Even if you try your best to size your ham based on the number of guests you’re expecting, it’s rare to not have leftovers when it’s all said and done.
Fortunately, there are so many great ways to use leftover smoked ham - from breakfast dishes to sandwiches, pasta, casseroles, and more. All good things come to an end, though. So, how long does smoked ham last in the fridge? What about the freezer?
The smoked ham shelf life varies a fair amount. There are differences between a bone in vs boneless ham, and the type of packaging you use will influence how long it stays good too. In general, though, a good rule of thumb is 3-5 days for opened ham.
But maybe you’re interested in buying a smoked ham in advance and keeping it in the fridge or freezer for a few weeks until you’re ready to warm and enjoy it.
We’ll talk about this as well below, as this is one of the most popular reasons customers buy our smoked bone in ham for sale or smoked boneless ham for sale. It can save you a ton of time and stress preparing a big meal for the holidays or just because. Learn more below!
How Long Does Smoked Ham Last in the Fridge?
So, how long does smoked ham last in the fridge? In general, you can expect it to last about 5 to 7 days once it’s been opened - but there really is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why you need to be aware of the signs smoked ham has expired.
The two biggest factors influencing the smoked ham shelf life are 1) the type of ham in question and 2) exactly how you’re storing it in the fridge. The meat on a bone-in ham is more susceptible to spoiling around the bone - so you need to use it sooner rather than later.
Ham that has been vacuum sealed and unopened can easily last two weeks in the fridge, or until the “use by” date on the packaging. On the other hand, your leftovers after cooking the ham will likely only last a week tops.
The sooner you use them, the better - not just for fresh flavor but for food safety. Trust us, you don’t want to end up dealing with food poisoning because you tried to stretch your ham too far!
That being said, your leftover ham will likely not be all that enjoyable after the 3-5 day mark. Not only will the flavor deteriorate, but the texture will become tougher as it sits for longer too. That’s why we suggest using it in soups, casseroles, or pasta dishes to mask those changes.
We recommend you always store ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent exposure to air. Oxygen is the most common culprit for speeding up the spoiling process of meat.
Similarly, you should store the ham in the coldest part of your fridge. This tends to be the very back. Whatever you do, don’t store it in the refrigerator door. Temperatures fluctuate much more here.
How Long Can You Keep Smoked Ham in the Freezer?
Now, how long does smoked ham last in the freezer? You can safely assume you’ll have a longer smoked ham shelf life - in some cases, up to 3 months. Some say they’ve stored their ham even longer in the optimal conditions, though.
To maximize shelf life in the freezer you should put the ham in there as soon as you get it home, ideally, in its original packaging and at a consistent temperature of 0°F or lower.
While the shelf life of frozen ham is certainly longer, it does come at a cost. The longer it remains frozen the more its texture may degrade. It’s common for the meat to dry out or develop freezer burn, affecting both the taste and appearance.
Our advice is to wrap it as tight as you can in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or vacuum-seal it to keep out as much air as possible. You can even double-wrap it to ensure maximum protection from freezer burn. Label the package with the date to keep track of how long it has been stored.
When the time comes to thaw your ham and enjoy it, you need to be more methodical than simply removing it and letting it warm to room temperature before cooking. Not only is this approach going to compromise flavor, but it can lead to bacterial growth.
The safest method is to let it thaw slowly in the fridge over a 24 to 48-hour timeframe. This gives you the best chance of maintaining taste and texture. If you’re in a rush and can’t afford to wait that long, you can thaw it in cold water - not warm water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
Once it’s thawed you should treat the ham as “fresh” from a storage perspective. It will now last anywhere from 3 to 5 days in the fridge. We do not recommend refreezing the ham at this point as you’re simply going to end up with too much flavor and texture degradation.
If you aren’t anticipating using the full ham, a better option is to cut off portions from the start and freeze them in sections, only using what you need at any given time.
How to Tell if Ham is Bad
Since there’s really no concrete answer as to how long smoked ham stays good, you need to be able to identify the signs yours has gone bad. The last thing you want is to eat ham that’s past its prime and end up with foodborne illness. There are four ways you can tell ham is bad:
- Smell: Fresh smoked ham should smell savory and smoky. If you notice any sharp, sour, or ammonia-like smells, the ham is no longer good.
- Appearance: Fresh ham typically has a rosy pink hue. If it starts to turn grey, brown, or develops greenish or rainbow-colored spots, it’s likely spoiled. Similarly, mold is an unmistakable sign that it should be discarded immediately.
- Texture: Spoiled ham often becomes slimy or sticky to the touch, a telltale sign of bacterial growth. Fresh ham should feel firm. It may be moist, but never slippery or gooey.
- Taste: If none of the first three indicators reveal any concerning signs but you notice an off or unusual taste in that first bite - especially sourness or bitterness - stop eating immediately and discard the ham.
We know you don’t want to let good ham go to waste, but the risks are simply not worth it if you’re unsure whether your ham is good to eat or not. When in doubt, throw it out!
