Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal Recipe

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

• Convenient Portion Control
• Cost Effective Per Serving
• Stress Relieving Recipe
• Minimal Prep Required
• Kid-friendly
• Minimal Clean Up

Ham and Potato Soup

Hannah Stewart

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course dinner, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 583 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker
• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 High-speed blender/Immersion blender

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 1 yellow onion 1 cup frozen diced onion
• 1 1/2 cups carrots shredded
• 3 celery diced
• 1.5 lbs petite yellow potatoes no need to peel or dice
• 16 oz ham steak cubed
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 14.5 oz chicken broth
• 2 cups water

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US CustomaryMetric

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.

Instant Pot Directions

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 2 cups water and a 14.5 oz can chicken broth.
2. Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
3. 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)
4. Stir, serve and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with cheese.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free:

• Ensure your broth is gluten-free.

 

 

Make it Dairy-Free:

• This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Freezer Labels

Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Meal Printable Labels

Nutrition

Serving: 8gCalories: 583kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 42gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 5183mgPotassium: 1411mgFiber: 19gSugar: 8gCalcium: 582mgIron: 31mg

Keyword Crockpot soups, Easy Dinner, Ham and Potato Soup, Slow cooker soup

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Equipment Needed to Make Quick and Delicious Freezer Ham and Potato Soup

• 1 Slow Cooker
• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 High-speed blender/Immersion blender

Ingredients for your Ham and Potato Soup

• 1 Yellow Onion, diced or 1 cup frozen diced onion
• 1 1/2 cups Carrots, shredded
• 3 ribs Celery, diced
• 1.5 lbs Bag Petite yellow potatoes, rinsed – No need to peel or dice
• 16 oz Ham steak, cubed
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 2 Bay leaves
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 14.5 oz Can chicken broth
• 2 cups Water

How to Make a Ham and Potato Soup

Prep/freezer directions:

1. Label freezer bag with recipe name, cooking directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months)
2. Add all ingredients, except the broth and water, into labeled gallon freezer bag.
3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.

Cooking directions:

1. No need to thaw. Cook from frozen.
2. Dump contents of freezer bag into slow cooker, then add water and broth into slow cooker.
3. Cook on low 7-9 hours
4. Remove bay leaves, and blend half of the mixture in a high speed blender or with immersion blender and stir back into slow cooker.
5. Garnish with cheese if desired and enjoy!

What to serve with your Healthy Ham and Potato Soup Freezer Recipe

Sides:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower Rice
• Mixed Green Salad

Desserts:

• Mixed Berry Salad
• Baked Apples
• Coconut Date Bars

Mocktails:

• Cucumber Mint Sparkler
• Ginger Turmeric Fizz
• Pineapple Coconut Cooler

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

• 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

Other Soup Recipes you’ll love

• Chili
• White Bean Spinach Soup
• Tuscan Tortellini Soup
• Ham Bone Pea Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Ham and Potato Soup turned out!