Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ham and Bean Soup is a slow-simmered soup made with white beans, cooked ham, vegetables, and broth. The beans add creaminess, while the ham brings a salty, smoky flavor. Common additions include onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Ham and Bean Soup stands out for its simple preparation and long-lasting flavor.

Ham and Bean Soup takes about 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Prep time usually lasts 15 minutes. Cooking and simmering take another 30 to 45 minutes. The timing allows the beans to absorb flavor while the vegetables soften.

This recipe shows how simple steps can build strong flavor. The aroma fills the kitchen as the vegetables cook and the broth warms. Each ingredient plays a clear role, and nothing feels wasted. Ham and Bean Soup proves that classic recipes remain popular because they work every time.

Why You’ll Love It Ham and Bean Soup

• Comfort & Flavor: Ham and Bean Soup delivers warm, rich comfort in every spoon. The smoky ham, tender beans, and simple spices create a balanced, hearty taste that feels like home.
• Nutrition & Balance: Ham and Bean Soup offers protein, fiber, and minerals in one bowl. Beans support digestion, while ham adds energy, making this recipe filling, wholesome, and satisfying for daily meals.
• Easy & Reliable: Ham and Bean Soup uses simple ingredients and clear steps. It cooks well every time, stores easily, and tastes better the next day, making it perfect for busy families.

Ingredient Notes for a Ham and Bean Soup

• White beans – White beans give Ham and Bean Soup a creamy texture and mild taste. They absorb flavor well and make the soup filling and hearty.
• Cooked ham – Cooked ham adds a rich, smoky flavor to Ham and Bean Soup. Use diced leftover ham for the best taste and less waste.
• Onion – Onion builds a strong flavor base. It adds light sweetness and depth to the soup as it cooks.
• Carrots – Carrots bring natural sweetness and soft texture. They also add color and balance the salty ham.
• Celery stalks – Celery adds a fresh, savory taste. It supports the classic soup flavor without overpowering it.
• Garlic – Garlic gives Ham and Bean Soup a warm and bold aroma. Fresh garlic works best for clean flavor.
• Chicken broth – Chicken broth forms the base of the soup. It boosts flavor and keeps the soup rich but light.
• Bay leaf – Bay leaf adds mild herbal notes. Remove it before serving for a smooth taste.
• Dried thyme – Dried thyme brings earthy flavor. It pairs well with beans and ham.
• Black pepper & salt – Black pepper adds gentle heat. Salt balances all ingredients, so add it slowly.
• Olive oil – Olive oil helps cook the vegetables. It adds smooth texture and light richness.
• Fresh parsley – Fresh parsley adds color and fresh taste. Sprinkle it on top before serving for a clean finish.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Ham and Bean Soup tastes best when you use dried beans soaked overnight. This helps them cook evenly and feel soft. Always simmer slowly, not fast. Slow cooking builds rich flavor and keeps the ham tender and juicy.

For better Ham and Bean Soup, use a meaty ham bone. It adds deep taste without extra salt. Add onions, garlic, and celery early. These simple vegetables create a strong base and make the soup smell warm and inviting.

You can add your own touch easily. Try carrots for light sweetness or black pepper for mild heat. Fresh parsley at the end adds color and freshness. Keep seasoning simple so the natural ham and bean flavor stays strong.

Ham and Bean Soup Variation

You can change Ham and Bean Soup in many easy ways without losing its comfort feel. Some people add carrots and celery for extra color and light sweetness. Others use smoked ham hock to give Ham and Bean Soup a stronger, smoky flavor. If you want a thicker soup, mash a small portion of the beans and stir them back in. For a lighter version, use less ham and more beans. You can also add garlic, bay leaves, or black pepper to boost taste while keeping the recipe simple. These small changes help you enjoy Ham and Bean Soup in new ways without extra effort.

How to Serve Ham and Bean Soup

Serve Ham and Bean Soup hot for the best taste and texture. Many people enjoy it with crusty bread or warm cornbread on the side. The bread helps soak up the broth and makes the meal more filling. You can also serve Ham and Bean Soup with a simple green salad for balance. For family meals, place the soup in deep bowls and let guests add salt or pepper if needed. This soup works well for lunch or dinner and feels especially comforting on cold days.

Storage Options

Ham and Bean Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. Let the soup cool fully before storage. Place Ham and Bean Soup in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When reheating, warm Ham and Bean Soup slowly on the stove and stir often. Add a little water or broth if the soup feels too thick. Proper storage helps keep Ham and Bean Soup safe, tasty, and ready when you need a quick meal.

FAQs About Ham and Bean Soup

Is Ham and Bean Soup healthy?
Ham and Bean Soup gives protein, fiber, and energy in one bowl. Beans support digestion, and ham adds flavor and protein when used in balance.

How long does Ham and Bean Soup last in the fridge?
You can store Ham and Bean Soup in the fridge for up to four days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and taste.

Can you freeze Ham and Bean Soup?
Yes, Ham and Bean Soup freezes well and keeps for about three months. Let the soup cool first, then freeze it in freezer-safe containers.

What beans work best in Ham and Bean Soup?
Navy beans work best for Ham and Bean Soup because they cook soft and absorb flavor well. Great Northern beans also work if you want a similar texture.

Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ham and Bean Soup is a slow-simmered soup made with whitebeans, cooked ham, vegetables, and broth. The beans add creaminess, while theham brings a salty, smoky flavor. Common additions include onion, carrots,celery, garlic, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Ham and Bean Soup stands outfor its simple preparation and long-lasting flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound dried white beans navy or great northern
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Wooden Spoon
• Colander
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add soaked beans, ham bone or diced ham, broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook for about 2 hours, stirring sometimes.
7. Remove ham bone, shred meat, and return it to the pot.
8. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
9. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

This Ham and Bean Soup improves with time and patience. Slow cooking allows the beans to release starch, which thickens the soup naturally. If the soup becomes too thick, add warm broth or water a little at a time. Always taste before adding salt, because ham can be salty. If beans are not tender after 2 hours, keep cooking and check every 15 minutes. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps flavors settle and blend.