A whole honey baked ham can last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days if stored properly. However, there are several factors that determine exactly how long a honey baked ham will stay fresh and safe to eat. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown on how to maximize the shelf life of a honey baked ham.
The Shelf Life of a Honey Baked Ham
An unopened, whole honey baked ham that has been continuously refrigerated will generally stay fresh for 7-10 days past the printed expiration date on the packaging. Once opened, the ham should be consumed within 3-5 days. These time frames assume the ham has been stored properly at a temperature of 40°F or below.
Here is a quick overview of how long you can expect a honey baked ham to last in the fridge:
- Unopened whole ham: 7-10 days past printed expiration date
- Opened whole ham: 3-5 days
- Leftover sliced ham: 3-4 days
- Ham bone for soup/stock: 3-5 months when frozen
The exact shelf life depends on several variables:
Type of Packaging
An unopened honey baked ham that comes vacuum sealed in an airtight package will last longer than one wrapped in permeable plastic wrap. Vacuum sealing removes oxygen and prevents the growth of bacteria.
Storage Temperature
Honey baked ham stored consistently at a temperature of 40°F or below will last longer than one stored at higher and fluctuating temps. The colder the fridge, the better for maximizing shelf life.
Exposure to Air
Once opened and sliced, oxygen can penetrate the ham, causing it to spoil faster. Minimize air exposure by tightly wrapping slices in plastic wrap or foil.
Preservatives
Many hams contain preservatives such as sodium nitrite to inhibit bacterial growth and help prolong shelf life. Check the ingredients list to see if preservatives are included.
How to Store a Honey Baked Ham
Proper storage is key for maintaining freshness and safety. Here are some tips for storing honey baked ham:
Whole & Unopened
- Leave the original packaging on until ready to use.
- Place the ham on a shelf or in a deli drawer towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
- Avoid storing in the fridge door where temps fluctuate.
Opened & Sliced
- Cover sliced ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place slices in a sealed container or plastic bag.
- Store ham on a shelf rather than in the door.
- Use sliced ham within 3-4 days.
Ham Bone for Soup
- Wrap bone tightly in foil and place in an airtight bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3-5 months.
- Use within 1-2 days after thawing in fridge.
How to Tell if Ham Has Gone Bad
Despite proper storage, ham can still go bad. Here are signs to look for to determine if your honey baked ham has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Sliminess – Mold or bacterial growth on the surface may cause visible sliminess.
- off-odor – An off or sour smell means the ham is past its prime.
- Change in color – Graying, greenish or yellow discoloration indicates spoilage.
- Dryness – Ham that has dried out or is hard as a rock should be discarded.
- Mold – Visible mold, white or green, means the ham should be tossed.
When inspecting the ham, trust your senses. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid eating it.
How to Make a Honey Baked Ham Last Longer
You can maximize the shelf life of honey baked ham and make it last longer by following these helpful tips:
Buy Pre-Sliced Ham
Purchase ham that is sliced at the deli counter or pre-packaged in slices rather than buying a whole ham. The intact ham will have a longer shelf life than pre-sliced.
Opt for Smaller Hams
Smaller hams, 4-7 lbs, tend to keep longer than full-size 7-10 lb hams. The less ham you have, the faster you’ll eat it before it expires.
Freeze Portions
Freeze sliced ham in portions you will use up within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
Use Faster for Leftovers
Consume leftover ham within 3-4 days rather than saving it for the full 5 days. The shorter time in the fridge leaves less opportunity for spoilage.
Cook Thoroughly When Reheating
To kill bacteria, reheat ham thoroughly to at least 165°F until hot. Avoid eating cold ham leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze a honey baked ham?
Yes, a whole uncooked honey baked ham can be frozen for 2-3 months if properly wrapped. Fully cook the frozen ham before eating without thawing first. Pre-cooked hams can also be frozen in slices or portions for 1-2 months.
Can you refreeze ham after thawing?
Previously frozen ham that has been fully thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen without sacrificing quality. To refreeze, divide ham into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Do not refreeze ham that was left out at room temperature after thawing.
What’s the best way to reheat honey baked ham?
For optimum flavor and moisture, cover sliced honey baked ham in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. Microwaving and pan frying can also work but may dry out the ham.
How can you tell if cooked ham has gone bad?
Signs that cooked ham has spoiled include mold, sliminess, an off-odor, greyish color, dryness, and a hard texture. When in doubt, discard cooked ham after the recommended 3-5 day refrigerator shelf life has passed.
Can you eat honey baked ham cold?
It’s best to fully reheat honey baked ham to 165°F before eating to prevent bacterial growth. Cold ready-to-eat hams have been cured longer to be safe when consumed cold. A standard honey baked ham is only safe to eat cold for 3-5 days after opening.
Conclusion
With proper refrigeration at 40°F or below and minimal air exposure, an unopened whole honey baked ham will stay fresh for up to 10 days past its printed use-by date and up to 5 days after opening. Monitor your ham for signs of spoilage and toss it out at the first signs of sliminess, off-odor, or mold. For maximum shelf life, store your ham correctly, freeze portions, and consume leftovers within 3-4 days. Follow these guidelines, and your honey baked ham will maintain quality and taste great throughout its refrigerated shelf life.