As the makers of the #1 selling boneless ham in the country, there’s a very specific nightmare that haunts us every holiday season: home cooks who fail to give their ham enough time to thaw.
It’s true, folks: every year, way too many holiday hosts make this simple mistake. Some are new to the job, and others should know better by now. They either forget or aren’t paying attention because they have a million other things to do.
We’ll be honest: there’s nothing worse than getting your oven ready to go only to find that your Kentucky Legend ham is still frozen!
Don’t jeopardize a legendary family meal. Take a look at our suggestions below for the best ways to thaw things and some quick fixes.
You can also set your phone to remind you when to start thawing that ham right now!
Kentucky Legend ham is a staple for many households. Its signature sweet, smoky flavor makes it a go-to for special occasions and everyday meals alike. But what if you have some leftover ham you want to save for later? Can you freeze Kentucky Legend ham?
The good news is yes, you can absolutely freeze Kentucky Legend ham to extend its shelf life! With proper freezing and storage methods, you can keep Kentucky Legend ham fresh for up to 3-6 months in the freezer.
This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about freezing Kentucky Legend ham from storage tips to defrosting. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Kentucky Legend Ham
Kentucky Legend ham is a premium, artisan-style ham crafted in the Bluegrass State. It’s made from fresh pork legs that are hand-rubbed with Kentucky Legend’s signature blend of brown sugar, spices, and salt. The hams are then hickory smoked over real hardwood fires for rich, smoky flavor.
Some of Kentucky Legend’s most popular hams include their Honey Cured, Brown Sugar & Bourbon, and Applewood Smoked offerings. Their bone-in hams come fully cooked and ready to eat right out of the package Sliced hams are also available
When stored properly in the fridge, an unopened Kentucky Legend ham will last 2-3 weeks. Once opened, it’s best to use sliced ham within 7 days. Freezing gives you a way to extend the shelf life.
Can You Freeze Kentucky Legend Ham?
Yes, freezing is an effective method for prolonging the shelf life of Kentucky Legend ham. Freezing puts ham in a state of suspended animation, slowing down spoilage.
When frozen correctly at 0°F, Kentucky Legend ham can last 3-6 months in the freezer without losing quality or flavor. The ham’s high salt and sugar content help prevent freezing damage.
Both whole hams and sliced packages of Kentucky Legend ham freeze well. Freezing preserves the signature smokiness and convenient ready-to-eat convenience.
How to Freeze Kentucky Legend Ham
Follow these simple steps for freezing Kentucky Legend ham:
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Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn.
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For hams, place the wrapped ham in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Tie off or seal the bag.
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For sliced ham, place slices in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container.
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Label bags with type of ham and freeze-by date. Store sliced ham up to 3 months and whole ham up to 6 months.
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Freeze ham at 0°F or below for optimal freshness. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
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Once frozen, hams can be vacuum sealed for added protection.
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For best quality, use ham within recommended freezer time. Discard if freezer burnt.
How Long Does Kentucky Legend Ham Last in the Freezer?
With proper freezing methods, Kentucky Legend ham has the following freezer shelf life:
- Whole Bone-In Ham: 6 months
- Sliced Ham: 3-4 months
- Ham Steak: 4 months
For optimal freshness and quality, use frozen Kentucky Legend ham within these recommended time frames. Be sure to store at a constant 0°F in the freezer.
Thawing Frozen Kentucky Legend Ham
Always thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Here are some safe thawing options:
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Fridge: Place wrapped ham on a plate to catch drips. Thaw 1-2 days for sliced ham or 2-3 days for a whole ham.
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Cold Water: Submerge a vacuum sealed or wrapped ham in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Takes about 2-3 hours per pound.
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Microwave: Use the defrost setting in short 5-minute bursts for sliced ham. Check often to prevent cooking ham.
Cook thawed ham immediately and consume within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze thawed Kentucky Legend ham for food safety reasons.
Tips for Cooking Frozen and Thawed Kentucky Legend Ham
Kentucky Legend ham can be cooked directly from frozen or after thawing:
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For whole hams, increase oven cook time about 5 minutes per pound if cooking from frozen.
