Don’t waste any of your holiday ham! This guide will show you How to Freeze Ham, from the meat to the bone. Use frozen ham in soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and more!.
After a delicious holiday ham dinner, you’re left with a hearty ham bone with some remaining juicy meat still attached Can you freeze this ham bone with meat on it for later use? The answer is yes! Freezing a ham bone with meat is perfectly safe when done properly
Read on for a complete guide to freezing ham bones with meat, including step-by-step instructions and tips for safe storage and optimal freshness.
Why Freeze a Ham Bone with Meat?
Freezing the leftover ham bone after a festive meal allows you to get the most value and flavor out of your holiday ham. Here are some of the top reasons to freeze a ham bone with meat still on it:
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Make soup stock – Simmering the frozen ham bone makes a rich and meaty broth perfect for soups, stews, beans, and more.
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Add flavor to dishes – The frozen ham bone can be used to infuse flavor into rice, pasta, vegetables, and anything that could use a boost of hearty pork taste.
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Prevent waste – Freezing preserves the remaining ham stuck to the bone so none of it goes to waste.
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Save money – Getting multiple uses out of one ham saves you money versus buying ham cold cuts or broth.
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Convenience – Having frozen ham bones on hand means quick access to rich ham flavor anytime.
Can You Freeze a Ham Bone with Meat Attached?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze a ham bone with meat still attached In fact, this is recommended to get the most use out of your leftover ham The frozen ham will add extra pork flavor to dishes like bean soups, lentil stews, and more.
Follow proper food safety guidelines when freezing the ham bone, and it can keep for months in the freezer.
How Long Does a Frozen Ham Bone with Meat Last?
A ham bone with meat will generally last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer before losing flavor and quality. Take these steps for best frozen ham bone shelf life:
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Store ham bone in freezer within 3-4 days of refrigerating.
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Use high-quality freezer bags or vacuum seal if possible.
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Remove as much air as possible prior to sealing bag.
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Label bag with contents and freeze-by date.
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Freeze ham bone with space around it to freeze quickly.
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Avoid freezer burn by keeping ham bones from touching.
Following freezing best practices allows you to store ham bones with meat for maximum freshness and flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing a Ham Bone with Meat
Follow these simple steps for properly freezing a leftover ham bone with meat on it:
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Refrigerate the ham bone – After carving remaining ham, immediately refrigerate the bone. Never leave it out more than 2 hours.
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Cut ham from the bone – Within 3-4 days, cut off any usable ham pieces for other recipes. Refrigerate ham separately.
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Rinse bone – Quickly rinse the ham bone under cool water to remove debris. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Package in bags – Place ham bone in freezer bag, vacuum seal bag, or plastic wrap.
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Remove air – Press out all air from bag and tightly seal it. This prevents freezer burn.
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Label – Write contents and freeze-by date clearly on bag.
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Freeze properly – Lay bag flat in freezer leaving space around it to encourage fast freezing.
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Use within 3-4 months – For best quality and safety, use frozen ham bone within 3-4 months.
Tips for Freezing Ham Bones with Meat
Follow these pro tips when freezing ham bones with meat attached:
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Prevent freezer burn – Use high-quality bags, vacuum seal, remove air, don’t overfill bags, and avoid contact between frozen items.
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Freeze ham bones flat – Lay bags flat in a single layer in your freezer so they freeze quickly.
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Limit storage time – For best flavor and texture, use frozen ham bones within 3-4 months.
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Freeze ham pieces separately – Cut usable ham pieces off the bone and freeze them separately for longer shelf life.
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Label properly – Clearly label bags with contents, amount, and freeze-by date at minimum.
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Defrost safely – Thaw frozen ham bones overnight in the fridge before using. Do not thaw at room temp.
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Cook thoroughly – Heat any ham thoroughly to 165°F for food safety before consuming.
How to Use a Frozen Ham Bone with Meat
Frozen ham bones with meat are versatile kitchen additions. Here are some delicious ways to make use of them:
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Simmer in water or broth to make ham stock for soups, stews, beans, rice, etc.
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Add to bean or pea soups for rich, meaty flavor.
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Toss ham bone into a pot of boiled potatoes, greens, or cabbage.
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Roast ham bone in the oven with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery.
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Drop ham bone into tomato-based pasta sauces, chili, or braised dishes.
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Use bone to flavor lentil or split pea soup.
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Boil bone with spices to make smoked ham broth for cooking.
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Add to collard greens, turnip greens, or other boiled greens.
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Flavor roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, or squash.
Get the Most out of Your Holiday Ham
Don’t let any of that delicious holiday ham go to waste. Freezing the ham bone with meat allows you to get the most value from your ham purchase. Use proper freezer storage techniques for maximum freshness and safety. Then simmer, roast, or boil the ham bone in all kinds of delicious dishes. With a little planning, you can enjoy the holiday ham flavor long after the initial feast is over!
Can You Freeze Ham? Yes!
It’s likely that you’ll have extra ham if you buy one for the holidays, like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. I always make a big pot of ham and potato soup with some of the extra ham at Christmas, but we still have more ham to eat!
It took me a lot of time, work, and money to make our favorite glazed holiday ham, and I don’t want to throw any of it away. My solution? Freezing the leftover ham!.
You can freeze ham to use in other recipes later on. This way, we can enjoy ham soup, sandwiches, and other leftovers all winter long, and nothing goes to waste!
It doesn’t matter if you’re freezing a spiral ham to bake later, leftover ham slices, or the ham bone itself. This guide will show you how to do it right. Every last bit of that holiday ham can be frozen and enjoyed later!.
How long is ham good for in the freezer?
Frozen ham will last up to 3 months if stored properly. A ham bone can be frozen for up to 1 year.
Can you freeze leftover ham?
FAQ
How long does a ham bone last in the freezer?
Why is ham not suitable for freezing?
Can you freeze sliced ham on the bone?
How do you freeze a ham bone?
Place the hambone into a large, resealable freezer bag or freezer-safe container that’s air-tight. Label the bag or container with the date and the contents, then place it into the freezer. Slice or cube the remainder of the ham meat and follow the same procedure.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
Is a frozen ham bone safe to use?
A good way to tell if a frozen ham bone is still good to use is to check for any signs of freezer burn or discoloration. If the bone looks and smells fine, it should be safe to use in your soups and broths. 6. Should you remove any meat from the ham bone before freezing it?
How long can a ham bone be kept in the freezer?
Ham bones are a great way to add flavor and depth to soups, and they can be kept for quite some time if stored properly. When it comes to keeping a ham bone for soup, the key is to store it in the freezer. This will help to preserve the bone and keep it fresh for use in soups. In general, a ham bone can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.