Can you freeze deli-sliced ham?

I've frozen deli ham several times with good results, usually when I've bought a quantity that's on special. Deli ham usually has (among other things) sodium nitrite in it, which is a preservative, although even if it didn't you could still probably freeze it in the same way that you can freeze most cooked meats.

If the package is large, you might want to open it and break it down into smaller meal-sized packages, then put the ham in either smaller freezer bags or wrap it in foil, or whatever you usually use to freeze stuff in (you might have one of those vacuum-seal gizmos, I don't know). Anyway, make sure you get as much air out as you can, then seal and LABEL AND DATE the package so you don't end up with 'mystery package' in the freezer lol!

I'm not exactly sure how long you can freeze it, but that has more to do with deterioration of flavour than safety (remember, it's already cooked). I wouldn't keep it frozen for more than 2-3 months, though. And you don't need to cook it again before you eat it, but I would recommed eating it fairly soon (day or two) after it's thawed. That's why I recommend packaging it in meal-size portions. You can't freeze it *again* once it's thawed.

Freezing Ham

Yes, it's okay to freeze. Just make sure that the vaccuum seal has not been broken or else it could get freezer burn.

I don't know how long it will keep, I've used ham from my freezer 3 months after I froze it and it was as good as the day I bought it. I always defrost it in the fridge - not on the counter top. It takes a bit longer but it's safer.

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RE:

Can you freeze deli-sliced ham?

Last night we bought the pre-packaged deli-sliced ham from Costco. It came in two factory-sealed ziplock style baggies.

The expiration is 7/30. Is it ok to freeze one of the unopened sealed baggies of ham? If so, how long will it stay "good" if kept in the freezer?

Can You Freeze Ham

Ham is tricky....LOTS of water is usually in the packaging, and it can get 'spongy' when thawed.

When I thaw packaged ham, once I take the packaging off, I wrap it in a paper towel before I put it in a ziplock, to absorb the juices which I think extends the life of the thawed meat.

Every time I take out some slices, I wrap it in a new paper towel.

Sure. Just be sure to remove all the air that you can, and use a freezer bag instead of the thinner sandwich bags. It should be good for at least 2 months.

And when you thaw it, be sure it thaws all the way through, or you'll end up tearing it to shreds trying to get enough for a sandwich.

i never heard of that. you have plenty of time to eat it before it goes bad.

make chicken cordon blu - stuffed with ham and swiss

add ham to your scrambled eggs with cheese

make a grilled cheese with ham inside

yup should keep for longer than a month just make sure al the air is out of package so you dont get freezer burn...

yep, should stay good 3-6 months