To make this easy crock pot cabbage and ham recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients. The ham and cabbage are cooked slowly in a flavorful broth with celery salt, garlic, onion, and a dash of apple cider vinegar.
I know that cabbage might not always seem interesting, but I like it because it’s cheap, filling, and goes well with a lot of different flavors. And, it lasts for quite a while in the fridge!.
If you liked my cabbage and sausage soup recipe and want to try another tasty way to eat this hearty vegetable, this simple crock pot recipe is perfect for you! It only takes 15 minutes to prepare, and then the crock pot does the rest.
And even better, this recipe goes so far beyond simply cooking the ham and cabbage together. This dish smells great thanks to the onion, apple (which makes it sweet), lots of garlic, celery salt, and the game-changer: apple cider vinegar! The vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that brings out the flavors of the other ingredients. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Have you ever made a delicious ham, cabbage and potato dish only to have leftovers that you don’t know what to do with? Freezing leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste and always have a quick and tasty meal on hand. But can you actually freeze ham cabbage, and potatoes all together?
The short answer is yes you can absolutely freeze ham, cabbage and potatoes to enjoy later. This classic trio makes for a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect to have stashed away. With a few tips on proper freezing and storage methods, you can keep this delicious dish tasting great for months.
This whole guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to freeze ham, cabbage, and potatoes.
Benefits of Freezing Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Freezing leftovers of ham, cabbage, and potatoes provides several advantages:
-
Saves money: Buying ingredients for this dish can get pricey. Freezing leftovers reduces food waste and stretches your budget.
-
Saves time: Pulling a frozen meal from the freezer is much faster than cooking the entire dish from scratch. It’s an easy weeknight dinner solution.
-
Keeps food fresh: If you freeze this meal correctly, it will stay good for at least 6 months.
-
Portion control: Freezing in individual servings allows you to thaw only what you need. No more leftover overload.
-
Endless possibilities: Get creative with add-ins like carrots, onions, broth and seasonings. The variety is unlimited.
Freezing this classic trio opens up a world of quick, budget-friendly meals for your future self.
How to Prepare Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes for Freezing
To retain the best quality and taste, follow these tips when prepping the ingredients:
-
Cook vegetables thoroughly: Steam or boil cabbage and potatoes until fork tender before freezing. Undercooked veggies will become mushy when thawed.
-
Cut ham into pieces: Dice or slice ham into bite-size pieces for easier reheating. Smaller pieces thaw faster too.
-
Drain excess liquid: Moisture leads to ice crystals and freezer burn. Pat vegetables dry before freezing or shake to remove excess water.
-
Cool completely: Never freeze hot foods. Allow ingredients to cool to room temperature before packing into airtight containers.
-
Portion into servings: Freeze in ready-to-eat portions to grab and reheat for quick meals. Use freezer-safe, airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
-
Add flavorings (optional): Consider adding seasonings, broth or sauce to boost flavor. This adds moisture so be sure to account for that before freezing.
With some simple prep, you can have perfect portions of ham, cabbage, and potatoes ready for freezing.
How to Freeze Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Follow these steps for foolproof freezing:
-
Label everything: Note contents and freeze date on each package. This avoids mystery meals and keeps track of freshness.
-
Exclude air: Press out excess air from bags or containers before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
-
Use proper materials: Choose thick, freezer-grade bags or airtight rigid containers. This prevents rips, leaks or cracking.
-
Freeze quickly: Arrange packages in a single layer in freezer to freeze fast. Quick freezing prevents large ice crystals from forming and damaging food texture.
-
Mind the temperature: Set freezer to 0°F or below. Consistent freezing temperature is key to maintaining food quality and taste.
-
Avoid overcrowding: Leave space between packages so air can circulate freely for even, fast freezing.
Follow proper freezing methods and your ham, cabbage and potato combo will be preserved at peak quality to enjoy when you need it.
How Long Does Frozen Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes Last?
Stored at a constant 0°F or below, the shelf life of frozen ham, cabbage and potatoes is approximately:
-
Ham: 6 months
-
Cabbage: 10-12 months
-
Potatoes: 10-12 months
To maximize freshness, use frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes within these time frames. Portioning into smaller servings prevents having to thaw more than needed and risk deterioration.
Monitor your freezer temperature and check packages for signs of freezer burn or frost. Discard any thawed or damaged portions.
