Can You Freeze Cooked Ham Twice?

Ham is a freezer-friendly meal and is made on occasions to celebrate with friends and family. It is often made with different recipes and served for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast. Have you got leftover cooked ham and don’t know what to do with it?

In this article, you’ll discover the answer to the question, “Can you freeze cooked ham twice?” Additionally, we share with you how to defrost them and tips to keep in mind when freezing them for a long period of time. Let’s get into it.

What Is Ham?

Ham is meat that is gotten from pigs. They are versatile in recipes, as they can be baked, roasted, boiled, and even grilled. They are packed with proteins and other nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and zinc.

Ham is either cured (mixed with sugar and spices to give it a burst of flavor) or uncured (here, sugar and spices are not added and have a longer shelf life). You mainly find ham in sandwiches, burgers, and other mouth-watering dishes.

It may interest you to check out: Can you freeze salami?

What Are The Types of Ham?

Ham is a meat that is packed with protein benefits. There are different types of ham, each with its own unique flavor and method of preparation. The different types of ham are based on the following:

Cooked
Smoked
Aged
Cured
Cut

All these hams have unique flavors and textures. The types of ham that fall under the above categories are Proscuitto, Country Ham, Black Forest Ham, Virginia Ham, Honey Baked Ham, Irish Ham, Picnic Ham, Serrano Ham, and lots more.

How to Freeze Cooked Ham Twice

When next you are stuck with excesses, here are ways to answer your question: Can you freeze cooked ham twice? Follow these guides to freeze them in the best way possible:

Step 1: Divide Into Portions

The first thing you should do after washing them is divide the ham or slice into portions. On a chopping board, place your ham and use a functional knife to slice it into pieces. Slicing them into pieces makes it easy for you when you want to use them.

Step 2: Wrap Up

Now, wrap the slices of ham in aluminum foil or cling film. You want to make sure you cover the whole ham with the wrap; there should be no holes. Another good option is to wrap the ham in a vacuum seal. This helps in getting rid of air and moisture while sealing.

Step 3: Bag Up

Place the covered ham in a freezer bag or in an airtight container. Close and seal the airtight container and freezer bag.

Step 4: Record and Freeze

Lastly, record the storage date on the airtight container or freezer bag using a marker pen so you remember when you purchased the ham and when you stored it. Proceed to place it in the freezer for nearly 3 months.

How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Ham?

You can freeze cooked ham for up to 3 months in the freezer

We recommend slicing ham into portions to make room for successful freezing. This way, you prevent freezer burn and spoilage.

4 Tips For Freezing Cooked Ham

Now you know the answer to the question, “Can you freeze cooked ham twice?” Here are a few tips to help you freeze them in the best way possible:

Tip 1: It is better to freeze ham uncooked than cooked. This way, it extends the shelf life. You can still freeze cooked ham, but with caution, as it gets bad easily.

Tip 2: Consider using a vacuum seal, as this helps keep air and moisture out of the bag.

Tip 3: Wrap cooked ham tightly and firmly. Consider double wrapping to be on the safe side.

Tip 4: Label before placing it in the freezer. This helps you keep a record of when you stored them.

How Do You Defrost Cooked Ham?

Once it’s time for you to defrost cooked ham to eat again, simply bring them out of the freezer and transfer them to the fridge overnight. It takes 24 hours for a ham to defrost evenly.

How To Tell If Frozen Cooked Ham Is Bad

If you see or observe the following with your frozen cooked ham, you should throw it out, as these signs indicate that frozen ham has gone bad.

Discoloration
Bad or sour smell
Bitter or sour taste
The sticky and slimy texture

Can You Refreeze Cooked Ham Twice?

Refreezing cooked ham is not advised. It is important to note that refreezing ham will leave room for bacterial development and deterioration in texture and flavor.

But if you must refreeze cooked ham, ensure that you defrost it evenly and safely in the refrigerator. Even at that, your cooked ham will have a change in texture and flavor.

Does Cooked Ham Freeze Well?

Cooked ham freezes extremely well in the freezer, provided that the freezer works well and the ham is wrapped firmly and covered tightly.

Conclusion

The answer to “Can you freeze cooked ham twice?” is yes. Cooked ham can be stored in the freezer for about three months. But bear in mind that your cooked ham will have a change in texture and flavor and will be vulnerable to bacterial growth, making it unsafe to eat.

I hope you find this article helpful.

You could also check how to freeze cottage pie.

FAQs

Can you refreeze cooked meat that was previously frozen?

The best way to freeze cooked meat is to make sure it is covered firmly and tightly. But bear in mind that if you want to refreeze cooked meat, you must do so only if it has been defrosted evenly in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze ham after you’ve already cooked it?

Yes, you can. It is important to note that your ham will not taste as good as before. Refreezing cooked ham negatively affects its taste and texture.

How do you reheat a frozen fully cooked ham?

When you want to reheat your frozen ham, do so in the oven. First, allow the ham to thaw evenly before baking. Wrap your frozen ham with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 325⁰F. You can also glaze ham with sauce to give it a distinct flavor.