Freezing Honey Baked Ham How To Plus More

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Freezing Honey Baked Ham

When it comes to the delicious hams, there are all kinds of questions associated with storing and Freezing Honey baked Ham. Today we are going to help you explore the different ways to store ham, including the best way to freeze it. Learn all you need to know and much more about ham in the details below.

Ham Portrait

Ham Dinner

Perhaps you are preparing for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, or simply just enjoying a lovely Sunday meal with a delicious ham. Today we are going to help you discover all you need to know about honey baked hams, and much more. Be sure to check out all the details included for your reference below. 

Store For Future Use

There are all kinds of questions when it comes to freezing, and storing honey baked ham. Some of these include the question, can you freeze honey baked ham? Can honey baked ham be kept in the refrigerator? And what is the best way to defrost a honey baked ham? These are just a few of the questions that come to mind when dealing with ham. We are going to look at all of these, and much more including how to prepare, store, and a recipe for your own honey baked ham. Be sure to check out all of the details below! 

How to store honey-baked ham

When it comes to ham, there are so many ways you can store your ham. Some of these include freezing them, refrigerating them, vacuum sealing your hams, and then how to thaw and prepare your ham to eat. Hams are amazing to enjoy for any occasion, or simply as a dinner, or to prepare for lunch meat. 

If you purchased at the right time of year, hams may be even more cost-effective than purchasing lunch meat to take in your lunches. Because hams are so delicious to enjoy, it is important to understand the best way to store and prepare honey baked hams. 

Freezing Honey baked Ham

Let us first look at the different aspects of freezing a honey baked ham. There are various ways that you can freeze honey baked hams and have them last for a while. There is also the question of if you can freeze a honey baked ham that has already been cooked, and how to go about doing that. In this section, we will look at the various aspects of freezing a ham.

How to Store Honey-Baked Ham in the Freezer

First, let’s answer the question of if you can store your ham in the freezer, and if it makes a difference that your ham is cooked or not. Then we will look at the steps to actually freeze your ham, followed by other important things to know about freezing your ham. 

Can You Freeze Ham? How Long Does It Last?

Yes! You can absolutely store a honey baked ham in the freezer. This is the best way to store your ham long-term. 

Can You Freeze Cooked Ham? 

Yes! You can freeze a cooked ham as well. Freezing a ham that has been cooked is a good way to store your ham for a later date. 

How to Freeze Honey Baked Ham 

Now, let us turn our attention to the steps involved in actually freezing your honey baked ham. There are a few simple methods involved with freezing your ham.

How can you freeze a honey baked ham?

To store your honey baked ham for future use, there are a few options when freezing your ham. There are two main options that come to mind when freezing your ham. Typically, you will want to freeze your whole ham directly from the grocery store so that you can use it later. You may also wonder about freezing ham that has been thawed. The other that comes to mind is freezing any leftover ham for a later date. Let’s look at how you can freeze ham in the following scenarios. 

Freezing Unopened Whole Ham

To freeze a whole ham, you will want to be sure that your ham has been stored in a cool location, or was purchased frozen. To freeze your whole ham, simply place it into your freezer in the original package it was purchased in. When freezing a name-brand Honey Baked Ham, it is recommended to freeze a ham for up to six weeks. 

Freezing Opened Thawed Ham

If you are Freezing Honey baked Ham purchased from your grocery store that is thawed, you will want to take it home, and immediately place the ham into your freezer. You can package it into smaller sections by wrapping it in plastic wrap, placing it into a freezer bag, or wrapping it in foil, then into a freezer bag before placing it in the freezer. 

Freezing Unopened Thawed Ham

On the other hand, if you are Freezing Honey baked Ham that is thawed and is unopened, your ham can go directly into the freezer. This method works well for any ham purchased from the grocery store in the cooler section, where it has been thawed, but kept in a refrigerator, keeping it chilled. 

Freezing Leftover Cooked Ham

After you have prepared your ham, and have any leftovers, Freezing Honey baked Ham is a fantastic option to save leftover ham for later. To freeze any leftover cooked ham, place it into a freezer bag, vacuum seal it, or wrap it in aluminum foil before placing it into a freezer bag and placing it into the freezer. You may also use an airtight container to store any leftover ham in the freezer if desired. 

Please keep in mind that any ham you are freezing should be stored with as little air as possible in your storage container. Meaning, if you are storing your ham in a freezer bag, be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Vacuum sealing your ham is the best option to keep it from getting freezer burnt, however, if that is not an option, remove as much air as possible. 

What is the best way to freeze ham?

The top recommended ways to freeze honey baked Ham, and receive the best results, are as follows: 

Vacuum sealed 
Stored in an airtight, freezer bag 
Wrapped tightly in aluminum foil, and placed in a freezer bag before being frozen

Does Ham freeze well?

Yes, as long as your ham is stored with as very little air as possible in the storage unit, ham freezes remarkably well. You will simply want to make sure there is not much air in your storage container so that it does not get freezer burnt. 

Does freezing a ham change the taste?

