Can You Freeze Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes? A Complete Guide

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to save time in the kitchen while reducing food waste One of my favorite tricks is batch cooking freezer-friendly recipes like ham, cabbage, and potatoes. The hearty, comforting flavor of this classic trio never gets old!

But can you actually freeze ham cabbage, and potatoes together? The short answer is yes, you can freeze this combination with proper storage methods. In this article I’ll share everything I’ve learned about freezing ham, cabbage, and potatoes as a mix, including

• Benefits of freezing them together
• How long the mix lasts in the fridge vs. freezer
• Tips for preparing the ingredients before freezing
• Best practices for packing and storing the frozen mix
• Safe ways to thaw and reheat the frozen meal

I’ll also include my easy recipe for old-fashioned ham, cabbage, and potato soup that stores and reheats wonderfully straight from the freezer. Let’s dive in!

Why Freeze Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes?

Freezing this classic trio together offers several advantages:

• Saves prep time – Make a big batch and freeze portions to pull from the freezer for quick meals.

• Reduces waste – Use up ingredients before they go bad and freeze extras.

• Cost-effective – Buying ham and produce in bulk is cheaper. Freeze what you don’t use immediately.

• Adds convenience – Always have the base for hearty soups, casseroles, skillet meals ready in the freezer.

Freezing ham, cabbage, and potatoes together means no last-minute chopping or shopping when you want a comforting hot meal.

How Long Does Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes Last?

Before freezing the mix, it’s helpful to know how long the fresh ingredients last:

• Ham – Unopened package: 6 weeks; Deli-sliced: 7 days
• Cabbage – Whole head: 2-4 weeks
• Potatoes – Whole: 1-2 months; Cut raw: 7-10 days

To extend the shelf life, the mix should go straight from cooking to freezing. Here’s how long it lasts frozen:

• Ham, cabbage, and potato mix – 6-8 months in airtight packaging at 0°F

The frozen combo keeps its flavor and texture for months when stored properly. Now let’s go over how to prepare the ingredients.

Preparing Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes for Freezing

To freeze well, the ham, cabbage, and potatoes require some prep:

• Ham – Dice or slice fully cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. Freeze raw ham doesn’t hold up as well.

• Cabbage – Remove tough outer leaves, core, and chop into chunks or shred into smaller strands. Softer textures freeze better.

• Potatoes – Peel and cut potatoes into uniform cubes no more than 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking when reheated later.

• Cook vegetables until just tender – The potatoes and cabbage should be cooked but still firm enough to maintain their shape during freezing.

• Allow to cool – Cool the mix completely before packing into freezer bags or containers.

With the right prep, you’ll have delicious frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes ready for easy meals!

How to Freeze Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes

Follow these steps for properly freezing the cooked combo:

• Portion into meal-sized servings in freezer bags or containers. Flatten to remove air.

• Make sure containers or bags are airtight to prevent freezer burn. Double bag if needed.

• Label bags or containers with contents and freeze-by date.

• Freeze combo immediately at 0°F or below. Consistent temperature preserves quality.

• Avoid overstuffing freezer, as this slows down freezing process.

• Once fully frozen, bags or containers can be stacked tightly to maximize space.

With an airtight seal and fast freeze, the mix will stay fresh up to 8 months in the freezer!

Thawing and Reheating Frozen Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes

When ready to eat, thaw the frozen combo safely:

✅ In refrigerator – For best flavor and texture, thaw mixture overnight in the fridge.

✅ In cold water – Place bag or container in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Cook immediately.

❌ Avoid room temperature – Bacteria grows rapidly at room temperature.

Once thawed, use the combo in soups, stews, skillet meals, or casseroles. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through, about 165°F.

The possibilities are endless for enjoying this freezer staple!

Freezer-Friendly Ham, Cabbage, and Potato Soup Recipe

This easy soup recipe is ideal for freezing:

Serves: 8

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups cubed potatoes
• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 cups diced ham
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and sauté onion and carrots 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

3. Add potatoes, cabbage, ham, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes until veggies are tender.

4. Remove bay leaves. Let soup cool completely then freeze in airtight containers up to 8 months.

5. To serve: Thaw soup overnight in fridge. Reheat on stove or in microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Freeze this simple soup in batches for easy lunches and dinners! The already cooked ham and vegetables make it perfect for storing.

Is Freezing Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes Worth It?

In my opinion, yes – the time saved and convenience of having this classic trio ready to go in the freezer is well worth the small effort. Here are some of the benefits I’ve found:

• Saves money – Allows me to buy ingredients in bulk when they are on sale at lower prices.

• Reduces waste – Lets me use up ingredients instead of having them go bad.

• Saves meal prep time – Just thaw and reheat for quick dinners without all the chopping.

• Makes cooking easier – Always have the start of hearty meals ready in the freezer.