How Long Does It Take to Defrost a Honey Baked Ham? The Complete Guide

Honey baked ham is a delicious holiday staple but it can be tricky to figure out exactly how long you need to defrost it before cooking. A frozen ham takes quite a bit of time to thaw completely, so you need to plan ahead. Follow this complete guide to learn how long it takes to defrost a Honey Baked ham and tips for safe proper thawing.

Why Defrosting is Important

It’s crucial to properly defrost your honey baked ham before cooking and eating it. Thawing is an essential food safety step. Eating undercooked pork can lead to foodborne illnesses. Frozen hams also won’t cook evenly if still frozen or partially frozen. Defrosting ensures:

• Proper food safety by eliminating harmful bacteria
• Even cooking temperature throughout the meat
• Better texture – frozen areas lead to inconsistencies
• More accurate cooking time – a frozen ham takes much longer to cook
• Better flavor – icy sections won’t absorb seasonings or glaze

Always be sure to thaw honey baked hams purchased at the store before reheating and eating. The hams are fully cooked when you buy them but they still need to be thawed first for ideal taste and texture after reheating.

How Long Does it Take to Defrost a Honey Baked Ham?

The defrosting time depends on a few factors, including:

• Ham size – A larger, thicker ham takes longer
• Defrosting method – Fridge thawing is slower than cold water
• State of the ham – Fully frozen solid hams require more time

Here are general timelines for thawing various sizes of frozen Honey Baked hams:

• Small (under 4 lbs): 24 hours in fridge, 4 hours in cold water
• Medium (4 – 8 lbs): 36 hours in fridge, 6 hours in cold water
• Large (over 8 lbs): 48 hours in fridge, 8 hours in cold water

The average medium ham from Honey Baked is around 6-8 pounds. For a frozen ham this size, allow about 36 hours thawing in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw it faster, allow 6 hours submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Always thaw honey baked hams in the refrigerator if possible, as this is the safest method. Cold water thawing speeds the process when you’re short on time.

Thawing Methods for Honey Baked Ham

There are a few different methods you can use to safely thaw a honey baked ham. Here are some common options:

Refrigerator Thawing

This is the preferred, foolproof way to thaw a ham. Simply place the frozen ham in the refrigerator and allow it to slowly defrost over a period of hours. Place it in a tray or on a plate to catch any juices that may leak out as it thaws. Allow approximately 24-36 hours for a medium 6-8 pound ham.

The longer timeframe ensures the ham defrosts gradually and evenly. The ham will be safe at temperatures below 40°F as it thaws in the fridge. Refrigerator thawing results in the best texture too.

Cold Water Thawing

If you need to thaw your ham faster, use the cold water method. This thaws a medium ham in about 6 hours. Simply submerge the frozen ham in a sink or tub of cold water, changing out the water every 30 minutes. Make sure the ham stays immersed in cold water the entire time. The ham will be thawed once it feels soft but still chilled when squeezed.

Cold water thawing speeds the process, but can lead to uneven thawing. Be sure to thaw until completely soft with no frozen areas remaining before cooking.

Microwave Thawing

You can thaw a ham in the microwave using the defrost setting in 3-7 minutes per pound. But microwave thawing leads to uneven temperatures so it’s harder to gauge doneness. Microwaved hams also tend to cook around the outer edges while thawing. For best results, microwave just until slightly thawed then finish thawing in the fridge.

Room Temperature Thawing

Never thaw a ham at room temperature. Room temperature allows bacterial growth on the ham’s surface. Thaw in the refrigerator or cold water only.

Tips for Thawing Honey Baked Ham

Follow these tips for safe, effective honey baked ham thawing:

• Place the frozen ham in a shallow tray or pan to catch any juices that may drip during thawing.
• Avoid thawing hams in plastic wrapping or bags. This leads to condensation which can cause bacteria growth. Unwrap ham and place in a clean tray or dish to thaw.
• Once thawed, the ham is safe in the fridge for 7-10 days.
• Cook thawed ham within 1-2 days for freshest flavor and texture.
• Don’t refreeze a thawed ham. Only refreeze if it’s been cooked.
• Rinse ham under cold water and pat dry if sticky before reheating or glazing.
• Let thawed ham stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking or eating for better absorption of glaze.

How to Tell When a Ham is Thawed

Check these signs to know when your honey baked ham is fully defrosted:

• Soft and squeezable when pressed, no hard frozen sections
• Flesh has a deep pink to red color throughout
• Fat around outer edge feels soft and flexible
• Meat has relaxed appearance, not tightly shrink-wrapped shape
• Cavity where bone was removed is soft
• A knife inserted into the center feels cold or cool, not frozen
• You can press your finger into the flesh with little resistance
• Condensation or water beads form on surface

The ham will look slightly different than when frozen once fully thawed. The thawed meat will be softer, more pliable and relaxed. If any parts still feel icy cold and hard, continue thawing until the entire ham is soft with no frozen spots remaining before cooking.

Storing a Thawed Ham

A thawed honey baked ham will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. Keep thawed or cooked hams refrigerated at 40°F or below. Use within 3-5 days for peak flavor and texture.

Freeze any uneaten portions in freezer bags or airtight containers. Slices of cooked ham last 2-3 months in the freezer. Thawed, uncooked hams don’t freeze well.

With the proper thawing time, you can enjoy delicious honey baked ham year-round. Allow at least 36 hours to thaw a medium 6-8 pound frozen Honey Baked ham in the refrigerator. Use cold water for faster thawing when short on time. Look for signs of softness and pink color to indicate it’s ready for cooking and eating. Follow these defrosting tips for the best results with your holiday honey baked ham.