Assuming that your ham is frozen properly, and does not experience becoming freezer burnt, the process of freezing ham will not change the taste of your ham. However, if excess air gets into your ham inside of the freezer, there’s a good chance it will get freezer burnt. Ham that is freezer burnt, will have a slightly different taste to it. 

How Long Can You Freeze A Ham?

You might be confused by how long you can leave ham in the freezer. The answer to this question can vary on how long you can safely leave it in the freezer, depending upon whom you ask. 

Food and safety.gov says that ham should not be frozen for more than two months. Another opinion comes from the Honey Baked Ham Company, which says that hams should not be frozen for more than six weeks. Although you may be able to freeze a ham longer than this, a lot of it will depend upon how you wrap your ham, and the type of ham it is. If you are in doubt, that your ham is any good, simply toss it out and do not risk food poisoning.  

How long does cooked ham stay good in the freezer?

No matter if your cooked ham is stored whole, or frozen individually, the food and safety administration says that it will remain good for 1 to 2 months in your freezer. You may hear varying opinions on this subject, however, be sure to use your own judgment, and thoroughly check over your ham to make sure it is still good. Below, you will find details on how to tell if your ham is still good, or if it has gone bad. 

How long can you keep an unopened spiral ham in the freezer?

If your spiral ham is in the freezer, and remains in its original unopened packaging, it is likely to remain in its best state for 1 to 2 months in the freezer. However, after this timeframe it may still be good to eat, but the quality of the ham may diminish slightly. Be sure to check the ham over carefully before eating. 

How long can you keep a fully-cooked ham in the freezer?

The answer to how long you can keep fully cooked ham in the freezer may also vary depending upon whom you ask. Many places recommend keeping ham in the freezer for no more than 1 to 2 months. If your ham has been stored in the freezer longer and has been packaged in the air-tight container, and it’s fully cooked, be sure to thoroughly check it over, before eating. Below are some details you will want to be sure to check and make sure are still OK on your ham. 

How to Freeze Honey-Baked Ham & Roasted Turkey Breast

It is highly recommended that you begin by separating your ham into individual serving-size packages before freezing. Then, to begin to freeze, we recommend that you wrap each serving securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. 

Another way is to wrap your servings securely in plastic wrap, before placing them into a freezer bag. Once your ham is stored in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before freezing. Finally, if you are able, use a vacuum sealer to secure your ham before placing it in the freezer. It is recommended that your ham be used before two months have passed that it has been frozen. 

Frozen Ham

Refrigerate Ham

What about ham that is stored in the refrigerator? Turning our attention now to refrigerated ham. Let’s look at many different questions asked related to keeping your ham in the fridge. 

How Long Does Ham Last In The Refrigerator?

How long ham lasts in the refrigerator can vary depending upon the type of ham that it is, as well as how it is packaged. According to food safety.gov  fresh ham that is uncured, and uncooked will last 3 to 5 days if stored below 40°F. Ham that is fresh, uncured, and cooked will last approximately 3 to 4 days if stored below 40°F. Ham that is cured, and either uncooked or cooked well last 5 to 7 days if stored below 40°F. Finally, a fully cooked ham that is vacuum sealed at the manufacturer, and unopened will last approximately two weeks if stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or less. 

Will Baked Ham Last for Long in the Fridge?

Baked ham that is stored in the fridge is estimated to last approximately 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. This applies to ham that has been baked and kept at 40°F or lower temperatures after being cooked. 

How long can a Honey Baked Ham stay in the refrigerator?

Hams that come directly from the Honey Baked Ham Company are recommended to be kept in the refrigerator no more than 7 to 10 days according to honeybakedham.com. Any other hams that are fully cooked and vacuum-sealed in the original packaging from the company will last approximately two weeks of storage below 40°F. 

How long can you keep a precooked ham in the refrigerator?

Pre-cooked ham would be equivalent to ham that came pre-cooked, and vacuum-sealed in its original packaging. This kind of ham will last approximately two weeks if stored below 40°F in your refrigerator. 

How long can I keep spiral ham in fridge?

Spiral ham is recommended to be stored in an airtight container, or in the original packaging in your refrigerator for approximately 3 to 5 days if kept below 40°F. Although your ham may be good longer than that, this is a good rule of thumb. Then, as always be sure to check your ham over closely before eating so that you can be sure it is still good. 

How To Store Ham In The Fridge

How do you store ham in the fridge?

There are a few different types of hams that can be stored in your refrigerator. How you store the ham, will be determined by if it is fresh from the store, or if it is leftover ham. Let’s look at these two different categories below.

Fresh Ham

Ham that is fresh from your local grocery store, or supermarket will be stored in its original wrapping. This usually means that your ham has been vacuumed sealed in its original wrapping. If this is the case, your ham can be stored in the original vacuum-sealed wrap for up to two weeks in the refrigerator if your fridge temperature is below 40°F. 

