How Long Can Cooked Ham Be Refrigerated?

Ham is a type of pork that can be cooked in many different ways. It is a popular dish for special occasions like Easter or Christmas. If you have leftover ham, you may be wondering How Long Can Cooked Ham Be Refrigerated?

Cooked harm can be refrigerated for up to five days. You need to use airtight containers to store the ham at 40° F. This means you can cook the ham in advance and enjoy it later in the week. You can also freeze cooked ham, which will extend its shelf life.

In this blog post, I will answer that question and provide tips on storing them properly.

How Long Can Cooked Ham Be Refrigerated

Most types of ham can be refrigerated for up to five days. This includes both cooked and uncooked ham. However, it is important to note that the quality of the ham will begin to decline after the first few days.

Ham that has been cooked can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to extend the shelf life of it, you can freeze it. Ham that has been frozen can be stored for up to six months.

Tips for Storing in the Fridge

Here are some tips to help you store ham properly:

Store it at 40° F

You should ensure the ham is stored at 40° F or below. This can be accomplished by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. A higher or lower temperature can cause it to spoil more quickly.

Wrap It in a Shallow Airtight Container

The ham should be wrapped in a shallow airtight container. The airtight container keeps the moist and prevents it from drying out. You should ensure that the container is not too deep, as this can cause the ham to become submerged in its juices and spoil more quickly.

Store it in a Heavy Duty Aluminium Foil or Plastic Wrap

Another option is to wrap the ham in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This is a great option because the aluminium foil or plastic wrap will keep it from drying out.

How to Store in the Fridge

Follow these steps to prepare your ham for storage in the fridge:

Make a Vinegar Solution

You should make a vinegar solution to store the ham in. The vinegar keeps the ham moist and prevents it from drying out. To make the vinegar solution, mix 2.5 tablespoons of vinegar with four cups of water.

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

You should wash your hands thoroughly before handling the food. This helps to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Cut into Small Pieces

Cut the ham into small pieces so that it will fit into the container you are using. If you use a plastic bag, you can cut them into smaller pieces and then freeze it.

Place the Ham in the Container

Place the ham in the container and then pour the vinegar solution over it. Make sure that it is completely covered in the vinegar solution.

Seal the Container

Seal the container tightly so that no air can get in. if you sealed properly You can then store them in the fridge for up to five days. When you are ready to eat,  you can remove it from the container and cook it according to your preference.

Tips for Keeping Your Cooked Ham Fresh

The following tips will help you keep your cooked ham fresh:

Don’t Slice it Before You Serve It

Ensure you do not slice the ham before you serve it. Slicing it will cause it to dry out more quickly. Exposure to air will cause it to lose its moisture and become dry.

Wrap It in a Double Layer of Foil or Plastic Wrap

You should wrap them in a double layer of foil or plastic wrap. Double wrapping the ham will help to keep it fresh for a longer period.

Label it with the Date

You should label the ham with the date that you cooked it. This will help you to keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.

Cooked ham can be stored in the freezer for up to four months. When you are ready to eat them, you can thaw it in the refrigerator or cook it from frozen.

How Long Can Cooked Ham Be Refrigerated | FAQs

How long can cooked ham be refrigerated?

It can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. This will depend on how it was stored and whether it was cut into small pieces.

Can I freeze cooked ham?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to four months. This will help to extend the shelf life of it.

What is the best way to store cooked ham?

The best way to store cooked ham is in a shallow airtight container. The container should not be too deep, as this can cause the ham to become submerged in its own juices and spoil more quickly.

How can I thaw cooked ham?

The best way to thaw cooked ham is in the refrigerator. Set the ham on a plate or in a shallow dish to catch any drips. Allow the ham to thaw overnight. Once it is thawed, you can cook it or store it in the fridge for up to five days.

Is ham still good after 7 days?

No, it is not safe to eat after seven days. If you have stored the ham properly, it will be good for up to five days. After that, it will start to spoil and become unsafe to eat.

Here are some of the other article links you may want to read about Do Mushrooms Need Refrigeration? and Do Cherries Need Refrigeration? 

Final Thoughts

Cooked ham can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for up to four months. When storing cooked ham, you should wrap it in a double layer of foil or plastic wrap. Label the ham with the date you cooked it so you can track how long it has been in the freezer. I hope this article has helped you to understand how long cooked ham can be refrigerated.