Hey, fellow parents and freezer recipe lovers! Today, we’re about to embark on a culinary journey that promises to simplify your life and delight your taste buds – the Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal. Imagine indulging in a steaming bowl of soup with delicious ham, creamy potatoes, and a medley of comforting flavors. Now, envision having that delightful experience whenever you desire, thanks to this freezer-friendly gem.
If you’re a busy parent searching for convenient and delicious dinner options, grab your apron, and let’s cook and learn together. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to create this homemade freezer meal that’ll bring warmth and flavor to your family dinners.
In a world where time often feels like a slim commodity, the Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal shines as a beacon of convenience. With this recipe at your fingertips, you can bid farewell to the stress of meal planning on those hectic evenings. Just picture it: a freezer stocked with bags of this delicious soup, patiently waiting to rescue you from the dinner rush. It’s the epitome of make-ahead meals, offering not only a taste of homemade comfort but also a sigh of relief in your busy schedule.
So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on this adventure with us? As we delve into the step-by-step process of creating the Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal, we’ll share our tips and tricks for ensuring that each batch is packed with flavor and freezer-friendly convenience. Let’s embrace the joy of cooking, the thrill of saving time, and the satisfaction of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones. Welcome to our kitchen – let’s create something delicious together!
Why you’ll Love this Healthy Ham and Potato Freezer Meal Recipe
1.5lbspetite yellow potatoesno need to peel or dice
16ozham steakcubed
1tspdried thyme
1/2tspsalt
1/2tsppepper
2bay leaves
2tspgarlic powder
14.5ozchicken broth
2cupswater
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Freezer Prep Directions:
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except the broth and water, into labeled gallon freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions:
No need to thaw. Cook from frozen.
Dump contents of freezer bag into slow cooker, plus 2 cups water and a 14.5 oz can chicken broth, into slow cooker.
Cook on low 7-9 hours.
Remove bay leaves, and blend half of the mixture in a high speed blender and stir back into slow cooker. (Or use an immersion blender until you reach the desired consistency)
Stir, serve and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with cheese.
Cauliflower for Potatoes: Instead of using potatoes, you can substitute cauliflower florets. Cauliflower is lower in carbs and can provide a similar texture. Simply add the cauliflower florets in place of the potatoes.
Turkey or Chicken for Ham: If you prefer a different protein source or have leftover turkey or chicken, you can substitute it for the ham. Cube the cooked turkey or chicken and use it in place of the ham in the soup.
Fresh Herbs for Dried Thyme: If you have fresh herbs available, consider using fresh thyme instead of dried thyme. Fresh herbs can provide a more vibrant flavor. Use a few sprigs of fresh thyme and remove the stems before serving.
Additions:
Spinach or Kale: To add more greens and nutrients to your soup, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale. Simply stir in the washed and chopped greens during the last few minutes of simmering.
Lemon Zest: Add a burst of freshness by adding the zest of one lemon to the soup just before serving. Lemon zest can brighten up the flavors and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
Chopped Green Onions: For a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, garnish each serving of soup with chopped green onions or scallions. Add them right before serving for a fresh touch.
Remember to allow your soup to cool to room temperature before freezing. You can portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and then store it in the freezer for future meals. Properly frozen, this soup should keep well for several months.
How to reheat and store Ham and Potato Soup after cooking
Best Way to Store Easy Freezer-Friendly Ham and Potato dinner leftover?
Properly storing leftovers is essential to maintain their freshness and safety. Start by allowing your leftovers to cool down to room temperature. Afterward, transfer them into airtight storage containers or resealable plastic bags, ensuring there’s minimal air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage.
Make it a habit to label the containers with the date to keep track of their freshness. In case you plan to store them for an extended period, the freezer is a great option. Frozen leftovers can stay fresh for several months. This method ensures the preservation of flavor and quality while allowing you to enjoy your favorite meals conveniently.
How long will Ham and Potato Soup last in the fridge?
Leftovers typically stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days, but this can vary depending on the type of dish. After cooking, it’s essential to let the dishes cool to room temperature within two hours. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
Once cooled, transfer them into airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to minimize exposure to air, which can cause food to spoil faster. If you find that you won’t be able to enjoy the leftovers within the 3-4 day window, consider freezing them. The freezer can extend their shelf life significantly while preserving their flavor and quality.
