Can you freeze ham on the bone? Yes! Heres our take on safely freezing leftover cooked ham.
The sight of a whole roast ham makes for a beautiful centerpiece at any holiday or Sunday dinner. But even after everyone has eaten, you’ll probably still have a lot of ham left over. What to do? You could eat ham for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for a month. But instead—can you freeze ham on the bone? Absolutely!.
A ham shank is a delicious cut of meat from the hind leg of a pig that is full of flavor. It’s often used in soups, stews, beans, and other dishes that benefit from its rich, smoky taste.
If you’ve got a leftover ham shank after a holiday meal or picked one up on sale at the store, you may be wondering how long it will keep in the freezer. Here’s what you need to know about freezing ham shanks and how to use them after thawing.
Can You Freeze Ham Shanks?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze ham shanks. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of ham shanks so you can enjoy them over a longer period of time.
Properly frozen, a ham shank will keep for 4-6 months in the freezer before the quality starts to decline.
Follow the tips below to freeze ham shanks the right way.
How to Freeze Ham Shanks
To freeze ham shanks and maintain quality
-
Make sure the ham shank is fully cooled before freezing. Freeze it within 1-2 days of purchasing or cooking.
-
Wrap the ham shank very tightly in plastic wrap, butcher paper, or aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn.
-
Place the wrapped shank in a freezer bag or airtight container Squeeze out excess air
-
Label bag with contents and freeze-by date.
-
Freeze ham shanks flat so they stack neatly.
-
Maintain a constant 0°F freezer temperature for longest shelf life.
Thawing Ham Shanks
Always thaw frozen ham shanks in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This prevents bacterial growth.
For a 1-2 pound ham shank, allow 24 hours of fridge thawing. Larger shanks may take 2-3 days to thaw.
Once thawed, use within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze a thawed ham shank.
For faster thawing, you can submerge the wrapped ham shank in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid hot water thawing.
Cooking Frozen Ham Shanks
You can cook frozen ham shanks without thawing first. Just allow 50% more cooking time.
For example, if a recipe calls for simmering a thawed ham shank for 1 hour, cook a frozen shank for 1 1/2 hours.
Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the meat and looking for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Serving Ideas for Ham Shanks
Ham shanks are delicious and versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
-
Add to bean or lentil soup
-
Use in split pea soup or ham and bean stew
-
Simmer in cabbage or vegetable soup
-
Bake with potatoes and carrots
-
Grill or pan fry ham shank steaks
-
Chop and add to pasta sauce, risotto, or fried rice
-
Make red beans and rice with ham shank
-
Use in jambalaya or gumbo
-
Pair with sauerkraut and potatoes
-
Simmer in navy bean stew or ham bone soup
No matter how you use it, a ham shank adds rich, meaty flavor to meals. With proper freezing, you can enjoy ham shanks for months after purchasing. Follow the tips above for frozen storage success!
Can you refreeze ham?
Ham can be frozen again, but it might be a little drier than the first time. If refreezing, do so within three days of thawing.
How to Freeze Cooked Ham
Freezing food is easy. The first step is to allow the ham to cool completely in the refrigerator. Here’s what to do next:
- Remove any extra water from the ham’s surface with a paper towel.
- Place the whole ham in a freezer bag. Take out as much air as you can from the bag.
- Wrap the freezer bag in aluminum foil. Then, place the entire wrapped package into another freezer bag. (It will help prevent freezer burn and protect the flavor. ).
- Mark the outside of the bag with a permanent marker with the date and what’s inside.
Cooked ham can last in the freezer for up to two months.
Ham Freezing and Storing
FAQ
Can I use a ham that’s been frozen for 2 years?
Can ham be frozen for 4 years?
How long is a ham bone good for in the freezer?
How long can you freeze a fully cooked ham?
How long can a ham be frozen?
The type of ham you want to freeze will affect how long you can store it in the freezer. To keep it simple, cured and cooked hams such as honey baked, spiral, and deli sliced can be frozen for up to 2 months. Uncooked hams that haven’t been cured can be frozen for up to four months.
Can you freeze a sliced ham?
Yes, but it can be hard to determine the best way to freeze it. If the ham is unopened, you can freeze it in its original packaging. When freezing leftover ham (whole or sliced), here are some tips to follow: Make sure the ham is cooled and dry (to prevent ice crystals). Wrap in plastic wrap or a freezer bag and then tightly cover with foil.
Can ham bone be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the ham bone for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable freezer bag, and label it with the date before freezing. 10. Can you freeze ham salad? It is not advisable to freeze ham salad, as the mayo-based dressing can separate and change in texture when frozen and thawed.
How do you store a Ham in a freezer?
Packaging: Proper packaging is essential to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the ham. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in airtight freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Consider double-wrapping the ham to provide an extra layer of protection.