Yes, you can still buy frozen bubble and squeak from most major supermarkets and frozen food retailers in the UK. While fresh bubble and squeak made from leftover vegetables used to be more common, the convenience of frozen versions has made them a staple freezer food today.
What is bubble and squeak?
Bubble and squeak is a traditional British dish made from leftover roasted or boiled vegetables, usually potatoes and cabbage or Brussels sprouts. The chopped up vegetables are fried together in a pan until they start to stick together in patties or ‘cakes’. As the vegetable cakes cook, the cabbage makes popping and squeaking noises, which gives the dish its memorable name.
Traditionally, bubble and squeak would be made from leftover vegetables on Boxing Day or the days after Christmas to avoid food waste. Any uneaten potatoes, carrots, sprouts or other vegetables from the big Christmas dinner would be refashioned into tasty bubble and squeak patties. However, it can be made any time of year.
Why buy frozen bubble and squeak?
There are several reasons why buying frozen bubble and squeak is popular:
- Convenience – It’s pre-prepared so you can simply heat and eat, without having to chop and cook vegetables from scratch.
- Long shelf life – Frozen bubble and squeak lasts for months in the freezer until you need it.
- Avoids food waste – You don’t need leftovers to make it, so there’s no waste.
- Consistency – Frozen versions guarantee reliable results every time, compared to using up random leftovers.
- Time saving – It’s faster than making homemade, with no veg prepping required.
For these reasons, frozen bubble and squeak provides a handy storecupboard item for quick and easy meals.
Where can you buy frozen bubble and squeak?
You can buy frozen bubble and squeak from most major supermarkets across the UK including:
Supermarket | Frozen bubble & squeak products |
---|---|
Tesco | Tesco Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
Sainsbury’s | Sainsbury’s Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
Asda | Asda Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
Morrisons | Morrisons Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
Aldi | Aldi Four Seasons Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
Lidl | Lidl Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
Waitrose | Waitrose Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
Iceland | Iceland Frozen Bubble and Squeak |
In addition to the supermarkets’ own brand frozen bubble and squeak, you may also find branded versions from companies like Aunt Bessie’s in the freezer aisles.
Other places you can find frozen bubble and squeak include:
- Freezer centres – Specialist frozen food shops often stock their own frozen bubble and squeak or brands like Birds Eye.
- Farm shops and delis – Some sell homemade frozen bubble and squeak portions made from locally sourced produce.
- Online – Certain online grocery delivery services will deliver frozen bubble and squeak to your door. Check retailer websites.
- Food boxes – Meal kit box companies like HelloFresh and Gousto sometimes feature recipes using frozen bubble and squeak that they deliver to you.
What are the best frozen bubble and squeak products?
When buying frozen bubble and squeak, look out for the following features:
- Chunky veg pieces – Visible, diced chunks of potato, cabbage, onion etc give better texture.
- Crispy outer coating – Crunchy outer layers from frying or roasting are tastier.
- Well seasoned – Check for added seasonings like pepper, parsley, chives for extra flavour.
- Buttery – Subtle butteriness improves the flavour for bubble and squeak purists.
- No artificial additives – Avoid anything with excessive E-numbers and preservatives.
Based on reviews, some of the highest rated frozen bubble and squeak products include:
Brand | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Young’s | Young’s Chip Shop Bubble and Squeak | – Chunky veg pieces – Crispy batter coating – Sprinkle of sea salt |
Aunt Bessie’s | Aunt Bessie’s Bubble and Squeak | – Soft potato chunks – Savoury outer layer – 97% fat free |
Birds Eye | Birds Eye Potato Cakes and Bubble and Squeak | – Visible onion and cabbage – Light butter flavor – Thinly sliced potatoes |
McCain | McCain Home Chips: Bubble and Squeak | – Crispy roasted potato – Notes of fresh parsley – Chunky onions and leeks |
What are the best value frozen bubble and squeak?
If you’re looking for cheap frozen bubble and squeak, then basic supermarket own brands often offer the best value deals. For example:
- Tesco – 480g pack for £1
- Asda – 500g pack for 85p
- Lidl – 500g pack for 99p
- Farmfoods – 400g pack for 69p
Check supermarkets’ budget ranges like Tesco Everyday Value or Asda Smart Price for the cheapest options. Also look out for:
- Multibuy deals e.g. buy 2 get 3rd free
- Buy 1 get 1 half price offers
- Reduced to clear short dated stock
- Checking delis for marked down frozen items
For cheap bulk batches, wholesale clubs like Costco sell large multi-pack cases of frozen bubble and squeak at lower unit prices. Online you can find deals on cases with 30-50 portions for under 30p per pack.
How to cook frozen bubble and squeak
Cooking frozen bubble and squeak is nice and easy. Simply follow the pack instructions, but generally:
- Remove required number of packs from freezer and leave at room temperature for 10-15 mins to start thawing.
- Preheat oven to 200C/Gas 6 or preheat a frying pan with 1 tbsp oil.
- Cook frozen bubble and squeak in the oven for 15-20 mins, turning halfway. Or shallow fry for 4-6 mins each side until golden.
- Check packs are piping hot in middle before serving.
- Serve immediately while crispy, with sausages, bacon, fried eggs etc.
For an extra quick breakfast, skillet fry frozen bubble and squeak straight from the freezer for 8-10 mins, flipping halfway. Season well.
How to cook bubble and squeak patties
For pan-fried bubble and squeak patties:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan over medium high heat.
- Add 2-3 frozen patties and fry for 4-5 mins each side until golden brown.
- Cook any remaining patties in batches, adding more oil as needed.
- Ensure cooked through and piping hot before eating.
How to cook larger blocks of bubble and squeak
For bigger blocks:
- Put the frozen block in an ovenproof dish, drizzle with oil and season.
- Cook covered at 190C/Gas 5 for 25 mins until heated through.
- Uncover and cook 10 more mins until crispy on top.
- Cut into wedges to serve like roast potatoes.
How to reheat leftover bubble and squeak
To reheat leftovers:
- Oven – 15 mins at 180C/Gas 4 on an oven tray.
- Frying pan – 4-5 mins on each side until hot and sizzling.
- Microwave – 2-3 mins on High, checking frequently.
Freezing your own homemade bubble and squeak
You can also easily freeze homemade bubble and squeak to enjoy later. Here’s how:
- Make a batch of fresh bubble and squeak following your usual recipe.
- Allow to cool completely before dividing into portions.
- Lay portions in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Transfer frozen portions to ziplock bags or airtight containers.
- Store flat in the freezer for 2-3 months before using.
Defrost homemade frozen bubble and squeak overnight in the fridge before reheating to serve.
Bubble and squeak recipe ideas
Beyond just a fry up accompaniment, frozen bubble and squeak can be used in lots of tasty recipes including:
- Bubble and squeak cakes – Pan fry patties then top with fried eggs and bacon.
- Bubble and squeak hash – Mix with tinned corned beef for a quick hash.
- Cottage or shepherd’s pie – Use as a topping instead of mash.
- Bubble and squeak croquettes – Coat patties in breadcrumbs then deep fry.
- Bubble and squeak bites – Skewer cubes of bubble and squeak for party food.
- Bubble and squeak salad – Toss cubed bubble and squeak into a salad.
Get creative with leftover frozen bubble and squeak in soups, sandwiches, pizzas and more for an easy veggie addition to meals.
Nutritional information
Frozen bubble and squeak is a healthy option full of nutritious vegetables. 100g typically provides:
- Around 80 calories
- 15-20g carbohydrate
- 2-4g protein
- 1-2g fibre
- Very little fat
- Vitamins C, B6, folate
- Potassium and antioxidants
As a veggie dish, it delivers a good portion of your 5 a day fruit and veg. It’s low in fat, high in fibre and packed with vitamins and minerals. Just keep an eye on salt content if concerned about sodium intake.
Vegetarian and vegan options
Most frozen bubble and squeak is vegetarian, but always check labels. To make sure products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans look out for:
- Suitable ‘V’ and ‘Ve’ logos
- No bacon pieces or meat inclusions
- No butter, milk or cheese listed in ingredients
Many supermarkets now stock vegan friendly own brand versions of frozen bubble and squeak. Or try brands like Aunt Bessie’s, Young’s or Linda McCartney for veggie and vegan options.
Storage and shelf life
Store frozen bubble and squeak according to pack instructions, which is usually:
- In a freezer set at -18°C or below
- In original sealed packaging
- Away from freezer door to avoid temperature fluctuations
- Not in freezer door storage compartments
Kept frozen correctly, it typically lasts:
- Up to 12 months from manufacture date
- Up to 3 months after defrosting
- 24 hours after cooking
Use defrosted bubble and squeak within 24 hours and don’t refreeze once thawed. Check for any thawed ice crystals, off smells or colours before cooking.
Conclusion
Frozen bubble and squeak provides a handy storecupboard staple for quick veggie sides and breakfasts. It can be purchased readily from supermarkets and retailers for convenience and to avoid waste. With clever use, it’s a cost effective way to add nutrition from cabbage, onions and potato to your diet. Just check labels and cook thoroughly for the best results.