Download Article Show Download Article Whether you’ve got an uncooked bone-in ham or want to serve those slices you’ve been storing in the freezer, there are several ways that you can defrost ham. The best way to safely defrost a ham is to store it in your refrigerator, but this can take up to a week for larger hams. Another option is to place your ham in a large plastic bag and soak it in cold water for several hours. If you’re really in a pinch, you can microwave smaller hams, although this method will change the texture and flavor of the meat and you may accidentally cook the outer layers of the meat.
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Advertisement ReferencesAbout This ArticleThanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 51,865 times. Did this article help you?How long does it take to thaw a 10 lb spiral sliced ham?It's best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. It will take about 4 to 6 hours per pound.
Can I leave a frozen ham out overnight?To keep your ham safe, do not thaw your ham directly on the counter at room temperature or in hot or warm water. Thawing these ways creates the opportunity for harmful bacteria to grow on the surface of your ham.
Do I need to thaw my spiral ham before cooking?Fear not: Cooking a frozen ham is perfectly safe, according to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline. To fully cook, it'll just take about 50 percent longer than a thawed ham. (Still less time than it takes to thaw!)
Can you put a frozen spiral ham in the oven?Answer: Yes — as the U.S. Department of Agriculture points out, you can cook frozen meat, including ham, in the oven without defrosting it first. You'll need to allow for some extra cooking time, though. It generally takes about 50 percent longer to cook a frozen ham than the time it takes for a fully thawed ham.
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