How Long Does Ham Last In The Freezer & Fridge?

Millions of homes will celebrate Easter with a delicious ham as the main entrée of their holiday meal.

How long will ham last in the freezer or refrigerator? That is a question that many people have. The answer, however, depends on a few factors. Ham can last in the freezer for up to six months if unopened and in the fridge for about seventy-five days. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of your ham, you can freeze it. 

Still unsure about the safety of your ham? Read further for more guidelines regarding how long ham lasts.

At Stoltzfus Meats, we sell old-fashioned smoked ham that is perfect for your holiday feast! This Easter ham is slow-cured with hickory hardwood smoke, has no fillers, no MSG, and is gluten-free.

Order your Easter ham online in time for your holiday celebration and know your guests will be impressed with how moist and tasty it is. It’s truly a celebration ham. Find out what makes our hams different here.

Our bone-in hams and boneless hams are also great options for holiday meals. We offer cooking instructions for both ham varieties. Our bone-in, boneless, and smoked hams are favorites among our award-winning family of quality meat products.

Following are some guidelines on how to get the most out of your ham.

How Long Does Ham Keep In The Fridge?

If you have a whole ham, it can last in the fridge for up to seventy-five days. If you have a half ham, it will last for about sixty days.

Ham that has been precooked or spiral cut will last for about one week. You may find sliced ham on the market with packaging that suggests it has a longer shelf life but that likely means MSG or higher-than-usual nitrites and nitrates have been used to preserve it.

The best way to determine how long your ham will keep in the refrigerator is to check the packaging and throw it away if it is past the expiration date. Once the packaging or wrap on your ham is open, you should consume it within five days.

How Long Does Ham Last In The Freezer?

Ham can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. If you plan on eating it within two months, we recommend storing it in the fridge.

If you are going to freeze your ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help lock in its natural juices and help to keep the ham from drying out.

How Should I Store Cooked Ham?

Cooked ham can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out.

Does Bone-In Ham Last Longer Than Boneless Ham?

The answer to this question is no. Both types of ham will last the same amount of time in the fridge or freezer.

A boneless ham is easily sliced, which is nice when serving guests or during family gatherings. A bone-in ham, however, is somewhat of a “gift that keeps giving.” The bone can be used for making soups and stews for future meals.

(Use any leftovers from your Stoltzfus Old-Fashioned ham to make Chicken Cordon Bleu!)

When Should You Throw Out Ham?

If your ham has been stored in the fridge for more than five days after the package has been opened or in the freezer for more than six months, it is best to throw it out. Ham that has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should also be disposed of.

At Stoltzfus Meats, we sell boneless smoked ham that is perfect for your holiday feast! This ham will retain its flavor and quality in the fridge for up to seventy-five days and up to six months in the freezer unopened.

How Can You Tell If Ham Is Bad?

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your ham has gone bad. These include:

• mold on the surface of the ham
• a slimy or tacky texture
• a sour smell
• discoloration of the meat, gray in color

If you notice any of these signs, it is best to throw the ham away immediately. It’s not worth the risk of food poisoning.