14+ Recipes for Leftover Ham (2024)

FAQs

How long will cooked ham keep in the refrigerator? ›

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked. If you need more time to use up those leftovers, ham will last up to two months in the freezer. The USDA also recommends wrapping up leftovers well.

To reheat ham slices on the stove, add a few slices at a time to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add up to ½ cup of chicken broth to keep the meat moist or opt for a couple of tablespoons of butter or oil to give the ham a nice sear.

Christmas ham stored in the fridge, either on the bone or carved off and wrapped in plastic and foil, will keep perfectly well for up to two weeks. Ham wrapped in plastic and foil and then frozen will last in the freezer for up to a month.

You can freeze delicious ham and it'll last for weeks before you need to use it. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that fully cooked frozen ham is safe to eat for up to one to two months. If you find yourself with leftover ham, freezing it for future use is both easy and convenient.

Freezer storage time is for quality only. Frozen hams remain safe indefinitely. For more information, see Ham and Food Safety.

A fully-cooked, unopened, vacuum-sealed ham can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, according to the USDA, but the clock starts ticking once you open that package. Sliced meat, like fresh cut ham or spiral-cut ham from the store, will last in the refrigerator for only three to five days.

You can use water, but if you want to add more flavor, you should use wine or beef, chicken, or vegetable stock. Most of this liquid will cook off, but your tinfoil cover will help your meat absorb those juices.

Place in an oven-safe baking dish. Cover top of ham with loosely wrapped aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake at 275 degrees F at 10 minutes per pound–or until meat thermometer reads 135 – 140 degrees.

For hams that are fully cooked (again, check the label) and not spiral sliced, first cut off any skin. Score the through the fat layer, making diamond crosshatch marks. Place in a 325-to-350-degree oven, brush with some glaze if desired and bake until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees.

Once you open a package of ham, or if it comes open — like if it was sliced at the deli counter— you can safely eat your leftovers for up to five days. In addition to these dates, it's always best to stick to the use-by date printed on the ham's package.

How to tell if ham is off? ›

Yes and no. Although ham isn't toxic for your dog, it's best to avoid it in large quantities. The odd small bite is unlikely to cause an issue (unless your dog has a known or underlying medical condition), but it's not the best meat for your pup to consume a lot of.

Freezing ham, is it a good idea? Freezing ham before or after cooking often causes changes in flavour and texture. Any ham, frozen and then defrosted, might look and feel spongy and may taste saltier. It may not be ideal for company and would be better used in cooked dishes, such as soups, pizza or casseroles.

If stored properly, your Christmas ham can last up to a month in the freezer. Just wrap your ham – sliced or whole – in some cling wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn and let the merriment continue all the way into March.

Once you've properly wrapped and frozen your leftover ham, you can keep it in a frost-free freezer for up to 2 months without loss of flavor. If you store it longer, it'll develop freezer burn, which is the meat drying out at the edges.

Once you open a package of ham, or if it comes open — like if it was sliced at the deli counter— you can safely eat your leftovers for up to five days.

Spiral-cut hams and leftovers from consumer-cooked hams may be stored in the refrigerator three to five days or frozen one to two months.

For serving, we recommend taking Ham or Turkey out of refrigeration for 30 minutes prior to serving. If you choose to refrigerate your products, Honey Baked Ham can be refrigerated for 7 to 10 days and Honey Baked Turkey Breast can be refrigerated for 5 to 7 days.

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.