How Long Is Cooked Ham Good For In The Fridge - Hatfield

Hectic weeknights can quickly lead to leftovers stacking up and hiding in the back of the refrigerator. One thing leads to another, and you find yourself with a fridge full of spoiled food — we’ve all been there. The good news is that with a little planning, it’s easy to transform cooked ham leftovers into a five-star meal for the next day.

Learn how long cooked ham can be kept in the fridge and what you can do to make the most out of your leftovers.

How long can cooked ham be kept in the fridge?

According to FoodSafety.gov’s guidelines for safe ham storage, the shelf life of cooked ham in the fridge depends on how it’s packaged and stored:

• Unopened, vacuum-sealed, fully cooked ham: Up to 2 weeks or until the “use by” date.
• Cooked, whole ham (store-wrapped): Up to 7 days.
• Cooked ham slices, spiral-cut or half ham: 3–5 days.
• Sliced deli ham (opened): 3–5 days.
• Country ham (cooked): Up to 1 week.

Always store ham at or below 40°F (4°C) and use your senses — if it smells off, feels slimy or changes color, it’s best to throw it out.

How to spot the signs of spoiled ham

It’s all too easy to lose track of exactly when ham was put in the fridge. If you’re not certain of how long it’s been since you grocery shopped or first had your ham for dinner, keep an eye out for these signs:

• An “off” texture: One of the first signs of spoilage is an unusual texture. If your ham looks dull or slightly slimy, it may be going bad.
• Unpleasant odor: Fresh ham should smell salty or slightly smoky, depending on how it was prepared. Any “funky” or sulfur-like smell is a clear sign it’s time to discard it.
• Color changes: Ham often stays pink after cooking, and some uncured varieties may appear pale or beige. But gray, brown or green spots inside the meat indicate spoilage.

If you don’t notice any of these signs but you’ve passed the use-by date on the packaging, it’s best to toss the ham just in case.

How to freeze leftover ham

It’s happened to the best of us. You plan on doing leftovers the day after you had your cooked ham, and then things get in the way — traffic, after-school activities or just a craving for something different. In the event that you don’t have the time to eat your ham as planned, you still have a secret trick to keep it fresh for even longer: the freezer.

To keep your ham fresh, follow these tips for freezing:

• Wrap tightly: If you’re freezing a whole ham, wrap the product tightly in either aluminum foil, plastic wrap or designated freezer paper.
• Store properly: Place the ham in an air-tight container or a freezer-safe bag, making sure that it’s covered and sealed tightly. Squeeze out as much air as possible when closing up your container of choice.
• Label: Using a permanent marker, label the bag with the date you placed it in the freezer.

And just like that, you’ve added months back to your ham’s shelf life. Another option is to freeze slices or portions of your ham. This way, you can thaw it out as needed, and it will take less time. If you do decide to store small pieces in the freezer, you don’t have to wrap them before placing them inside a freezer-safe container.

How to thaw frozen ham

Once you have frozen ham, it’s easy to thaw and enjoy it for another day. Depending on how much time you have before sitting down to eat, there are several different methods of thawing:

• Refrigerator: Take your ham out the day before you plan to use it and leave it in your fridge to slowly thaw.
• Cold water: Place your food in a leak-proof package and submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Estimate that you’ll need about 30 minutes per pound of ham.
• Microwave: Microwave your ham for 15 to 45 minutes on the defrost setting. If your microwave doesn’t have a defrost setting, set the microwave to its lowest power setting.

If you plan to thaw your ham using cold water or the microwave, it’s important that you cook it immediately to ensure that the meat stays at a safe temperature for consumption.

Best ways to use up your precooked ham

With just a little bit of creativity and prep work, it’s easy to turn your cooked ham leftovers into a brand new, equally delicious-tasting meal.

Some of our favorite ways to repurpose leftover ham include:

• Adding a delicious glaze: An easy way to transform your ham is to add a homemade sauce or glaze. One of our favorites is a simple apricot glaze that features brown sugar, nutmeg and cloves to create a delicious and slightly sweet flavor.
• Putting a twist on breakfast: Introducing a savory spin on a breakfast classic: ham and cheese French toast. Repurposing leftovers for a different meal entirely can be a great way to explore new dishes in the kitchen while also making the most out of your groceries.
• Creating an entirely new dish: You’ve been asked to bring a dish to a party or be in charge of a side for a family get-together. Good thing you have leftovers ready to go. Thaw your ham and whip up a delicious broccoli, cauliflower and ham au gratin that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Remember: These are just a handful of examples of what you can do with your cooked ham. Always feel free to explore new recipes and find different ways to test your culinary skills. Plus, you never know — you might just discover your family’s new favorite meal.

Cooked ham FAQs

Can I refreeze ham after it’s been thawed?

Yes, but only if you thawed it in the refrigerator and haven’t left it out at room temperature. Refreezing ham that you thawed using cold water or a microwave is not recommended unless it’s cooked immediately.

Can I store leftover ham with other foods in the same container?

It’s best to store ham separately to prevent cross-contamination and avoid mixing flavors. Use airtight containers or wrap it tightly before placing it alongside other foods.

Can I eat leftover ham cold?

Yes, as long as you’ve stored it properly in the refrigerator and it’s within the recommended three-to-five-day window. Always check for any off smells, sliminess or discoloration before eating.

What’s the best way to reheat ham without drying it out?

Wrap the ham in foil and heat it in the oven at a low temperature (around 275–300°F) or warm slices in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Make the most out of your meals

With just a little bit of planning, it’s easy to turn one night of cooked ham into a week’s worth of new meals and creative recipes. Plus, if you ever find yourself with too much food on hand, your freezer can make for the perfect long-term storage solution.

Searching for the perfect boneless ham to serve up for dinner? Use our store locator to find your favorite Hatfield® products in a supermarket or grocery store near you.