Can You Freeze a Costco Ham? The Complete Guide

As a Costco shopper, I often take advantage of their deals on large, delicious hams. A tasty ham is perfect for holiday meals or anytime you need an easy protein to feed a crowd. But what do you do when you don’t need a 10-pound ham right away? Can you freeze a Costco ham?

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely freeze a Costco ham! In fact, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of a ham so you can enjoy it over a longer period

In this complete guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about freezing a Costco ham, including:

• Pros and cons of freezing ham
• How to properly freeze a whole or partial ham
• Thawing and cooking frozen ham
• How long it lasts in the freezer
• Creative ways to use up leftover ham

Why Freeze a Costco Ham?

Freezing a ham you bought at Costco offers several benefits

• Saves money: Buying a big ham at Costco is economical. Freezing the leftovers saves you even more money since you won’t waste any.

• Reduces waste: Freezing prevents food waste, which is good for your wallet and the environment.

• Provides convenience: Having frozen ham on hand means you’ve got an easy protein ready when needed.

• Extends shelf life: A fresh ham lasts about 4-7 days in the fridge. Frozen, it keeps 2-3 months.

The only potential downside is that freezing can alter the ham’s texture slightly, but it will still taste delicious. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons.

How to Properly Freeze a Costco Ham

Freezing a whole ham is simple. For partial hams, take a few extra steps:

Whole Ham

If frozen in the original packaging, no additional preparation is needed. Just pop it straight into the freezer.

If you removed the ham from the packaging, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Partial Ham

• Cut the ham into smaller portions if needed. Ideal sizes for freezing are 1 pound or 8 ounces.
• Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap, then foil. This prevents freezer burn.
• Place portions in freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove excess air.
• Label each package with the weight and freeze date.

Pro tip: Freeze ham bones too to use later for soups, beans or collard greens.

Thawing and Cooking Frozen Ham

Always thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator, allowing 24-48 hours depending on size.

For quicker thawing, seal the ham in an airtight bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately after thawing this way.

You can also cook frozen ham directly without thawing first. Simply allow 50% more cooking time.

Cook thawed ham to an internal temperature of 140°F. Frozen ham should reach 160°F. Check temperature with a meat thermometer.

How Long Does Ham Last in the Freezer?

A Costco ham stays fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months. Use freezer-safe wrap to prevent freezer burn, which shortens shelf life.

For optimal quality, cook the ham within 3-4 months. Ham that has been continuously frozen at 0°F or below will keep safe indefinitely, but the flavor may suffer over time.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham

Don’t throw away extra ham—get creative with recipes! Leftover ham is delicious in:

• Breakfast dishes like eggs, hash, biscuits or pancake toppings

• Sandwiches, wraps, pitas or paninis

• Salads, grains or pasta entrees

• Soups such as split pea, bean, potato or ham and cabbage

• Casseroles like ham and broccoli rice or ham and scalloped potatoes

• Pizza, flatbreads or tarts

• Snacks like ham roll-ups with cream cheese

• Omelets, frittatas, quiches or stratas

• Stir fries with veggies and noodles or rice

With proper freezing, you can enjoy your Costco ham for months. Follow these tips to freeze, thaw and cook ham safely. Get creative with the leftovers too! Freezing ham saves money, reduces waste and gives you a tasty protein ready when you need it.