How Long Does Smoked Ham Last In The Fridge?
Quick Answer
Opened, fully cooked smoked ham and spiral-cut leftovers usually keep for 3–5 days at 40°F (4°C) or below. Unopened cooked ham vacuum-sealed at the processing plant keeps for 2 weeks or its labeled use-by date. Check the chart for other ham types and follow any shorter package instructions.
Read on for more detail
Start with the label, then use the chart below. A holiday spiral ham, unopened sandwich meat, and a ham labeled “cook before eating” have different storage instructions.
How long does smoked ham last in the fridge?
These refrigerator limits assume the ham has been handled safely and kept at 40°F (4°C) or below. Follow any shorter storage instructions on your package.
| Ham you have | Refrigerator limit |
|---|---|
| Fully cooked, unopened, factory vacuum-sealed | 2 weeks or labeled use-by date |
| Fully cooked, factory vacuum-sealed, opened | 3–5 days |
| Cured ham cooked at home, or spiral-cut leftovers | 3–5 days |
| Cooked, store-wrapped, whole | 1 week |
| Cooked, store-wrapped half, slices, or spiral-cut ham | 3–5 days |
| Cured ham labeled “cook before eating,” still uncooked | 5–7 days or labeled use-by date |
| Fresh, uncured ham, still uncooked | 3–5 days |
| Fresh, uncured ham, cooked | 3–4 days |
| Ham lunch meat, unopened | 2 weeks |
| Ham lunch meat, opened or deli-sliced | 3–5 days |
Sources: FoodSafety.gov’s cold food storage chart and USDA’s ham storage chart. Country ham and canned ham have separate rules, so check the chart and the product’s instructions for those.
For a cured ham you’ve cooked yourself, or leftover spiral-cut ham, USDA lists 3–5 days after cooking. Once you open a factory-sealed cooked ham, its unopened storage allowance no longer applies. Repacking it in a home vacuum bag doesn’t restart the clock. See USDA’s ham storage guidance.
How to store leftover smoked ham
Don’t leave the ham on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Put perishable leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking or taking them out of hot holding. That limit drops to 1 hour when the surrounding temperature is above 90°F.
- Cut a large leftover ham into smaller portions so it can cool quickly.
- Put the portions in shallow containers and refrigerate promptly. Hot food can go directly into the refrigerator.
- Cover the containers or use sealed storage bags. Mark the cooking or opening date so you don’t have to guess later.
- Freeze the extra portions while they’re still within the refrigerator storage limit.
These cooling steps follow USDA’s leftovers guidance. If you turn ham into soup or another cooked meal, use the shorter general leftover limit of 3–4 days. Keep track of the ham’s original storage history, too.
If you’re planning meals around the leftovers, our broccoli cheese soup recipe is one place to start. Set aside only the ham you’ll use within its storage window and freeze the rest.
Can you freeze smoked ham?
Yes. Divide safely stored ham into meal-size portions, wrap it well, and label the package before freezing. For cooked cured ham and spiral-cut leftovers, USDA recommends 1–2 months for best quality. That isn’t a safety expiration date: food kept continuously frozen at 0°F (−18°C) stays safe, though texture and flavor can decline.
Thaw ham in the refrigerator rather than on the counter. Reheat leftovers to 165°F, checking with a food thermometer. Our guide to freezing cooked ham covers the freezing process in more detail.
When should you throw smoked ham away?
Discard refrigerated ham that’s past the applicable storage limit, has been left out too long, or has an unknown storage history. Throw out ham that looks or smells suspicious. Don’t taste it to check whether it’s safe.
A normal smell isn’t proof that ham is safe. The FDA explains that bacteria that cause illness can be present even when food doesn’t look, smell, or taste spoiled. Freezing also doesn’t make improperly handled food safe.
Is smoked ham already cooked?
Sometimes. Check for “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.” A ham labeled “cook before eating” still needs cooking, even if it’s smoked. USDA says cook-before-eating ham should reach 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes. Follow the package’s cooking directions and check the temperature with a thermometer.
Does smoked ham need refrigeration?
Refrigerate ordinary perishable smoked ham, including cooked leftovers and ham lunch meat. Some unopened products are specifically shelf-stable. Use the label’s storage directions rather than assuming that smoking makes a ham safe to leave out.