Leftover ham

Leftover ham stored in the fridge is best when it is stored in an airtight container, bag, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. To store leftover ham in the fridge, be sure that it is wrapped securely, in plastic wrap, foil, sealed in a plastic bag, or sealed tightly in an airtight container. Keep leftover cooked ham in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. 

How long can you keep an unopened spiral ham in the refrigerator?

Spiral ham that is in its original packaging, meaning that it is open from the store, may be stored in your refrigerator at 40°F or lower for up to two weeks. After this time, you will want to check it closely before cooking or baking. If used in two weeks or under, your ham should be good to enjoy. 

How long will an unopened Spiral ham last in the refrigerator?

An unopened spiral ham will last approximately two weeks in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep it sealed, and stored at 40°F or below for best results. 

Vacuum Sealed Ham

Vacuum-sealed ham may be one of the very best ways you can store your ham. Ham that has been vacuum-sealed works great in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Vacuum sealing your leftovers will help them to last as long as possible. Vacuum sealing works great because it removes all of the extra air from your container, which helps to make your food last longer. 

How long can you keep a vacuum sealed ham in the fridge?

Ham that has been vacuum sealed and stored in the refrigerator will last approximately one week. As always, be sure to check it over closely so that you can be sure it is still good, however, it is estimated to last slightly longer when vacuum sealed and stored at 40°F or less. 

How long can you keep a vacuum sealed ham in the freezer? 

Vacuum sealed ham is estimated to maintain its best quality for up to two months after it has been frozen. Vacuum sealed ham may remain good for longer than that time, however, the best quality is experienced before two months has passed. 

If you do not have access to a vacuum sealer, you can achieve a similar effect, although not quite as good by filling a bowl full of cold water and placing your meat into a plastic freezer bag. Seal a small corner of your freezer bag and stick your meat into the bowl of cold water. Squeeze any extra air out of your bag, then seal the bag before removing it from the water. From there, you can place your bag directly into the freezer. 

Defrosting Ham

Now that you know all about freezing your ham, and storing your ham in the refrigerator it is time to turn our attention towards defrosting your ham. We are going to look at different ways you can defrost your meat, as well as many questions associated with defrosting ham. 

The rules for how to thaw a frozen ham are very simple:

There are four main ways you can defrost frozen ham. Each method is quite simple and works well. The main difference with each method is that some require more time than others. 

Refrigerate

The most common method, and highly recommended is to refrigerate your ham overnight, or until thawed. This way allows you to pull your ham from your freezer, and place it into the fridge, then once thawed, warm up in your oven. It is estimated that it will take approximately 4 to 6 hours per pound of meat to defrost in your refrigerator. 

Soak in Cold Water

Another great method you can use to defrost frozen ham is to soak it in cold water. To do this, you will want to clean out your sink first, then place your package of sealed ham into the sink. Plug it so that it does not lose water, then fill your sink with ice-cold water so that the majority of your ham is covered. Alternatively, you could also fill a bowl, or pot with cold water to cover your ham if you would rather not use your sink. This method will take less time than refrigerating, however, it will still likely take several hours to thaw your ham in cold water. 

Microwave 

You can also microwave your frozen ham, using the defrost function. Please note that with this method, you will want to make sure your ham does not have a bone inside of it. If your ham has a bone, you will want to use a different method. To defrost your frozen ham using your microwave, use your microwave’s defrost function, and enter the weight of your ham. Then allow it to defrost until your ham is no longer frozen.

Cook Frozen

The last method for defrosting the ham to cook is actually to not defrost your ham at all. With this method, you will cook your ham while it is still frozen. When cooking a frozen ham, keep in mind that your cooking time for the ham will increase by approximately 50% of your normal time. So, if you decide to cook your ham last minute, never fear that you don’t have time to defrost the ham. Simply place it into your oven while frozen, only keep in mind you will need to bake it longer. 

No matter which of these four defrost methods you choose to use, they will all work well. Keep in mind that a ham should never be left at room temperature to defrost. Otherwise, any of the above methods work well. 

How Long Will Defrosted Ham Last For?

The amount of time a defrosted ham the last for can depend upon the type of defrosting method you choose to use. When a ham is defrosted using the refrigerator method outlined above, the ham can last 3 to 5 days when kept at 40°F or below. However, if you choose to use the microwave method to defrost your ham it should be cooked immediately after it has been defrosted.

How do you defrost a Honey Baked Ham?

The most recommended way to defrost a honey baked ham is to store it in your refrigerator 4 to 6 hours per pound to thaw. This means that the average ham typically takes 24 to 36 hours to completely thaw out in the refrigerator.  

When should I defrost my honey baked ham?

You want to allow enough time for your ham to be defrosted before you want to warm it or serve the ham. The amount of time you need to allow will depend upon the defrost method you choose. For details see the defrost methods above. 

How long does it take to thaw a spiral ham?

The amount of time it takes to thaw a spiral sliced ham depends on the size of your ham and the defrost method you use. When placing your ham in the refrigerator, it will typically take between 24 hours to 48 hours, it may even take up to 72 hours (3 days) if your ham is a very large one. 

