Mastering the Perfect Cook Time for Ham and Cabbage

This recipe for boiled ham, cabbage, and potatoes is a simple one-pot meal that tastes great and doesn’t take much work.

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For some reason, I always thought it was ridiculously hard to make. Maybe it’s because I liked it so much and I’m a picky eater.

When I got married the first time I was young and other than home ec. class in seventh and eighth grade, I had absolutely no experience with cooking or homemaking.

If I could have eaten at home or out with my parents every night, I would have been thrilled, but I had to grow up sometime, right?

My mom asked me what my favorite meals were that she made so she could give me the recipes and teach me how to make them myself. This was one of the many nice things she did.

I have a lighter, lower-carb soup recipe for this that you can find here: Ham and Cabbage Soup. It’s so easy to make and ready in 30 minutes or less!.

Ham and cabbage is a classic comfort food duo When properly prepared, the smoky, salty ham pairs perfectly with the sweet, tender cabbage. However, nailing the right cook time can make or break this simple recipe Undercook it and you’ll end up with crunchy cabbage and tough ham. But overdo it and you’ll have mushy veggies and dry meat. So how long should you cook ham and cabbage to achieve that ideal balance of textures and flavors? In this article, I’ll share tips to help you determine the perfect ham and cabbage cook time.

Factors That Impact Cook Time

Several key factors impact how long ham and cabbage needs to cook

Cut of ham – A meaty ham steak or roast takes longer than pre-sliced deli ham.
Amount of cabbage – The more cabbage, the longer it takes to become tender.
Preparation method – Braising in a skillet vs. simmering in a pot impacts time.
Cooking temperature – High heat speeds it up, low and slow needs more time.
Additions – Ingredients like broth or seasonings alter cook time.
Appliances – Standard stove, instant pot, slow cooker all change timing.
Personal preference – Some like softer veggies, others prefer more bite.

With all these variables, it’s clear cook time must be adjusted accordingly. So let’s break it down.

General Cook Time Guidelines

While exact cook time varies, here are general guidelines for common ham and cabbage prep methods:

Skillet braising –

Cook ham and onion: 5-10 minutes
Add cabbage, cook: 3-5 minutes
Add broth, cook: 5-10 minutes

Total time: 15-25 minutes

Simmering in a pot –

Simmer ham: 30-60 minutes
Add cabbage: 10-15 minutes
Add potatoes: 10-15 minutes

Total time: 50-90 minutes

Slow cooker –

Low setting: 6-8 hours
High setting: 4-6 hours

Instant pot –

High pressure: 15-25 minutes
Natural release: 10-15 minutes

Oven baked –

350°F oven: 45-60 minutes

These ranges provide a rough estimate, but use the visual and texture cues below to test for doneness.

Checking for Doneness

Since cook times vary, visual and texture clues are the best way to test if your ham and cabbage is done:

Ham is heated through or reaches safe internal temp of 140°F.
Cabbage leaves are wilted, softened, and tender.
Onions or other veggies are translucent and softened.
Potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
Broth has thickened and coats the cabbage.
Flavors have melded together into a cohesive dish.

If the cabbage still has crunch or the ham seems tough, simmer a bit longer until the textures are just right.

Handy Cooking Tips

Follow these tips to ace the cook time for perfectly cooked ham and cabbage:

Cut cabbage into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time.
Partially cook potatoes first before adding to soup or braise.
Use sliced deli ham for quicker cooking dishes.
Add more broth or water to keep ingredients from scorching or drying out.
Stir frequently to evenly distribute heat and cook cabbage.
Use a lid to help retain moisture and speed up cooking.
Turn down heat if skillet or pot starts to dry out.
Check seasonings at the end once flavors have blended.

Enjoy Classic Comfort

Now that you know the ins and outs of how long to cook ham and cabbage, you can relax and let this cozy combo work its magic. Adjust the cook time as needed based on your specific ingredients and preparation method. soon, you’ll have perfectly cooked ham and tender cabbage ready to be savored. This classic pair is the ultimate cold weather comfort food.

how long to cook ham and cabbage

Other Simple Recipes You May Like:

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe plus a few notes (tips). If you don’t see your answer here leave a comment below and I will get back to you.

What kind of ham works best in this recipe?

You can use ham slices as long as they are not flavored, like smoked ham or other ham that has had flavors added before it was cooked. My favorite is a fully cooked bone-in ham.

Traditional Boiled Ham and Cabbage, HEARTY Family Meal – Dads Diner

FAQ

How many minutes should cabbage be cooked?

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It’s OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!) Step 2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate to dry.

How long does it take to cook my ham?

Cooking Temperature and Time If the ham is a half ham weighing five to seven pounds, it should heat at 325°F for 22-25 minutes per pound. If it is a whole ham weighing between 10 to 14 pounds, heat the ham at 325°F for 18-20 minutes per pound. The internal temperature should be 140°F.

What spices are good in ham and cabbage?

This easy ham and cabbage recipe really is the best ever. It’s incredibly flavorful and will quickly become a family favorite. I seasoned this fried ham and cabbage with a combination of seasoning salt, thyme, and pepper. The ingredients are simple, but there’s tons of depth of flavor in this dish.

Do you have to boil a ham before cooking?

It’s very popular to boil hams and then glaze in the oven afterwards, but to me a Christmas ham is only baked without bubbling away in a ham pot beforehand. Itsd well worth becoming familiar with baking a ham rather than boiling one as the flavour will reward your effort ten-fold!

How long does it take to cook Ham & cabbage?

Clean potatoes, peel and cube, and layer on top of the cabbage. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the ham, cabbage, and potatoes with water about 1 inch above the top of potatoes. Cook on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft and cabbage is cooked-approximately 60 minutes.

Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?

The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.

How do you cook cabbage ham & onion?

This is an old Irish trick for cooking perfect cabbage every time. Stir the cabbage into the browned ham and onion mixture. The cabbage will begin to add moisture to the dish as it cooks. That moisture will allow you to scrape the bottom of the pan for the tasty brown bits. Don’t skip that step.

How do you cook Ham & cabbage in a crock pot?

Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings evenly coat the cabbage and ham mixture. Pour the chicken broth over the cabbage mixture, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.