How Far in Advance Can You Buy a HoneyBaked® Ham?

HoneyBaked® ham is a beloved holiday tradition for many families Its signature sweet and salty glaze makes it a tasty centerpiece for celebrations like Christmas and Easter But with busy holiday schedules, you may be wondering just how far ahead you can purchase one of these hams. Here’s what to know about getting your HoneyBaked® ham ahead of time.

Why Buy a HoneyBaked® Ham in Advance?

There are several reasons you may want to purchase your HoneyBaked® ham before your holiday meal:

• Avoid the last minute holiday rush. HoneyBaked® stores get very busy leading up to holidays as customers flock in to get their hams. Buying ahead helps avoid long lines and crowded stores.

• Ensure you get one. Popular sizes and types of ham can sell out, so purchasing early guarantees you’ll get the ham you want.

• Refrigerate or freeze it. Buying your ham in advance gives you the flexibility to thaw and prepare it when needed or store it for later.

• Out of town guests. If you’ll be traveling or have out of town guests arriving, getting the ham early is convenient.

• Peace of mind. Checking this task off your holiday to-do list early may simply give you peace of mind!

How Far in Advance Can You Buy a HoneyBaked® Ham?

HoneyBaked® hams are fully cooked and cured, meaning they have a decent shelf life. However, you don’t want to buy too far ahead and risk the quality declining before you serve the ham. Here are some guidelines on timeframe:

• 1-2 weeks max: For optimal freshness and flavor, purchase your ham no more than 1-2 weeks before you plan to serve it. Any longer may negatively impact taste and texture.

• 10 days: Many customers report buying their ham 10 days in advance with great results. The hams hold up well for this duration refrigerated.

• 1 week: Buying your ham 1 week ahead is a very safe bet. It retains its signature flavor and juiciness when stored properly.

• 2-3 days: If you want to play it extra safe, consider picking up your ham just 2-3 days before your meal. But allow extra time in case of long store lines.

• Day before: You can certainly grab your ham the day before you plan to serve it. This ensures it’s as fresh as possible but may be less convenient.

No matter when you purchase your ham, proper storage is key for optimizing its shelf life, which brings us to…

How to Store a HoneyBaked® Ham Bought in Advance

You’ll want to store your HoneyBaked® ham carefully after purchasing to keep it fresh for your holiday meal. Here are some storage tips:

• Keep refrigerated: Store the ham in the back of the refrigerator where temperatures are coldest. Keep chilled at 40°F or below.

• Wrap tightly: Make sure the ham is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out. Seal all openings.

• Use original packaging: For best results, use the original packaging the ham comes in. It’s designed for maximum freshness.

• Don’t freeze pre-sliced: If you purchase a presliced half or whole ham, do not freeze it. That will dry it out. Only freeze uncut, unsliced hams.

• Freeze for over 2 weeks: If storing for longer than 2 weeks, freezing is best. Thaw ham for 2-3 days in fridge before serving.

• Don’t eat leftovers beyond 5 days: Consume leftover ham within 3-5 days and don’t freeze previously-sliced ham.

Following these guidelines will keep your HoneyBaked® ham fresh and delicious, even if you buy it 10-14 days before you feast!

Tips for Buying Ahead of the Holidays

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your HoneyBaked® ham in advance of holidays:

• Ask the store their latest sale date for holiday orders if buying more than 5 days out.

• Pick a less busy time, like weekday mornings, to avoid long lines.

• Know the return policy in case your plans change and you need to get a refund.

• Bring a cooler bag if your drive home is over 30 minutes to keep ham cold.

• Double check your order for accuracy before leaving store.

• Open ham and slice just before serving for maximum freshness.

• Let ham stand 15-30 minutes before carving for easiest slicing.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving.

Do HoneyBaked® Hams Need to Be Refrigerated Before Cooking?

HoneyBaked® hams are fully cooked when purchased, so they do not require any additional cooking. However, they do need proper refrigeration:

• If baking a spiral cut ham, only bake to warm it up before serving.

• Keep refrigerated at 40°F continuously after purchasing, unless warming to serve.

• Do not leave ham at room temperature more than 2 hours total before serving.

• Refrigerate again immediately after meal. Do not let sit on counter overnight.

Following safe refrigeration guidelines ensures you serve a safe, high-quality ham, whether enjoying it straight from the fridge or warming it up.

Can You Order a HoneyBaked® Ham in Advance Online?

In most cases, HoneyBaked® hams cannot be ordered more than a few days ahead online. Here are the options for online ordering:

• Same-day pickup: You can order online for same-day pickup at a local store if inventory is available. Great for last minute shoppers!

• Next day pickup: Order online before 2pm for pickup the next business day at chosen store.

• Up to 2 days in advance: Some locations allow online orders for pickup placed up to 2 days ahead. Call your store.

• Shipping: You can ship hams, but transit time is 3-7 days so they don’t arrive much earlier than ordering for in-store pickup.

• Not available weeks in advance: Currently, there is no option to order hams online weeks ahead for a future pickup date. You have to visit the store.

Check HoneyBaked.com for the latest ordering options available in your area. For living out of town, ship directly to recipients.

HoneyBaked® hams can be purchased in advance for convenient holiday feasting. For best quality and taste, limit purchase to 1-2 weeks maximum ahead of your meal. Store in fridge, wrap tightly, and consume leftovers within 3-5 days. Follow these guidelines, and your delicious ham will be the perfect centerpiece whether your celebration is 2 days or 10 days after you buy it. Happy Holidays from HoneyBaked®!