Tips for Freezing Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Follow these tips for the best quality frozen ham, cabbage and potato combo:
-
Combine or freeze ingredients separately for versatility
-
Use freezer-grade materials like rigid plastic containers or heavy-duty bags
-
Remove as much air as possible before sealing bags or containers
-
Label everything clearly with contents and freeze date
-
Portion into ready-to-eat servings or recipe-sized amounts
-
Freeze in thin, flat layers for fastest freezing
-
Keep freezer at 0°F or below at all times
-
Avoid overcrowding the freezer to allow air circulation
-
Use frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes within recommended time limits
Proper preparation, packaging, freezing, storage and thawing are the keys to preserving flavor and texture.
Can You Freeze Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes Separately?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze ham, cabbage and potatoes individually. This allows you to pull only what you need from the freezer for added versatility.
Here are some tips for freezing ham, cabbage and potatoes separately:
Ham
-
Freeze in original packaging for up to 6 months.
-
For longer storage, rewrap ham in freezer paper or foil.
-
Slice ham and freeze in layers separated by wax paper.
Cabbage
-
Blanch cabbage briefly until wilted but still crunchy.
-
Allow to dry thoroughly before freezing to avoid excess moisture.
-
Portion blanched cabbage into recipe-ready amounts.
Potatoes
-
Parboil potatoes 5-7 minutes until partially cooked but still firm.
-
Drain, cool and pat dry before freezing.
-
Freeze in single layer on baking sheet before transferring to bags.
Freezing ingredients separately gives you the flexibility to pull only what you need. Thaw and use to prepare fresh meals and sides on demand.
How to Thaw Frozen Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Thawing is the final crucial step to enjoying your frozen ham, cabbage and potatoes while maintaining quality.
Follow these thawing guidelines:
-
Thaw in refrigerator: Keep frozen packages in refrigerator overnight or up to 2 days for slow, safe thawing.
-
Immerse in cold water: Place frozen dish in leakproof bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately.
-
Cook frozen: Potatoes and cabbage can be cooked from frozen state. Just increase cooking time. Ham should be partially thawed first.
-
Microwave: Reheat frozen portions on 50% power, stirring occasionally. Add cooking liquid as needed. Cook immediately after thawing.
-
Avoid room temperature thawing: Letting food sit at room temperature promotes bacterial growth. Thaw using cold methods only.
Check food for ice crystals which indicate refreezing. Refreezing thawed foods reduces quality and should be avoided.
Tips for Reheating Thawed Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
To restore delicious flavor and texture, follow these tips when reheating your thawed ham, cabbage and potato combo:
-
Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
-
Add a bit of broth, water or sauce to prevent dryness.
-
Use stove, oven or microwave for fast, even reheating.
-
Cover pot when reheating on stove to keep moist and prevent scorching.
-
If microwaving, stir periodically and heat at 50% power.
-
Sauté vegetables in a skillet with oil or butter for crispy textures.
-
Add seasonings, herbs and spices to boost flavor as needed.
-
Gently stir ingredients together rather than over-mixing.
Revive your thawed ham, cabbage and potatoes with slow, gentle reheating while adding moisture as needed. The result is a comforting meal just as delicious as the original.
Enjoy Your Frozen Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Freezing cooked ham, cabbage and potatoes is clearly a great way to save time and money while reducing food waste. With proper preparation, packaging, freezing, storage and thawing, you can keep this satisfying and nutritious meal combination tasting great for months.
Follow the guidelines above for freezer success. Label clearly, monitor freezer temperatures and use frozen items within recommended timelines. Thaw and reheat gently to bring out the very best flavors. Soon you’ll be enjoying tender ham, sweet cabbage and fluffy potatoes like they were made fresh just for you.
What to serve with ham and cabbage:
If you’ve tried this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or review in the comments section below, I would love to hear from you! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And sign up for my weekly newsletter to get recipes delivered straight to you!
Step by step photos
Heres how to make the crock pot cabbage and ham, step by step. Check out my web story about ham and cabbage in a crock pot for a short slideshow of these steps!
1. The first step is to prep the cabbage. You will need about ½ of a medium cabbage (1 ½ pounds). So, first remove the tough outer leaves. Then carefully cut out the core. Chop the cabbage into chunks of about 1 – 1 ½ inches (2. 5 – 3. 4 cm) in size.
2. Next, we will prep the remaining produce. So, chop the apple and onion, and finely chop the garlic. Add the onion, apple, and garlic to the crock pot, along with the cabbage.
3. Now it’s time for the ham! All you have to do is cut it up into small pieces and put them in the crock pot.
4. Now lets add the broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and celery salt to the crock pot. Give everything a good stir to combine the liquids and seasonings with the other ingredients.