How long does it take to thaw out a 12 pound ham?

The amount of time it takes to thaw a 12 pound ham depends upon the method used to defrost the ham and may vary depending on your surroundings. A good rule of thumb when using the refrigerator method, which typically takes the longest, is to allow 4 to 6 hours per pound of time to defrost. It may take as little as 30 minutes for every pound; however, it is good to be sure you allow enough time for your ham to fully defrost. 

A Note About Safe Thawing

When you thaw your frozen ham, be sure that it is always kept cold. The only way it should be warm is if you are using a defrost function on your microwave or baking it in the oven. Otherwise, when thawing in your refrigerator it should be always kept at 40°F or below. When using the cold water method, your ham should be kept in ice-cold water to thaw. At no point in time should your ham be thawed at room temperature. 

Room Temperature Ham

We must address ham being kept at room temperature. There are many good ways to store ham, however, keeping ham at room temperature is not one of them.

Can You Leave Honey Baked Ham at Room Temperature?

A common question asked is if you can leave ham at room temperature. The answer to this question is very much, no. Ham must be kept in the refrigerator, or frozen, it should never be stored at room temperature. 

How long can a Honey Baked ham stay at room temperature?

How long ham can stay at room temperature might come into play when you are serving your finished dish. In this case, the ham should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If your ham has been at room temperature any longer, you would be wise to throw it out. 

Ham that has been left at room temperature any longer than two hours at a time is likely to have grown bacteria and will cause food poisoning. If you are in a warmer climate, the window of time that ham is good at room temperature may even decrease, so be sure to carefully check over your ham if it has been left at room temperature for an extended amount of time. If in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to just throw it out, and not risk food poisoning. 

Is ham bad if left out overnight?

Yes, if your ham has been left out at room temperature overnight, it is no longer good and should be thrown out. Do not risk getting food poisoning by eating ham that has not been refrigerated overnight. 

To Cook or Not to Cook

Let’s turn our attention now to cooking your ham. There are many questions asked about the process of cooking your ham, as well as the amount of time it should take. In this section, we will look at some common questions asked about cooking your ham, as well as give you a general overview of how to cook a basic ham.

How To Cook A Ham

Most hams that you purchased from a store will come pre-cooked. This means that all you have to do is warm it up before you’re ready to eat it. Ham is considered to be warmed through when it has reached an internal temperature of 140°F. Your specific ham will probably have cooking instructions on the tag. The amount of time it takes to cook your ham will depend upon how many pounds your ham is. Most hams should be cooked low and slow, meaning that they are cooked at a low temperature so that they warm all the way through, and may take a few hours to get warmed through.

What is the best spiral ham to buy?

Many good kinds of hams are available for purchase. It mostly just depends on what you’re looking for, such as the size, taste, and whether your ham is pre-cooked, or raw. Once you decide what you are looking for, this will help you determine what the best type of ham is for you specifically to buy. 

How far in advance can I pick up Honey Baked Ham?

How far in advance you can pick up a honey baked ham depends upon how you plan to store the ham. If you are planning to store the ham in your refrigerator, you will want to wait until you are two weeks out from preparing the ham. However, if you are planning to freeze the ham, you can store the frozen ham in your freezer for up to two months. 

How long does it take to heat a 10 pound spiral ham?

The amount of time it takes to heat a 10 pound spiral ham may vary depending upon how thawed or frozen your ham is. On average, for a thawed ham, it typically takes between 10 to 14 minutes per pound in an oven at 325°F in order for the internal temperature of your ham to reach 140°F. Then, if you want to glaze your ham that will take an additional 10-15 minutes time. 

How do you cook a 10 pound spiral ham?

There are different ways you can cook a spiral ham. Most hams will come with instructions right on their packaging with the best way to cook that specific kind of ham. You can choose to cook your ham at a lower temperature such as 250°F for a longer amount of time, such as 13-16 minutes per pound, or at a higher temperature, such as 325°F for 10-14 minutes per pound. You may also choose to put your ham inside a cooking bag, or cover it in foil to help keep it moist. 

How do you keep a spiral ham moist while cooking?

There are a few keys to keep in mind it you want the best moist ham. The first key is to keep an eye on the internal temperature of your ham so that it does not get overcooked. Second, securely wrap your ham in heavy-duty aluminum foil, or place it into a cooking bag and seal it. Either way will help to keep the moisture inside the ham. Finally, be sure to cook your ham at a low temperature, so that the inside warms up, and the outside is not overcooked. 

How long does it take to cook a 10 lb ham?

Assuming that your ham is pre-baked, you will simply need to warm your ham to an internal temperature of 140°F. The best way to do this is to bake it at 250°F, for approximately two and a half hours. 

What temperature do you heat a spiral ham?

The temperature you choose to heat a spiral ham at can vary. Hams can be warmed at a range of temperatures from 250°F to 325°F. The temperature you choose to heat your ham at can depend on how long you have to warm it through completely. Before serving your ham, you will want it to reach an internal temperature of 140°F. 