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Frozen ham slices or steaks can go straight into the skillet. Just increase cook time.
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Bake, broil, grill, or pan fry thawed ham steaks or slices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Dice thawed ham and add to scrambled eggs, omelets, casseroles, soups, mac and cheese, etc.
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Glaze a baked ham with honey, brown sugar, cloves, and pineapple for added flavor.
Storing Kentucky Legend Ham
To maximize Kentucky Legend ham’s shelf life, follow these storage tips:
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Store unopened whole hams for 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Use sliced ham within 7 days.
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Wrap opened ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
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Freeze ham for long term storage. Sliced ham keeps 3-4 months, whole ham 6 months at 0°F.
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If ham smells unpleasant or has visible mold, it has spoiled and should be discarded.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Kentucky Legend Ham?
Refreezing thawed ham is not recommended. It can lead to poor texture and flavor. For food safety, thawed ham should be cooked fully then consumed within 3-5 days.
However, you can refreeze ham one time if it is still cold and was thawed in the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 days. The quality will start to decline with repeated freezing and thawing though.
Key Takeaways on Freezing Kentucky Legend Ham
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Freeze Kentucky Legend ham up to 6 months for freshness. Follow proper wrapping methods.
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Thaw frozen ham safely in the fridge. Do not leave ham to thaw on the counter.
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Cook thawed ham within 3-5 days and don’t refreeze for best quality and food safety.
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Store ham 2-3 weeks unopened or 1 week opened in the refrigerator.
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Monitor for spoilage and discard ham past recommended storage times.
With proper freezing and food safety precautions, you can enjoy delicious Kentucky Legend ham for months past its original purchase date.
In a Cooler
It’s not as traditional, but letting your ham thaw in a cooler will free up space in your probably already-full fridge.
Make sure that your cooler is also in a cool place, like a garage or basement. Check the cooler’s temperature every so often; don’t let it get above 40 degrees F. If the temperature starts to rise, place ice packs around the ham.
In Cold Water
This can be done most easily by putting enough cold tap water in the sink to cover the ham. But, first, make sure that your ham’s outer packaging is undamaged and leak-proof before submerging in the water.
If you want to speed up the thawing process, don’t use hot water. The hot water could raise the temperature of the outside of the ham to a level where harmful bacteria can grow. (Read more about “What NOT to Do” below. ”).
Drain and change the water every 30 minutes. To thoroughly thaw your ham, it will take 30 minutes per pound. While this method of thawing needs more attention, thawing your ham this way is much quicker.
Kentucky Legend Quarter Ham
FAQ
How long can you keep Kentucky legend ham in the refrigerator?
Is it OK to freeze a precooked ham?
How long can you keep a vacuum-sealed ham in the freezer?
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Food
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Type
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Freezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
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Ham
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Fresh, uncured, uncooked
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6 months
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Fresh, uncured, cooked
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3 to 4 months
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Cured, cook-before-eating, uncooked
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3 to 4 months
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Fully-cooked, vacuum-sealed at plant, unopened
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1 to 2 months
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Is a 2 year old frozen ham still good?
Should you Thaw a Kentucky legend Ham?
Well, we’ll be honest: there’s no worse feeling than preheating your oven only to realize your Kentucky Legend ham is still completely frozen! Don’t jeopardize a legendary family meal. Check out our advice below on the best thawing methods as well as some options for when you’re in a pinch.
Can Ham be frozen?
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. Place wrapped ham in another freezer bag or freezer-friendly glass storage container. This will help prevent freezer burn. The higher the quality of ham, the better it freezes.
Should a Kentucky Legend Ham be wrapped?
If you decide to wrap a Kentucky Legend Ham, be sure to do so carefully and make the foil tight around the ham. There is no mention of cooking time in the provided passage.
Can you cook a Kentucky legend Ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a Kentucky Legend ham in a slow cooker. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cooking times, and apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes before serving. 7. Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! You can freeze the leftover ham in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.