerhouse meat will amplify soups, stews, beans and vegetables with its signature bold, smoky porkiness. Just freeze ham hocks properly, and they’ll be waiting in your freezer to infuse flavor into meals for months to come.