Freezing cooked ham?

[mathsnerd]

This is one of those things that comes up for me time and time again, and I never know how to deal with it. Now, I can ask you guys. YAY!

So, I have a recipe that calls for cooked ham. I got some at Whole Foods, from the deli counter, and it's a *huge* piece. I'm hoping to be able to use half of it in the recipe, and save the other half for a while. Of course, that makes me think of freezing it, but I do not know if that is possible.

So, dear knowledgeable residents of boilingwater, can I freeze cooked ham? And if so, how would I best do so to have it come back out of the freezer in top condition?

Thanks in advance!

Yr obdt svt etc
mathsnerd

Comments

[kathmandu]

Rule of thumb is that you can freeze meat once raw and once cooked. Since you bought this cooked, you can freeze it once. Think about how you're going to want to use it, and divide it into the appropriate size of packages before freezing, because if you freeze a whole slab, you'll have to use it all at once.

For best results, minimise the surface exposed to air: wrap it tightly in flexible plastic, or put it in a stiff container with some kind of sauce over it (maybe applesauce?) to exclude air. That will help prevent damage to the surface.

[stultiloquentia]

put it in a stiff container with some kind of sauce over it (maybe applesauce?) to exclude air

Hey, what a good idea!

[amadi]

It should be noted that the idea of not refreezing raw meat is about quality, not safety. So long as the meat has always stayed at a safe temperature (meaning that it was safely thawed and stored) it can be put back into the freezer without cooking, but there will be a loss of texture and moisture.

[mathsnerd]

Thank you! This is quite helpful.

[stultiloquentia]

You sure can! Slice it into meal-sized portions, so you don't have to thaw the whole hunk when you want some, then put them in freezer bags (like zip-lock sandwich bags, except heavier). Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing; air in the bag causes freezer burn. The best way to thaw it again is to pop it in the fridge the night before you want to use it.

[mathsnerd]

Thank you! I shall remember this.

[not_a_sniglet]

Everybody already answered. Take their suggestions (ZOMG I wouldn't have thought of the applesauce thing)

But I have to ask.. Were you channeling JDN at the end of the post. :P

[mathsnerd]

Ma'am, no ma'am, I've been pulling that trick since I was a wee babe on the internets twelve years ago.

But I love me my JDN!

[not_a_sniglet]

So do we obviously... So we saw that and squeed. And we think you've got really good taste in icons. Just thought you'd like to know. :D

[mathsnerd]

Always honoured to bring pleasure. I did take the liberty of viewing your profile. May I add you?