ThawDay gives plain thaw times for holiday food.
A 10 lb ham needs about 2 days in the fridge. Move it on Tuesday, November 24. Dinner is Thursday, November 26. In cold water, it needs 5 hours.
Ask a thaw question| Ham weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | About 1 day | 2½ hours |
| 10 lb | About 2 days | 5 hours |
| 15 lb | About 3 days | 7½ hours |
Keep the fridge at 40 F or below. Leave the ham in its wrap, on a tray. USDA rate: 4 to 5 hours per pound.
Seal the ham in a leak-proof bag. Sink it in cold tap water. Change the water each 30 minutes. Cook it right after it thaws.
Never thaw a ham on the counter. Never use hot water to speed it up. Warm spots grow germs while the core stays frozen. Cook a thawed ham in 3 to 5 days.
The calculator plans buy, thaw, and roast dates. Or ask in your own words.