Tips on Extending the Smoked Ham Shelf Life
Proper ham storage goes a long way in extending its shelf life. We’ve offered a fair amount of advice throughout our guide thus far, but here are some more tips on extending the smoked ham shelf life:
- Store in Airtight Packaging: Whether you’re storing ham in the fridge or freezer, always wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or vacuum-sealed bags. This prevents exposure to air, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
- Keep it Cold: Your fridge should be set to 40°F (4°C) or below to maintain a safe temperature. Keep the freezer temperature at 0°F (-18°C) or lower to slow down bacterial growth and preserve the ham’s freshness.
- Use a Food Saver: A vacuum sealer can extend the life of smoked ham even further, and it’s a wise investment if you regularly freeze meats. Removing excess air reduces the risk of freezer burn and protects the ham’s flavor.
- Freeze Portions: If you’re not going to eat the entire ham at once, freeze it in smaller portions. This way, you can defrost only what you need at a time, reducing waste.
- Consider Pre-Cooked Ham for Longer Storage: Smoked hams that have been pre-cooked often last longer in the fridge or freezer than uncooked varieties. Check the packaging and purchase a fully cooked ham if you plan on storing it for a longer period before consumption.
Speaking of pre-cooked smoked hams, Mahogany Smoked Meats has both bone-in and boneless varieties that have been slow-smoked to perfection using time-honored traditions we’ve developed over a century of experience.
We use mahogany lumber in our process which imparts a truly one-of-a-kind flavor. We’re the only smokehouse in the nation that uses this variety, and you won’t taste anything like it.
Our hams arrive at your doorstep ready to warm and enjoy so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing, all while guaranteeing a delicious meal nobody will forget. We also have a wide array of other meats to round out your meals:
- Smoked pork chops for sale
- Smoked bacon for sale
- Canadian bacon for sale
- Smoked turkey for sale
- Smoked sausages for sale
- Ham steaks for sale
No matter what you buy you can rest assured you’re getting a delicious meal with the perfect texture. Don’t just take our word for it, your order is backed by our satisfaction guarantee! Taste the difference a century of tradition can make today.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Smoked Ham Leftovers Before They Go Bad
The moment you buy a ham the clock is ticking on its shelf life. So, you need to have a variety of leftover ideas so you can make the most of it. Here are a few of our personal favorites:
- Ham and Cheese Quiche: Mix diced ham with eggs, cheese, and veggies, and bake in a pie crust for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
- Ham and Bean Soup: Combine chopped ham with white beans, garlic, onions, carrots, and a smoky broth for a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Ham Mac and Cheese: The salty, smoky flavor of the ham pairs perfectly with creamy cheese sauce for a delicious twist on this comfort food favorite.
- Ham and Pineapple Pizza: Use your leftover ham to top a homemade pizza with pineapple, cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce. The sweet and salty combination will bring your pizza to life.
- Ham Tacos or Quesadillas: Give your smoked ham a Tex-Mex makeover by using it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. Pair it with melted cheese, salsa, and guacamole for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Ham Fried Rice: Stir-fry your leftover ham with rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and eggs for a delicious take on fried rice. The smoky ham adds a unique depth of flavor to this easy, one-pan meal.
- Ham Sandwiches: You can never go wrong with a classic ham sandwich. Whether you prefer it on crusty bread with mustard and pickles or in a croissant with melted cheese, leftover ham makes for the perfect sandwich filling.
- Ham and Potato Casserole: Combine diced ham with sliced potatoes, onions, and cheese in a baking dish for a comforting casserole that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Ham Breakfast Burritos: Mix scrambled eggs, cheese, and smoked ham in a tortilla for a grab-and-go breakfast burrito. Add some salsa or avocado for extra flavor.
No matter how you enjoy your leftovers, all that matters is you’re paying attention to the signs of spoilage to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Final Thoughts on How Long Smoked Ham Can Stay in the Fridge
So, how long does smoked ham last in the fridge? It all depends on how you’re storing it and the type of ham in question, but somewhere between 5-7 days tends to be a safe bet. In the freezer, this can extend to as long as 3 months or longer.
But since there’s so much variance in how long smoked ham stays good, you need to watch out for changes to taste, appearance, texture, or smell. These indicate bacteria has taken its hold on the ham and it’s no longer safe to consume. All of this is to say that the sooner you use up the ham, the better!
Our blog has more resources on topics like how to cook a boneless ham or how to cook bone in ham, sides for pork chops, how to reheat smoked turkey, leftover smoked turkey recipes. You can also find similar shelf life resources such as:
- How long are pork chops good in the fridge
- How long is turkey good in the fridge
- How long does smoked sausage last in the fridge
At this point, though, it’s time to spoil yourself with the most convenient and delicious smoked ham for sale online here at Mahogany Smoked Meats. Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless, we’ve dinner covered for you. Treat yourself and your loved ones today!
