How long can you store a baked ham? What is the best way to store a baked ham?

This is very important. Most baked ham must be refrigerated.

Although the majority of baked ham is fully cooked, it still requires refrigeration. Unless your packaging specifically states that it doesn't refrigeration, assume that baked ham needs to go right in the fridge.

The only exception is the southern style ham that had been dry cured with a salt, sugar and preservative mixture for weeks. This dehydration process draws out bacteria causing moisture similar to old fashioned meat preservation methods. These hams have a much different flavor and consistency than the more common baked ham found at specialty and grocery stores.

See the instructions on your baked ham and use common sense but a good rule of thumb is that you should freeze a baked ham if it will be refrigerated longer than a week. Less if you purchased it refrigerated because you aren't sure how long it was in the fridge.

Storing Glazed Baked Ham and Smoked Turkey Breast from pams-hams
Since your baked ham arrives frozen, you know it will be fine in the refrigerator once thawed for a week. I take it out of the shipping packaging and allow it to thaw in my fridge for about two days in one of those new extra large Ziploc bags.

For information on freezing baked ham, go to the freezing spiral ham reference area of our site.