How do you keep ham moist?

There are three specific things you can do to help keep your ham moist as you are warming it up. First, you can add a half cup of water, stock, or wine to the bottom of your baking dish. You can also place your ham inside of a baking bag to keep in the moisture. Finally, you can cover your ham with aluminum foil, and only remove it once you are ready to glaze your ham. 

How To Reheat And Store Honey-Baked Ham

Now, let’s turn our attention to what you can do to reheat your ham, and store any leftovers. We will first look at different ways you can warm your ham back up. 

Heating a Honey Baked spiral ham

There are three main ways to reheat a ham. Those three main ways are to use your oven, on the stovetop, and to use your microwave. While using your oven and stovetop typically give you the best results, using your microwave is the fastest method. 

How to Warm Up a Honey Baked Ham:

Oven Method

How to warm honey-baked ham in the oven: The first method you can use to warm your ham is in the oven. Any time you are warming your ham in the oven, it is a good idea to wrap it securely in foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also heat your oven to temperatures ranging from 250°F to 325°F. Add some water or broth to your baking pan, before placing it into the oven, then heat for approximately 10 minutes per pound, or until your ham is warmed through. 

Skillet Method

How to warm up honey-baked ham on a stovetop: If you are choosing to warm your honey baked ham on the stovetop, you will want to place your ham into a baking pan that is deep enough to cover. Be sure to add about a cup of water, then cover your ham with a lid. Simmer over medium-low heat until your ham is warmed through. You can use an instant-read thermometer, to monitor the internal temperature. When your ham it warmed it should be 140°F internally. 

Microwave Method

How to reheat honey-baked ham in a microwave: You can also try reheating your ham in the microwave if desired. To do this, place it into a microwave-safe dish, and add a little water. Microwave for a minute or two, just until your ham is warm, before enjoying. 

Warming a Honey Baked Ham

When you are warming a ham it is important to warm it evenly and keep it from getting dry. Below are a few tips to help with this process. 

Warming Tips

Tip #1 Add liquids such as water, broth, or wine to the dish your ham is sitting in before warming. 

Tip #2 Place your ham into an oven bag.

Tip #3 Cover your ham in foil before heating and be sure there is an extra liquid added.

How do you heat a spiral ham without drying it out?

The best way is to cover the ham with foil, place it into an oven bag, as well as add extra liquid into the ham’s dish. 

How long do you heat a precooked spiral ham?

The amount of time you heat a precooked spiral ham depends on the size and how thawed the ham is. A ham that is completely thawed can be heated at 250°F for 13-16 minutes per pound or 325°F for 10-13 minutes per pound. Hams that are still frozen may require 50% more baking time. Meaning if you estimate a thawed ham to take 2 hours to warm, a frozen ham is likely to take more like 3 hours to warm to an internal temperature of 140°F. 

How do you reheat a Honey Baked Ham?

The best way to reheat a ham is to use your oven, skillet, or microwave. 

Can you Refreeze Thawed Ham?

Before you consider refreezing your thawed ham, you first need to stop and determine how it was thawed. If you thawed your ham by soaking it in water or by microwaving it, do not consider refreezing the ham. The only way a thawed ham may be refrozen is if it was thawed completely in the fridge

Once you determine that your ham was thawed completely in the fridge, you may refreeze it within three days after it has been thawed out. If more time has passed, do not refreeze. 

Suppose your thawed ham was thawed in the fridge but has sat outside of the fridge for two hours or more, your ham should not be refrozen. 

Now, if your ham has passed all of these tests, was thawed completely in the fridge, has been in the fridge for three days or less, and has not sat out of the fridge for two hours or more, it may be frozen. To freeze, package the ham securely in plastic wrap, in a freezer bag, vacuum-sealed, or in an airtight container, you can then freeze the ham for one to two months. 

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Honey Baked Ham Every Time

For the less experienced home cook, using a turkey bag for your ham is always a great option. Using these bags to cook your ham in will help to keep it nice and moist. For an added guarantee you can add a half cup of water or broth to the bag to help ensure your ham will stay nice and moist. 

Another great option is to wrap your ham securely in foil, then place it into a cake pan or cooking dish. If you want to be sure it will stay nice and moist, add a half cup of broth or water to your pan. Heat it low and slow until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Then brush with your glaze and warm uncovered for a few more minutes, before removing it from the oven and serving after it has rested for a few minutes. 

How to cook a frozen honey baked ham

To cook a frozen ham, you will treat it the same as any other ham, with the exception of adding additional time to your cook time. You will still want to wrap it in foil and add a bit of extra liquid to keep it moist. Then place it in the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Because your ham is frozen, it’s likely to take an average of 50% more time than normal. 

Should honey baked ham be heated?

As long as your honey baked ham is pre-cooked, it does not have to be heated in the oven. You can simply thaw it out and enjoy it while cold, or it can be warmed in the oven. 

How do you heat up a honey baked ham?

You can up honey baked ham in the oven, and the stovetop, or in the microwave. See the above for details on each method for heating up a honey baked ham. 

What is the best way to cook a precooked ham?

If your ham is pre-cooked, all you have to do is warm it up again before serving. The best way to do this is by wrapping it securely in aluminum foil and adding a bit of water or broth to your cooking pan. Then place it into the oven until your internal temperature reaches 140°F. To retain the moisture, the best way is to cook your ham over a low temperature so that it heats up slowly throughout your precooked ham. 

How do you heat and glaze a fully cooked ham?

Although there might be slightly different instructions available, the basics of heating and glazing a fully cooked ham are to warm your ham up in the oven, until its internal temperature reaches 140°F. Then remove it from the oven and add your glaze. Then, place it back into the oven uncovered, and allow it to warm for only a few minutes, typically 10 to 15, before removing it from the oven allowing it to sit for a few minutes then serve. 

How do you cook a spiral ham without drying it out?

To prevent your spiral ham from drying out, place it into an oven-safe baking bag, or place it into a baking dish with a little bit of water or broth, and cover with aluminum foil. Then heat it at a low temperature, and cook it slowly so that it warms evenly. 

Bone-In vs. Boneless Ham Qualities

Are a few differences between boneless ham, and ham with a bone inside of it. Because of the bone inside of it, you may want to treat it slightly different than if your ham does not have a bone. For instance, if your ham has a bone inside of it, you will not want to microwave the ham to defrost it. However, warming your ham in the oven, or in a skillet will still work wonderfully. 

Can you freeze ham on the bone? Yes! Here’s our take on safely freezing leftover cooked ham

Yes! You can still freeze ham on the bone. No matter if you are freezing leftover ham, or ham fresh from the store that is on the bone you can freeze it either way. Below are our details. 

How to Freeze Cooked Bone-in Ham

There are two options when it comes to freezing bone-in ham. The first is to freeze the whole thing, and the second is to divide it up into smaller packages, or individual serving sizes. See below for details. 

Whole Bone-in Ham

To freeze a whole bone-in ham after it has been cooked you will want to take the whole ham that is left over, and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any moisture from your visible surfaces. Next place your whole ham inside of a freezer bag and seal it. Be sure to remove any extra air from the bag. Next, wrap the bag tightly in aluminum foil. Then take your two-layer wrapped ham and place it into a second plastic bag, remove any excess air, and seal it tightly. Label and date your plastic bag before placing it into the freezer. Store in the freezer for 1 to 2 months. 

Small Packages

Of course, you can also cut any leftover ham off the bone, and place the ham into freezer storage bags, removing the air before freezing. Freeze for 1 to 2 months. You can then take your bone and boil it in water to extract any possible broth to make some fresh soup. 

Slicing And Sectioning

Most hams that come pre-cooked will also come sliced. However, you may need to slice again or remove it from the bone in order to serve. In this section, we are going to look at different ways to serve your sliced and sectioned ham. 

Serving a Honey Baked Ham

The best way to serve your ham is after it has been warmed through, and has had a moment to sit after removing it from the oven. Warm your ham until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, and then uncover and add your glaze. Place your ham back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes to warm the glaze. Remove the ham from your oven and allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes before serving. Serve your ham while warm and enjoy. 

How To Serve A Honey Baked Ham

While most people prefer honey baked ham while it is warm, it can also be served cold. The main thing to watch out for is that your ham is pre-cooked, and not raw. You can serve your pre-cooked ham warm or cold, alongside a few different side dishes. A couple of good side dishes include fruit, vegetables, or bread. Although many people enjoy ham as a holiday dish, it can be enjoyed for any occasion. 

Serving Instructions

To serve your ham, follow the following instructions: 

Step 1: Thaw your ham in the fridge, cold water, microwave, or bake frozen

Step 2: Place your ham into a baking dish, add ½ cup water or broth and cover the ham in foil

Step 3: Place into the oven and bake until your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F

Step 4: Remove from the oven and add your glaze

Step 5: Place back into the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes

Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. Then serve and enjoy

Tips on storing honey-baked ham

To store your honey baked ham, you’ll want to keep it in the freezer or refrigerator. Be sure that it is either kept in the original packaging or wrapped securely so that it is exposed to very little air. A good way to store it is to vacuum seal it, wrap it securely in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, seal in a plastic bag, or in an airtight storage container. 

Tips on how to tell if honey-baked ham has gone bad

Now that you know all the details of freezing and storing your ham, let’s turn our attention to a very important topic. We are now going to focus our attention on how to tell if your honey baked ham has gone bad. This is super important because you do not want to eat ham that has gone bad, and risk food poisoning. 

How Can You Tell if a Ham is Okay to Eat?

There are a few different factors you can check, without eating your ham, to make sure it is still okay and has not gone bad on you. Please keep in mind that if your ham does not pass any of the following tests, it should be thrown out immediately. Please do not take the chance of eating it and getting food poisoning. 

Mold. The first thing to pay attention to when questioning whether ham is OK to eat or not is to examine your ham carefully for any signs of mold. You should begin to see mold on the surface of your ham when it starts to go bad. 

Change in Color. Next, look at the color of your ham. When it begins to go bad, it will change color, and you will begin to see a hint of gray. However, if you begin to see a change in color of your ham from the original, this is a red flag, and you will want to avoid eating any ham that does not have a normal color. 

Smell. Another thing that will be off if your ham has begun to go bad, is the smell. Like most things that have begun to turn bad, your ham will smell sour, and not quite right if it has begun to turn bad on you. 

Texture. The last major red flag that your ham has started to go bad on you is the texture of your ham. If it begins to feel slimy and mushy it is time to throw it out. 

How can you tell if Honey Baked ham is bad?

The best way to tell if your ham is bad is by your senses. Using your senses of smell, appearance, color, and feel are good places to begin. If your ham is in question, you should not try tasting it. 

Does Honey Baked Ham go bad?

Yes, ham can go bad. Ham can especially go bad if it is not stored properly. If you are questioning if your ham is good or not, run it through the above tests, then throw it out if it is not good at all. 

Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Honey baked ham can easily be made from scratch as well. Besides your ham, only a few ingredients are required to make an absolutely amazing ham from scratch. 

Easy Honey Baked Ham Recipe

There are a few different ways you can prepare a honey baked ham recipe from scratch. One very easy method is to use your crockpot to warm the ham. This will help to keep your ham nice and moist but warm it through. You can also warm it in the oven, or on your stovetop. Let’s look at what ingredients you need to make your own honey baked ham recipe from scratch. 

Honey Baked Ham Ingredients

Bone in ham
Butter
Honey
Dijon mustard
Granulated sugar
Salt
Onion powder
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Ginger
Cloves
Paprika
All spice

How to Cook Honey Baked Ham

Before you cook the ham, mix together your butter, honey and mustard, then massage it into the ham, so that it gets into some of the slices. Then warm in a crockpot with ½ cup water or place into a baking dish, and cover with foil both the ham and your dish with foil. Heat until it is warmed through, then remove. 

Bake at 325°F for approximately 10 minutes per pound. Check the temperature to be sure the internal temp is 140°F. Remove from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the dry rub. 

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, salt, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, paprika, and allspice. 

Preheat your oven broiler to high. Then take your ham and brush it with the ham juices. Next, take half of the sugar mixture and pat it onto the outside of the ham. Place the remaining half of the sugar mixture into a small saucepan. 

Place your ham uncovered under the broiler for a few minutes, until your ham is bubbly and caramelized. Remove from the oven

In the small saucepan, to your sugar mixture add 3 Tbsp of the ham juices and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute, then brush the glaze over your ham. Broil again on low for only a minute or two being careful to not let it burn. Serve while warm, or after it has cooled, and enjoy! 

How Long to Bake Honey Baked Ham

If you are baking ham in the oven it will typically take between 10-15 minutes per pound to bake. For more moist meat, we recommend cooking your ham at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time. Please see our suggested recipe for your own homemade version of the delicious honey baked ham. 

Homemade Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Equipment

Foil or baking bag or crockpot
Baking dish
Saucepan
Brush

Ingredients

10 pound spiral-sliced half ham

Honey Glaze

4 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Dry Rub

1 ½ cup granulated sugar
¾ tsp salt
2/3 tsp onion powder
2/3 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ginger
¼ tsp cloves
1/3 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp allspice 

Instructions

Step 1: Make the glaze

Before cooking the ham, mix together your butter, honey and mustard, then massage it into the ham, so that it gets into some of the slices, then place into a baking dish, add ½ cup water, and cover both the ham and your dish with foil. 

Step 2: Bake

Bake at 325°F for approximately 10 minutes per pound (about 1 ½ hours). Check the temperature to be sure the internal temp is 140°F. Remove from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the dry rub. 

Step 3: Dry rub

In a mixing bowl, combine, sugar, salt, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, paprika, and allspice. 

Step 4: Brush the rub

Preheat your oven broiler to high. Then take your ham and brush it with the ham juices. Next, take half of the sugar mixture and pat it onto the outside of the ham. Place the remaining half of the sugar mixture into a small saucepan. 

Step 5: Broil

Place your ham uncovered under the broiler for a few minutes, until your ham is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it so that it does not burn. Remove from the oven. 

Step 6: Glaze and serve

In the small saucepan, to your sugar mixture add 3 Tbsp of the ham juices and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute, then brush the glaze over your ham. Broil again on low for only a minute or two being careful to not let it burn. Serve while warm, or after it has cooled, and enjoy! 

How do you Make Honey Baked Ham from Scratch?

Honey baked ham from scratch a simple process. Simply thaw your ham, and brush with butter, Dijon mustard, and honey before baking. Warm your ham until it is warmed all the way through. Then, coat with a mixture of sugar and spices before broiling, and make a homemade glaze with your remaining mixture of sugar and spices. Drizzle the glaze on top before broiling again for a short amount of time, then serve and enjoy either hot or cold.

How do you make a ham glaze from scratch?