Can I freeze Make-Ahead Ham and Potato Soup after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze Ham and Potato Soup after cooking it. Freezing soup is a great way to preserve it for future meals. Make sure to cool the soup to room temperature before freezing it. It’s essential to cool it down to prevent the formation of ice crystals that can affect the texture and quality.
It would be wise to portion out sizes of leftovers to freeze, that make sense for your family. Once cooled and portioned out, transfer the soup into airtight, freezer safe containers. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Then remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing.
How to Reheat Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal?
Once thawed, the process of reheating includes two different methods.
One method includes using the stovetop. Transfer your leftovers to a saucepan or a large pot. Then heat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check to make sure the soup reaches a safe serving temperature. This should take 10-15 minutes to warm up.
If you are in a hurry and need to reheat quickly, use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave safe dish and cover it loosely to allow steam to escape. Microwave the soup in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Stirring soup occasionally during reheating can also help distribute the heat evenly.
Hearty Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal FAQs
Are potatoes considered a healthy ingredient?
Potatoes are considered a healthy ingredient when they are consumed in moderation and prepared in a balanced meal. They are a good source of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, vitamin B6, Potassium, and dietary fibers. However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and cooking methods. When used as a primary ingredient in a dish like Ham and Potato soup, potatoes can contribute to a satisfying and hearty meal.
How is this Ham and Potato Soup dairy free and still creamy?
This Ham and Potato soup achieves a creamy texture without dairy by employing a combination of cooking techniques and dairy-free ingredients. The creaminess often comes from blending a portion of the soup in an immersion blender or a blender. Additionally, dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk-almond milk, or cashew cream can be used to mimic the creaminess that dairy provides. These substitutes add richness and depth to the soup while keeping it dairy free.
What pairs nicely with a Ham and Potato Soup?
Ham and Potato soup pairs nicely with a variety of side dishes that can enhance the overall meal experience. A fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a crispy and savory complement to the creamy soup. Garlic bread is a traditional favorite, and can be made healthier with a gluten free bread choice. These side dishes not only add variety but also balance to the soup’s natural flavors and textures.
What kind of ham do you use for a ham and potato soup?
When making Ham and Potato soup, you can use different types of ham, but it’s best to choose a cooked ham variety. Leftover holiday ham, ham steaks, or even ham hocks can be excellent choices of ham to use for your soup. Cooked ham adds a delightful smoky and savory flavor to the soup, giving it some richness and depth. The ham’s saltiness and umami notes complement the mild sweetness of the potatoes, creating a harmonious soup.
Should I peel the potatoes before using in soup?
Peel the potatoes for Ham and Potato soup is a matter of preference by the consumer. White it is not a strict requirement, peeling the potatoes can impact the soup’s texture and appearance. When you peel the potatoes, you create a smoother and creamier soup, as the skins do not add any texture or color variations. However, leaving the skins on can add a rustic quality to the soup, providing extra fiber and a slightly earthier flavor. Ultimately, whether or not you peel the potatoes depends on your desired outcome and personal taste.
What are the best toppings to use for a ham and potato soup?
Ham and Potato soup offers an array of delightful topping options to elevate your presentation and experience. Some popular toppings are; chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, grated cheese, fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or dill, and sour cream.
These toppings can easily be substituted for dairy free options as well.
Can I make this soup into a vegetarian soup?
Absolutely, you can transform Ham and Potato Soup into a delicious vegetarian meal. To make this vegetarian, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also enhance the soup’s flavors by adding extra vegetables like celery, corn, or diced carrots.
These vegetables contribute to the soup’s nutritional value but also add texture and flavors, making it satisfying and well-rounded vegetarian options.
How Do I prevent the potatoes from turning brown in this recipe?
To prevent potatoes from turning brown you need to follow some specific steps. Prevent the exposure to air. If you keep the potatoes in water during the peeling process, this will help prevent the exposure to air.
Drain and rinse the potatoes just before adding them to the soup. This ensures that an excess starch or discoloration is removed, helping to maintain their natural appearance.
What are the best potatoes to put in soups?
The choice of potatoes for soups can impact the dishes texture and overall appeal. Some of the best potatoes to use in soups, including Ham and Potato, are waxy or all purpose varieties like Yukon Gold or red/yellow potatoes.
These potatoes have a creamy texture when cooked and tend to help their shape well. Their thin skins are contributing factors to a smoother and more appealing soup texture when peeled. These potatoes also absorb flavors from the soup broth while adding a mild, slightly buttery flavor of their own.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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