How Many Times Can You Safely Refreeze Cooked Ham?

Leftover ham is a delicious treat, but it can go bad quickly if not stored properly. Many people wonder if they can refreeze cooked ham to extend its shelf life. The good news is that you can refreeze cooked ham safely, as long as you follow proper guidelines. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about refreezing cooked ham, including how many times you can refreeze it and tips for optimal quality.

Can You Refreeze Cooked Ham?

Yes, you can safely refreeze cooked ham. Both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirm that it’s perfectly fine to refreeze cooked ham as long as it was handled properly.

The keys are

• The ham was thawed properly in the refrigerator (not at room temperature).
• The ham has been stored at a safe refrigeration temperature (40°F or below) since it was thawed.
• The ham has only been thawed for a day or two before refreezing.

As long as you follow these guidelines, it is safe to refreeze cooked ham, even if it was previously frozen before cooking.

How Many Times Can You Refreeze Ham?

You can safely refreeze cooked ham one time without significantly compromising the taste or quality. Refreezing cooked ham more than once is not recommended, as the texture tends to become mushier with each thaw.

Here are some quick guidelines:

• Ham that has never been frozen before: Can be safely frozen 1 time
• Ham that was frozen raw then thawed and cooked: Can be safely frozen 1 more time
• Previously frozen cooked ham: Do not refreeze, consume within 3-4 days

The more you refreeze ham, the more moisture it will lose in the process. This leads to a dry, stringy texture. For best results, limit yourself to freezing cooked ham just once after cooking.

Proper Thawing Guidelines

In order to refreeze ham safely, you must thaw it properly in the first place. Only ham that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen. Room temperature thawing or thawing in hot water provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth.

Here are some refrigerator thawing guidelines:

• Place frozen ham in refrigerator 24 hours before you plan to cook it.
• Allow approximately 4-7 hours of thawing time per pound. A 10 lb ham may take 2-3 days to thaw.
• Place ham in a container to catch any drips as it thaws.
• Cook ham within 1-2 days of refrigerated thawing. Do not refreeze ham if it sat in the fridge over 3 days.

Once thawed in the fridge, your cooked ham is safe to refreeze within 3 days. Just make sure it doesn’t spend more than 2 hours at room temperature after cooking.

Tips for Freezing Cooked Ham

Follow these tips for the best results when freezing cooked ham:

• Allow ham to cool completely before freezing, at least 1-2 hours.
• Portion ham into freezer bags or airtight containers. Avoid giant blocks of ham.
• Wrap extremely well with plastic wrap if freezing a whole ham.
• Remove as much air from bags/containers as possible. Use a straw to suck out excess air.
• Label package with contents and freeze-by date (3 months recommended).
• Freeze ham as fast as possible, ideally within 2 hours of packaging.
• Store ham at 0°F or below. Constant freezing temps prevent ice crystals.
• Once thawed, consume within 3-4 days for maximum freshness.

Can You Refreeze Ham After Cooking?

Yes, cooked ham that has been handled properly can be safely refrozen. The USDA confirms that freezing, thawing, and refreezing does not increase safety risks of foodborne illness. Here are some tips:

• Refreeze ham within 1-2 days of cooking it. Don’t let it linger in the fridge.
• Allow cooked ham to cool for 1-2 hours before packaging for the freezer.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers. This prevents freezer burn.
• Try to remove as much air as possible from freezer bags.
• Label package with freeze-by date and contents.
• Refrigerate thawed ham for up to 3-4 days before consuming. Do not refreeze ham after thawing.

It’s best to portion ham into smaller packages before freezing. Defrost only what you plan to eat within a few days. This will maintain quality and minimize waste.

Can I Refreeze Ham After Baking It?

Baked ham can be safely refrozen, though it may cause some changes in texture. Here are some tips:

• Allow baked ham to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours before freezing.
• Cut baked ham into smaller portions or slices before freezing.
• Wrap very tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight freezer bags.
• Try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
• Label package with freeze-by date and contents (cooked baked ham).
• Freeze ham within 2 hours of cutting and packaging.
• Once thawed, consume refrigerated baked ham within 3-4 days.

The baking process draws some moisture out of the ham. Refreezing after baking may cause it to be slightly drier. However, it is still safe for consumption.

How Long Does Ham Last in the Freezer?

According to the USDA, frozen ham will maintain best quality for 1-2 months. However, frozen ham that is properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn can last 3-4 months in the freezer.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Cooked ham lasts longer than raw ham in the freezer. Cooked ham lasts 3-4 months, raw ham just 1-2 months.
• Use freezer-safe plastic wrap or bags. Prevent exposure to air at all costs.
• Monitor your freezer temperature. It should stay at 0°F or below.
• Look for signs of freezer burn before consuming (dry, stringy patches).
• Label all frozen ham packages with contents and freeze-by date.
• Once thawed, consume refrigerated ham within 3-4 days.

Adhering to proper freezer storage guidelines allows you to enjoy delicious leftover ham for months after the initial meal.

Signs It’s Time to Throw Out Your Frozen Ham

It’s important to know when frozen ham has gone bad and needs to be tossed. Here are some signs your frozen ham has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Unpleasant odors, sticky or slimy texture.
• Dry, brown skin with white crystals on ham (sign of freezer burn).
• Green, blue or black discoloration on the ham.
• Ham that has been thawed for over a week.
• Mold growing on any part of the ham.
• Signs of rust, pan or pitting on canned ham.
• Ham that is past the freeze-by date or has been frozen over 4 months.

Always inspect frozen ham closely before thawing and consuming. When in doubt, remember the old adage: When frozen ham goes bad, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from spoiled meat.

Can You Refreeze Ham After It Has Been Frozen and Thawed?

Yes, it is safe to refreeze ham that was previously frozen as long as it was thawed properly in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for refreezing thawed ham:

• Only refreeze ham that was thawed in the fridge, not on the counter or in warm water.
• Cook and consume thawed raw ham within 3-5 days for maximum freshness.
• Refrigerate cooked ham up to 4-7 days after thawing before refreezing.
• Refreeze ham within 3 days of thawing it in the fridge.
• Wrap very tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap before returning to freezer.
• Label package with contents and new freeze-by date.
• Refreeze at 0°F or below. Constant freezer temps prevent ice crystals.
• Eat within 3-4 days or discard if ham was thawed for over a week.

The quality may decrease slightly with each thaw, but it is still safe to consume. Limit to just one refreeze for best texture and flavor.

It is perfectly safe to refreeze cooked ham as long as it was thawed properly in the fridge, stored correctly after cooking, and refrozen within 3 days. Limit ham to just one refreeze for optimal quality and taste. Be sure to label packages with contents and freeze-by dates and wrap tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Following these simple guidelines allows you to safely enjoy delicious leftover ham for up to 4 months after cooking.