How long ham keeps in the fridge and freezer, kind by kind

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Yes, you can freeze ham, and most kinds keep their best quality for 1 to 2 months in the freezer. In the fridge, fully cooked sliced or spiral-cut ham lasts 3 to 4 days. A fully cooked whole ham with the bone in lasts 1 week.

Other kinds, from deli ham to canned ham, keep for different times, so check the table for yours. All storage times here come from USDA FoodKeeper and the USDA freezer chart.

How long does ham last in the fridge?

A fully cooked whole ham with the bone in lasts 1 week in the fridge, and a fully cooked, vacuum-packed boneless ham lasts 2 weeks. Fresh ham, which you cook before eating, and whole or half country ham last 1 week too.

Keep ham at 40°F (4°C) or below. USDA FoodKeeper counts most fridge times from the day you buy the ham, and the freezer times below are for best quality.

How long is cooked ham good for in the fridge?

Fully cooked ham is good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge when it’s sliced, a half ham, or spiral cut. A whole or half fully cooked ham with the bone in keeps 1 week, and cooked uncured fresh ham keeps 3 to 4 days.

How long is deli ham good for?

Prepackaged deli ham is good for 2 weeks in the fridge from the day you buy it, as long as the package stays closed. Once the package is open, eat the ham within 3 to 5 days.

How long does canned ham last?

Canned ham labeled “keep refrigerated” lasts 6 to 9 months in the fridge, and 3 to 5 days after you open it. Shelf-stable canned ham keeps 6 to 9 months in the pantry and 5 to 14 days in the fridge once opened.

Can you freeze ham?

Yes, you can freeze most kinds of ham, and they keep their best quality for 1 to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). That includes fully cooked, fresh, and country ham.

Those times are for quality, not safety, because ham kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe. The USDA’s freezer storage chart gives ham, hot dogs, and lunch meats the same 1 to 2 months.

FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend freezing canned ham labeled “keep refrigerated.” For prepackaged deli ham, it lists 1 to 2 months in the freezer but notes that freezing isn’t recommended.

Can you freeze cooked ham?

Yes, fully cooked ham keeps its best quality for 1 to 2 months in the freezer. That goes for sliced, half, spiral-cut, and whole hams. Cooked uncured fresh ham keeps its best quality for 3 to 4 months.

Can you freeze ham salad?

No, FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend freezing ham salad. Keep it in the fridge and eat it within 3 to 4 days.

Is freezer-burned ham safe to eat?

Yes, freezer burn doesn’t make ham unsafe, only dry in spots. Look for grayish-brown leathery spots where air reached the surface, and cut those parts away before or after cooking.

How to thaw a frozen ham

Thaw ham in the fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave, the three safe ways in the USDA’s guide to safe defrosting. Never thaw ham on the counter.

• Ham thawed in the fridge can be refrozen without cooking, with some loss of quality.
• For cold water, keep the ham in a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold tap water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook it right after it thaws.
• Ham thawed in the microwave must be cooked right away.

How long can ham sit out?

Ham that needs refrigeration can sit out for no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). The USDA gives that limit for all perishable food.

Bacteria grow most rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. The USDA calls this range the Danger Zone.