Wondering how long your festive ham will keep? Or looking for ideas for using it up? Read on for tips and recipes!
How long does Christmas ham last in the fridge?
How long ham keeps in the fridge depends on what type it is. Sliced ham from a deli generally has a shorter 'it's still good' life than a baked leg of ham. The Food Safety Information Council suggests Christmas ham legs will keep for several weeks if handled properly. Use a ham bag or clean cloth (a clean pillowcase will also do the job) soaked in a water-vinegar mixture to store it (The Food Authority of NSW suggests in its 'Ham Hints' to use mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water). Wring the bag or cloth out and use to wrap the ham, re-wetting the cloth with water-vinegar mix every three days.
Sliced ham, kept in an air-tight container, or wrapped in foil, will last for about 3 days in the fridge.
The FSIC also notes that reduced-salt hams will not last as long as conventional hams.
Can I freeze my leftover Christmas ham?
If you don't think you'll use up your leftover Christmas ham within a week or two, you can slice it up and freeze it. Wrap thoroughly in cling film, freezer bags or foil to exclude as much air as possible. Frozen ham will last for 1-2 months, although the texture may change after a few weeks.
What can I make with leftover ham?
A ham sandwich is the faithful stand-by (and if you'd like to put a spin on that, give Adam Liaw's asparagus, ham and egg baked sandwich recipe a go), but if you're after some different ideas, here are some of our favourites.
Fried rice - the ultimate leftover powerhouse. Just make sure to dice your ham up finely - you want little salty bursts in every mouthful.
Hong Kong fried rice Source: Phaidon Press
This hearty waffle stack, with ham in the waffles and scattered over, plus spinach, poached eggs and hollandaise, makes for an excellent Christmas Day breakfast or brunch, or a great way to use up Christmas ham in the days that follow.
Christmas brunch waffle stack. Source: Donal's Family Food in Minutes
This colourful dish from Adam Liaw uses pancetta, but you can easily use diced ham instead. The Popeye-green hue of this pasta comes from a puree of peas, spinach, cream and parmesan, which is mixed through mafaldine (wide pasta with a crimped edge).
Mafaldine with pea and ham Source: Kitti Gould
Picture this: giant gnocchi stuffed with a minced mixture of sausage, ham and bacon. That's exactly what these Austrian dumplings are.
Potato and pork dumplings (Hascheeknödel) Source: Susanne Zimmel
These vibrant Spanish baked eggs get their red hue from smoked paprika. For an extra flavour kick, choose a spicy chorizo to add a warm hum to your breakfast.
Flamenco eggs (huevos a la flamenco) Source: BBC Books / James Murphy
If you don't want a ham sandwich but still want bread in the equation, then why not bake your ham into the bread loaf. That way, you get to use up your ham and save the bread real estate for other leftovers!
Dutch cheese and ham bread Source: Alan Benson
"I am not a fan of ham and pineapple, on a pizza or anywhere else, unless the combination has been given some spice or sharpness. In this I do both, using vinegar and pepper to create a yin–yang effect on the tongue," says Matthew Evans of his dish, where the caramelised, pepper-sprinkled pineapple acts as a great foil to the richness of thick ham steaks, cut from a leg of ham.
Beautifully fresh and fluffy scones always bring their best effort to any table and this savoury version is no different. Definitely serve them warm or just out of the oven with extra ham and cheese, if you like. #homecooked
Source: Byron Keane
What's better than a savoury French toast filled with chunks of ham? A savoury French toast filled with ham and topped with bourbon! We accept your eternal gratitude - you're welcome.
Bourbon French toast with ham and butter-braised tomato Source: Benito Martin
Bring your stuffing to the next level by using leftover ham. This spectacular Filipino roast chicken is stuffed with ham, cheese, olives, and even whole hard boiled eggs. Like a Turducken, but with more...stuff! Geddit?
Roast stuffed chicken (rellenong manok)
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