Seasonal & Holiday
Food Protection

How to Store Ham

Key Takeaways:

Fridge Shelf Life: Cooked ham lasts 3–5 days in the fridge.
Freezer Storage: Cooked ham can be frozen up to 2 months.
Safe Storage Tips: Always label storage bags with the date, especially when freezing.
Defrosting Methods: Thaw in the fridge overnight, and cook immediately after thawing.
Food Safety: Refrigerate cooked ham within 2 hours of cooking. Always reheat to at least 165°F before eating to kill bacteria.

A cooked ham on a platter with rosemary and orange slices, sitting on a table with other holiday dishes

A festive ham makes an impressive centerpiece for any meal — savory, satisfying and always served in generous portions. Whether you’re storing holiday leftovers or prepping family meals for the week, it's important to know how to keep cooked ham fresh, flavorful and safe to eat. We can help!

Refrigerator Storage: Short-Term Leftovers
- If you plan to enjoy your ham within a few days, the refrigerator is the best place to store it. Just remember to reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
  
  Step 1. Cool It Down:
  
  Let cooked ham cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
  "Always bag and label ham for easy stacking and tracking."
- Step 2. Wrap it Up:
  
  Wrap slices or chunks tightly in Glad® Cling’n Seal™ Wrap or Glad™ Press’n Seal® Cling Film to lock in moisture and prevent fridge odors.
  Cling’n Seal™Cling'N Seal
- Step 3. Refrigerate:
  
  Your ham should last 3-5 days in your refrigerator.
Freezer Storage: Long-Term Convenience
- Want to save ham for future meals? Freezing is a great option for extending its shelf life. You’ll need to thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat to 165°F before serving.
  
  Step 1. Portion:
  
  Slice or portion the ham for easier thawing and serving.
  
  Step 2. Seal:
  
  Wrap each portion tightly with Glad® Cling’n Seal™ Wrap or Glad™ Press’n Seal® Cling Film and place wrapped portions into Glad Flex’n Seal™ Freezer Bags for flexible, airtight storage.
  
  Step 3. Label:
  
  Be sure to label each bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
  
  Step 4. Freeze:
  
  Stack bags in your freezer and they should stay good for up to 2 months.
  FLEX'N SEAL™ FreezerGlad Flex N Seal Freezer Bag Zipper Lock
Ham Storage Safety Tips
- - Never leave ham out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  - Use shallow containers to cool ham quickly and evenly before refrigerating or freezing.
  - Avoid repeated reheating—only warm the portion you plan to eat.
  - Always reheat ham to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
How Long Does Ham Stay Good For in the Refrigerator?
- Properly handled and sealed cooked ham should last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
How Long Can I Keep Ham?
- Ham can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, and up to 2 months in the freezer.
How to Tell if Ham Has Gone Bad & How to Dispose?
- Ham that has gone bad may have a sour or sulfur-like odor, a slimy texture, or visible signs of mold or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, the ham should be disposed of immediately in a durable trash bag. We recommend a Glad® Kitchen Bag with Clorox to help combat germs and odor.
  
  For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.