Thaw ham in the refrigerator, allowing about 24 hours per 5 pounds, so a 10-pound ham needs about 2 days. A 3- to 4-pound ham takes about 2 to 3 hours sealed in cold water; change the water every 30 minutes.
- In the fridge
- About 24 hours per 5 lb, so a…Safest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- About 2-3 hours for a 3-4 lb…Change water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw a ham: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About 24 hours per 5 lb, so a 10-lb ham needs about 2 days | |
| Cold water | About 2-3 hours for a 3-4 lb ham; larger hams take longer | Seal in a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold tap water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately. |
| Microwave | OK | Only if it fits and thaws evenly; heat or cook immediately after. |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Safe to cook from frozen; it takes about 50% longer than thawed or fresh (FSIS). |
After it's thawed
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking (some quality loss); food thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked before refreezing, and anything left out over 2 hours should not be refrozen.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
Can I heat a ham from frozen?
Yes. FSIS says cooking from frozen is safe; it takes about 50% longer.
Can I refreeze a thawed ham?
Yes, if it was thawed in the refrigerator; quality may decline.