After stirring, press the ingredients back down into the crock pot. Do this gently, you are just settling the ingredients back down after stirring, not crunching or mushing anything!.
5. And, right before cooking, dot the top with pats of the butter, if using (this step is optional). Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8.
6. Once the cook time is over, remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Taste the ham and cabbage. If you think it needs it, add a little more salt and/or pepper.
- Because this recipe makes a lot, you’ll need a crock pot or slow cooker that can hold at least 6 quarts.
- When you chop the cabbage, make sure the pieces are still pretty big. If you cut them too small, the cabbage might get too soft after cooking.
- Don’t worry if the ingredients aren’t fully submerged in the liquid when you press them down gently after stirring (before cooking). That’s okay, because the cabbage will give off a lot of liquid as it cooks.
- During the cooking time, don’t lift the lid. The steam that escapes will make the cooking time take longer.
There are so many ways you can customize this recipe for crock pot cabbage and ham. Try one of these recipe variations:
- You can swap out some of the cabbage for cut vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, celery, or carrots.
- You could try adding more spices, like dried thyme, coriander, red pepper flakes, or fennel seeds.
- Not having celery salt? You can use ¼ teaspoon of ground celery seeds and an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt instead.
- Don’t forget to cover this ham and cabbage crock pot recipe before putting it in the fridge. It reheats very well too! You can even put it in the crock pot insert itself! It will last three to four days in the fridge.
- Individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl are the easiest way to warm it up again. Place a paper plate over the bowl to catch any spills. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes at a time, stirring every now and then, until everything is hot.
- You can also heat the ham and cabbage in a saucepan over low heat, stirring every now and then. To help the ham and cabbage heat up more evenly, add some of the broth to the pot.
- You can also freeze the cabbage and ham in a container that won’t let air in. Before you freeze the food, make sure it’s completely cool. Don’t forget to leave some space at the top of the container so that the liquids can foam up as they freeze.
- You can freeze the cabbage for two to three months and it will stay fresh. Leave the ham and cabbage to thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat. Then, heat them up as directed above.
Yes, you can definitely use leftover ham for this crock pot recipe. As long as the ham is cooked (not fresh), it will work in this recipe. Please remember that any glaze or seasoning on the ham will affect the taste of the whole dish.
Cabbage on its own has a subtle, slightly sweet flavor. It may lean towards tasting bland unless paired with other seasonings that can brighten and complement its flavor. It’s important to use the right amount of salt, but adding a little extra sweetness along with an acid will really lift the flavor! That’s why this recipe calls for an apple to add sweetness and a little apple cider vinegar to make the taste even better.
You can if you want to, but I didnt bother. During the cooking time, the apple will get very soft and soak into the dish. I didn’t even notice the apple skin!
You can enjoy the broth too! When I serve this crock pot ham and cabbage, I like to use a slotted spoon so that most of the cooking liquid stays in the pot. Chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, chives, or even fresh dill, are a great way to decorate it. You can also add an additional sprinkle of black pepper, and/or red pepper flakes for a little heat. Pair it with a green salad, crusty bread, or even a potato dish like roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes. I included some more recipe suggestions at the bottom of the post!.
Freecaus! ( ham ,potato and cabbage soup)
FAQ
Can you freeze cooked cabbage and potatoes?
Can you freeze cabbage and ham?
Does cabbage freeze well?
Can you freeze cooked potatoes?
Can you freeze leftover ham & cabbage soup?
You could simply use leftover ham that is in large chunks that you can shred after cooking. The point of the bone is to make an amazing broth. It’s a simple soup – you don’t want to cut too many corners if you can help it. Can you Freeze Ham and Cabbage Soup? Absolutely. I do it all the time.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
Can you freeze cabbage?
The answer is to freeze it once you get home from the store — yep, you can freeze cabbage! The important thing to remember, however, is that although it’s easy to do, freezing cabbage isn’t just a matter of sticking the whole head in a bag and stuffing it in the back of the freezer. Here’s how to freeze cabbage to make sure it lasts for months.
Can you freeze a sliced ham?
Yes, but it can be hard to determine the best way to freeze it. If the ham is unopened, you can freeze it in its original packaging. When freezing leftover ham (whole or sliced), here are some tips to follow: Make sure the ham is cooled and dry (to prevent ice crystals). Wrap in plastic wrap or a freezer bag and then tightly cover with foil.