Freezing Baked Beans and Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thanks for reading! The short answer to “can you freeze baked beans?” is YES, as you may have seen in the title of this post.

It is possible to keep your favorite baked beans recipe fresh in the freezer while still getting the best taste and texture.

But there are a few important things you should know to keep your beans from freezer burn and make sure they taste great after thawing from frozen.

After all, you dont want to watch the perfect side dish grow mold in the fridge, right?

Baked beans are a classic side dish for barbecues, potlucks and holiday meals. Often, baked beans are made with bits of smoky ham mixed in for extra flavor While fresh baked beans are delicious, leftovers don’t keep for long So can you freeze baked beans and ham to enjoy later? The answer is yes!

Freezing is a great way to preserve baked beans, with or without ham, for future meals. Here is a complete guide to freezing and reheating beans and ham to lock in maximum taste and texture.

Can You Freeze Baked Beans with Ham?

Absolutely! Leftover baked beans containing ham freeze very well for future use. The beans maintain their flavor and the ham keeps its smoky taste and tender bite after freezing.

Freezing is actually ideal for preserving bean dishes with ham. It prevents waste from uneaten portions and lets you enjoy the beans and ham for up to 3 months after cooking.

Tips for Freezing Baked Beans with Ham

Follow these tips for successfully freezing baked beans with ham

Let beans cool completely before freezing.
Portion beans into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1 inch of headspace.
Remove as much air as possible and seal containers tightly.
Label containers with contents and freeze date.
For best texture, use frozen beans within 2-3 months.
Store baked bean containers flat in the freezer to save space.

How to Freeze Homemade Baked Beans with Ham

Follow these simple steps:

Allow freshly made baked beans to cool completely, about 2 hours.
Transfer cooled beans to freezer bags, containers or mason jars, filling 3/4 full.
Press out excess air and seal bags. For rigid containers, leave 1 inch headspace.
Label each package with contents and freeze date.
Place flat in the freezer until solidly frozen, then stack or stand upright.
For best quality, use within 2-3 months.

Freezing Canned Baked Beans with Ham

Canned baked beans freeze well too:

Open can and transfer beans to a freezer bag or container.
Remove excess air, seal bag, and label with contents and date.
Freeze beans flat until solid, then store upright to save space.
Use frozen canned beans within 2 months for best flavor.

Thawing Frozen Baked Beans with Ham

Always thaw baked beans in the refrigerator overnight, allowing 8-12 hours. For faster thawing, seal beans in a bag and submerge in cold water for 30 minutes.

Microwave thawing is quick but can affect texture. Cook beans immediately after microwave thawing.

Avoid thawing beans at room temperature, as bacteria can grow in the danger zone between 40°F-140°F.

Reheating Frozen Baked Beans

Heat thawed baked beans with ham gently on the stovetop or in the oven using low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the beans seem dry.

Microwaving is fast but may make beans mealy. Cover and stir frequently for best results.

Simmer stovetop or bake at 325°F until beans are heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Check for hot 165°F internal temperature.

Add glazes, seasonings or extra ham to jazz up the beans when reheating. Enjoy!

How Long Do Baked Beans with Ham Last In the Freezer?

Item	Fridge	Freezer
Fresh baked beans with ham	3-4 days	2-3 months
Canned baked beans with ham	1 week	2-3 months

Wrap beans tightly and minimize exposure to air during freezing for maximum freshness.

Ideas for Using Frozen Baked Beans

Try these tasty ideas:

Baked beans with ham hash
Add to shepherd’s pie or pot pie
Mix into chili or soup
Spoon over hot dogs or brats
Make bean dip with cheese and bacon
Fold into an omelet or frittata
Top a baked potato fully loaded
Add to nachos or taco salad
Make barbecue baked beans pizza
Spoon over rice with shredded pork

With proper freezing techniques, leftover baked beans with ham stay fresh for months, ready for quick and easy meals. The ham adds a boost of smoky, salty protein while the beans provide fiber. Together, they make a nutritious, budget-friendly side to feed a crowd!

can you freeze baked beans and ham

How to freeze baked beans

The freezing process for baked beans is simple, but its important that you dont skip any steps.

Step 3: divide and freeze

It’s best to divide a big batch of baked beans into smaller ones so they are easier to freeze and prepare again.

You can store your beans in any container you choose, as long as there is at least an inch of space at the top of the Tupperware.

So the baked beans don’t lose their texture while they’re frozen, it’s important that the frozen beans have enough room to grow.

Fill the freezer bags with beans, zip them up, and flatten them out on the counter into a thin layer. Not only does this make storing in the freezer easier, but it makes defrosting easier too!.

can you freeze baked beans and ham

Can Canned Beans Be Frozen?

FAQ

Can you freeze baked beans after they’ve been cooked?

Most experts agree that baked beans can be frozen for up to six months, but after about the three-month marker they might start to lose some of their flavor. So if you are saving money on groceries by freezing your cooked beans, be sure to use them in a timely fashion.

Can you freeze baked beans with meat?

Squeeze the ingredients together to combine the ground beef and beans with the sauce. Remove excess air from the bag and seal to close. Freeze the ingredients until you’re ready to prepare the baked beans.

Can you freeze cooked beans and ham?

Simply fully cook the soup, let it cool completely, and freeze in a BPA-free gallon freezer bag or other air-tight freezable container for up to 3 months. To prepare: Either thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up over low heat on the stovetop or in a crockpot.

Can you freeze baked beans in Ziploc bags?

You can freeze beans in a variety of ways: a glass container, glass jars or mason jars, plastic bags like ziploc bags and reusable silicon bags, or a plastic container with a firm seal on the lid.

Can you freeze refried beans?

Freezing refried beans is a simple and practical solution for dealing with leftovers. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.

Can you put hot baked beans in the freezer?

Here are some of the reasons why hot baked beans shouldn’t be immediately put in the freezer: The sudden change in temperature can cause the container to crack. If this happens, your baked beans will no longer be properly sealed. The hot beans will get a shock from the cold air and cause them to burst open.

Can you freeze canned baked beans?

Yes, you can freeze canned baked beans. Transfer the leftover canned beans into a freezer-safe container or bag and follow the same freezing instructions for homemade baked beans. How long can I keep frozen baked beans? Frozen baked beans can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.