Ham is often the centerpiece of holiday dinners including Easter and Christmas—and for good reason. Recipes like Ree Drummond's glazed Easter ham are crowd-friendly, easy to cook, incredibly flavorful, and look impressive on the table. Plus, from sandwiches to soups to casseroles, there are tons of delicious leftover ham recipes to make after the big day is over! Because of this, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines when it comes to storing leftover ham. Read on to learn how long ham lasts in the fridge and freezer, plus how to keep it fresh.
How Long Does Spiral Ham Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, cooked spiral-cut ham—including leftovers—can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Be sure to store the ham in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors.
How Long Will a Spiral Ham Last in the Freezer?
If you don’t think you’ll be able to eat the ham within a few days, go ahead and tuck away leftovers in the freezer. The USDA says it’s perfectly safe to do so, so long as your freezer is set to 0℉. If stored properly, in airtight containers or freezer-safe bag, your ham will stay good in the freezer for up to two months, which means there's plenty of time to try lots of ham recipes.
Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating (or enjoying cold) it to ensure the meat stays moist.
How to Store Leftover Ham
The best way to store leftover cooked and sliced ham is in an airtight container or zip-top bag. If you’re freezing the ham, it’s a good idea to divide it into smaller portions in zip-top bags; that way, you only need to defrost what you’ll eat at one time. Once the ham is thawed, it should be consumed within five days; after that, you’ll need to throw out any remaining leftovers.
How Can I Tell If Ham is Bad?
Like most cuts of meat, ham will usually give you clear signs when it’s no longer safe to eat. It should smell mild, slightly salty, and a little sweet, like a muted version of the same aroma it had when it first came out of the oven. If there are obvious signs of spoilage, like an "off" odor or discoloration (think grey, green, or even black spots on the meat), those are strong signs that it should be discarded. Other indicators that cooked ham has gone bad can include a slimy or sticky texture, both of which can indicate bacteria growth.