To make a ham glaze from scratch, you simply need a few basic ingredients such as butter, honey, mustard, sugar, and some of your favorite spices. Then cook with honey butter and mustard on the ham, when finished baking add your sugar and spice mixture, then boil your remaining spices with a little of your ham juice and drizzle on top to make your final glaze. It’s quite simple!

What goes well with Honey Baked Ham

Now that you know all there is to know about honey baked ham. What should you enjoy with your delicious ham? There are so many things that go great with ham. For a few basic ideas, think of your favorite fruit, vegetable, or bread. To make it an easy, and balanced meal, prepare your ham, then choose one favorite fruit, vegetable, and bread to make a well-rounded meal. 

Ham

FAQs

Is There A Difference Between Ham And Pork Roast?

Yes, ham is typically saltier and has a smoky flavor, as a result of being cured, while a pot roast has not been cured, and usually contains more fat content.

Can you freeze a honey baked ham?

Yes, you can freeze it before cooking as a whole or you can freeze it after cooking, which makes for excellent lunch meat.

Can you freeze a spiral ham?

Yes, see above answer.

How Long Can a Honey Baked Ham Stay in the Fridge?

It depends on how it is packaged and preserved, see the label on your ham for appropriate storage instructions.

How long does Christmas ham last?

3-5 days in the fridge if packaged well.

Are spiral hams precooked?

Some are, but not all are, see your individual bam for proper cooking instructions.

Can I freeze my honey baked ham when it arrives?

Yes, you can freeze your honey baked ham when it arrives. 

How much is a 7 lb HoneyBaked ham?

The cost of a honey baked ham can vary depending on the time of year, as well as many other factors. 

How long can you freeze a ham and it still be good?

The amount of time a frozen ham is good depends on how the ham is packaged and preserved, the FDA recommends no more than 2 months, but many report it still being good well beyond.

How do you store a HoneyBaked Ham?

For best results vacuum sealed in the freezer.

What brand of spiral ham is the best?

Most people don’t know this, but as a general rule, pork is pork, spiral sliced hams are usually made from premium cuts of pork, so you should be happy with any brand.

Can you freeze a whole Honey Baked Ham?

Yes, you can freeze a whole honey baked ham. 

How do I know if my honey baked ham is bad?

If you see mold or excessive freezer burn, if it smells bad, tastes bad, or looks nasty, it’s bad.

Can you freeze leftover spiral ham?

Yes, it will last longest when vacuum sealed, and makes for excellent lunch meat

Can leftover Honey Baked Ham be frozen?

Yes, it will last longest when vacuum sealed, and makes for excellent lunch meat

Can you freeze cooked mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze cooked mashed potatoes

Can you freeze sliced ham from supermarket?

Yes, it will last longest when vacuum sealed, and makes for excellent lunch meat.

Can you freeze leftover Christmas ham?

Yes, it will last longest when vacuum sealed, and makes for excellent lunch meat.

How do you store leftover ham?

In the fridge or freezer. Leftover ham should not be kept at room temperature any longer than two hours. 

Can you eat a ham that has been frozen for 3 years?

According to the FDA you should not eat ham that has been frozen for more than 2 months.

Can you eat a ham that has been frozen for 2 years? 

According to the FDA you should not eat ham that has been frozen for more than 2 months.

How long does a 10 pound spiral ham take to cook?

At 325°F roughly 10-15 Minutes per pound, be sure to check the internal temperature is above 140°F. 

What if I eat expired ham?

You will most likely get sick. It is best to toss a ham that has passed its expiration date. 

How long does it take to cook a ham in the oven at 350 degrees?

For a 10-15lb ham, 18-20 minutes per pound.

Should I bake ham covered or uncovered?

For best results use an oven bag, this will help keep the ham from drying out.  You can also add ½ cup water or broth to your baking dish, and cover the entire dish and ham in heavy foil. 

Should I cover my ham with foil while baking?

For best results you will want to cover the entire pan and ham with foil, or use an oven bag, this will help keep the ham from drying out.

Can you bake a ham in a glass baking dish?

Yes, you may use a glass baking dish to warm a ham. 

Can you cook a Honey Baked ham in the foil it comes in?

Honey baked hams come wrapped a variety of ways. Follow directions that come with your specific ham to see if you can bake in the foil it comes wrapped in.

Final Thoughts

There are so many different things to know when it comes to freezing and storing ham. To simplify it a bit, ham can easily be frozen when it is directly from the store in its original packaging for 1 to 2 months for best results. And may also be stored in the refrigerator and thawed in a variety of ways. The best way to keep ham fresh for a longer amount of time is to store it in the freezer. 

The bottom line

The bottom line of freezing honey baked ham is that it can be stored in the freezer no matter what type of ham or how it is packaged. The different ways it is packaged, and prepared may make an impact on how long it is best stored in the freezer, however, freezing ham for later is a great way to store it.  

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Faith
Faith Has been cooking and baking for many years! she loves to share her recipes with the world, and hopes you will enjoy them too!

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