Crockpot Ham and Cabbage Recipe is the best way to use leftover ham. The entire dish is slow cooked to perfection and packed with flavor.
Slow cooker ham and cabbage is a low carb recipe that is loaded with flavor. The simple ingredients are tossed into the crock pot for a complete meal idea. If you have leftover ham, then this is the perfect recipe to make with it.
We don’t usually cook with cabbage, but this crockpot recipe has made it a family favorite.
Freezing leftover ham, cabbage, and potatoes is a great way to save time and reduce food waste This classic combination makes a hearty, comforting meal that can be enjoyed again later. But can you actually freeze ham, cabbage, and potatoes together? And how do you do it properly? In this complete guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about freezing this tasty trio
Can You Freeze Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes?
The short answer is yes you can absolutely freeze ham cabbage, and potatoes together. This hearty medley freezes very well when stored properly in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Freezing cooked food is a great way to preserve leftovers and ingredients for future meals. It stops bacteria growth, prevents spoilage, and extends the shelf life of ham, cabbage, and potatoes so you can enjoy them again weeks or months down the road.
Benefits of Freezing Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
There are several advantages to freezing ham, cabbage, and potatoes:
-
Saves money: Freezing leftovers reduces food waste and saves money. You don’t have to throw out unused portions.
-
Saves time: Having frozen portions on hand saves time when you need a quick meal. Just thaw and reheat.
-
Extends shelf life: Frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes stays fresh for 4-6 months in the freezer.
-
Maintains flavor: Frozen food maintains its flavor and texture when stored properly.
-
Easy to portion: Freezing in individual portions means you can thaw just what you need.
How to Prepare Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes for Freezing
Follow these steps for best results when freezing ham, cabbage, and potatoes:
-
Cook vegetables until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
-
Dice ham and cut cabbage and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
-
Allow cooked food to cool completely, about 1 hour.
-
Portion cooled mixture into airtight containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Or place in freezer bags and flatten.
-
Remove as much air as possible and seal containers.
-
Label bags or containers with contents and freeze date.
-
Freeze for up to 4-6 months at 0°F or below.
Tips for Freezing
Follow these tips to safely freeze ham, cabbage, and potatoes:
-
Freeze in single portions to avoid waste. Thaw only what you need.
-
Use rigid airtight containers or freezer-grade bags. Prevent air exposure.
-
Allow 2-3 inches for expansion if using rigid containers.
-
Wrap bags tightly in aluminum foil for extra protection.
-
Add a bit of broth, sauce, or gravy to prevent drying out.
-
Lay bags flat in freezer to freeze faster.
-
Once frozen, bags can be stacked or stood upright.
Thawing Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
To safely thaw frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes:
-
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allowing about 12 hours.
-
Place freezer bag or container on a plate to catch drips.
-
For a quicker thaw, run cold water over bag or place in water in the sink.
-
Change water every 30 minutes until thawed.
-
You can also thaw in the microwave using defrost setting.
-
Cook thawed mixture immediately until heated through, at least 165°F.
How to Use Thawed Ham, Cabbage, and Potatoes
Your thawed ham, cabbage, and potato mixture is endlessly versatile. Here are some ideas:
-
Fry up with eggs for a hearty breakfast
-
Stuff into tortillas or pitas for lunch wraps
-
Layer into casseroles or baked dishes
-
Toss with pasta and top with cheese
-
Mix into soup, stew, or chili
-
Fill out frittata, quiche, or stratas
-
Top nachos and smother with cheese
-
Fold into omelets or scrambled eggs
-
Serve over rice pilaf or cauliflower rice
-
Stuff peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini boats
-
Mix into hash or bubble and squeak
-
Use in tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, or burritos
The possibilities are endless for using your thawed ham, cabbage, and potatoes. Get creative in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes last?
Properly stored in airtight packaging at 0°F or below, frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes keeps for 4-6 months.
Can you refreeze thawed ham, cabbage, and potatoes?
Once thawed, ham, cabbage, and potatoes should not be refrozen for safety reasons. Cook the thawed mixture immediately and either enjoy or refreeze any leftovers.
What are signs of spoiled frozen ham, cabbage, and potatoes?
Discard thawed ham, cabbage, and potatoes if you notice odd colors, slimy texture, unpleasant odors, or mold.
Can you freeze cooked vs. raw potatoes?
Potatoes should always be cooked before freezing for best quality. The starch in raw potatoes can turn gummy when frozen.
What happens if you freeze ham, cabbage, and potatoes improperly?
Ham, cabbage, and potatoes frozen too long can dry out, take on freezer burn, and become tough in texture. Portioning and packaging improperly can also cause freezer burn.
The Takeaway
Freezing cooked ham, cabbage, and potatoes is perfectly safe when done properly. Follow the tips above for best results. With the right prep and storage, you can enjoy delicious leftover ham, cabbage, and potatoes for months after initially cooking it. Freezing is great for reducing waste and saving time on future meals.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Place cabbage in the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. Top evenly with ham.
Step 2 – Pour broth over top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3 – Top with butter.
Step 4 – Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until cabbage is tender. Stir and serve. Enjoy!
- Getting the Cabbage—For this cabbage soup recipe, pick a cabbage that isn’t bruised or has any dark spots on it. We try to pick a cabbage that is big and heavy.
- Chopping Cabbage – Chop the cabbage in bite size pieces. Chop it up so that all of the pieces are about the same size.
- Cooking Time—The time it takes to cook will vary, but we suggest cooking on low.
We love it with this easy homemade cornbread. Another tasty idea is this Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe for a little extra kick.
Find more easy recipes here. This easy Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe is another one we like to make with leftover ham.
Check out Best Side Dishes for Ham for more easy ideas.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place in the container when it has come to room temperature. Leftovers will last 3-4 days.
Depending on how much food is left over, we usually heat it up in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stove. But you can also reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
Yes, you can freeze leftover cabbage and ham. Once the cabbage has cooled to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container. Store for about a month, then thaw and enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works
Make this Crock pot cabbage and ham for many occasion. It is perfect to serve because of the savory flavor and how easy it is to make. Every bite is loaded with soft, tender cabbage and the salty diced ham.
Simple, delicious and a crowd pleasing dish that we love to serve anytime we have leftover ham.
- Cooked Ham chopped
- Small head cabbage cut into bite-sized pieces (see How to Cut Cabbage for more information).
- Chicken Broth
- Butter sliced
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
- Change Meat—This recipe can also be made with other kinds of meat. Add in leftover ground beef, pork or chicken. Another option that adds flavor is cooked bacon or sausage.
- Vegetables: You can cook vegetables in the tasty broth as well. Boil potatoes, celery, onions, bell pepper, and diced potatoes for a while.
- Broth—Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth.