The best part of this Ham and Bean Soup isn’t just how easy it is to prepare though that’s a huge plus. It’s how the rich, savory ham mingles perfectly with creamy white beans, tender carrots, and aromatic herbs to create a meal that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
Perfect for chilly nights or using up leftover ham, this recipe is a one-pot wonder that transforms basic pantry staples into a flavor-packed, cozy soup. Whether served with crusty artisan bread or just a warm spoon, this dish brings warmth and contentment with every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons oil
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4 celery stalks, chopped
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4 large carrots, chopped
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1 medium onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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4 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves stripped)
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1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, minced
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1 teaspoon ground mustard
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7 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
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1 large ham hock (or 2 small)
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4 cups cooked ham, chopped
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2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern or Navy beans (undrained)
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2 bay leaves
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1 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper as substitute)
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Salt, to taste
Directions:
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In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté celery, carrots, onion, and garlic until tender and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
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Stir in thyme, parsley, and ground mustard.
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Add broth, ham hock, chopped ham, beans (with liquid), bay leaves, pepper, and salt.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours.
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Scoop out 1 ½ cups of the soup (avoid meat) and blend until smooth using an immersion or countertop blender. Stir the blended portion back into the soup.
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Remove the ham hock, shred off any remaining meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaves.
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Simmer the soup for another 30 minutes. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Kcal: ~390 kcal | Servings: 6
Cozy Ham and Bean Soup: A Soul-Warming Classic for All Seasons
When the temperatures drop, there’s something undeniably comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of soup. And while chicken noodle and tomato basil get their fair share of love, one unsung hero of the comfort food category is the timeless ham and bean soup. It’s rustic, hearty, and filled with the kind of down-home flavor that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of slow cooked herbs and simmering broth.
This particular take on ham and bean soup is the epitome of home cooked love. It’s creamy without being heavy, brothy yet filling, and subtly smoky thanks to the star ingredient leftover ham. Whether you’re trying to make the most out of holiday ham or simply craving a wholesome meal that nourishes from the inside out, this soup ticks all the boxes.
The Origins of a Humble Classic
Ham and bean soup has been around for generations, with variations appearing in kitchens across America and Europe. Rooted in frugality and practicality, this dish historically allowed families to stretch every last bit of a smoked ham, including the bone, into multiple meals. With a handful of pantry staples beans, onions, herbs, and vegetables it transformed humble ingredients into a nourishing dish capable of feeding many.
In the American South, ham hocks and collard greens often join the mix. In New England, it’s not uncommon to see navy beans used, making the dish slightly reminiscent of baked beans in soup form. This flexibility is what makes the dish timeless: it adapts based on what you have and what you love.
Making the Most of Leftovers
One of the most appealing aspects of this ham and bean soup recipe is its efficiency. After a holiday meal, it’s common to have a hefty ham bone and chunks of glazed ham sitting in the fridge. Instead of letting them go to waste or repeating the same leftover plate, why not transform them into something entirely new?
The ham bone, when simmered for hours, imparts a richness to the broth that can’t be replicated with bouillon or canned stock. It brings out deep, smoky undertones that balance the sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the beans. Even if you don’t have a bone on hand, diced ham alone can still create a robust soup that’s full of character.
Variations and Customizations
Like any great comfort food, this recipe invites personalization. The type of beans you use whether it’s Great Northern, Navy, or Cannellini can subtly change the texture and flavor of the soup. Great Northern beans are larger and hold their shape, while Navy beans offer a smoother, creamier result when partially blended.
Don’t be afraid to add your own flair:
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A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat
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Kale or spinach tossed in during the last few minutes for added greens
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A swirl of cream or coconut milk for richness
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A handful of corn kernels or diced tomatoes for a subtle twist
You can also use smoked turkey or sausage as an alternative to ham for a different take. The structure of the soup is so forgiving that substitutions often lead to pleasant surprises.
A Few Cooking Tips for Perfection
Although the soup is simple, there are a few tips to take it from good to exceptional:
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Sauté your aromatics well: Don’t rush the base step of cooking the onions, carrots, and celery. Giving them time to caramelize builds foundational flavor.
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Leave the beans undrained: The liquid from canned beans thickens the soup and adds a mild creaminess, enhancing the body of the broth.
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Blend a portion for texture: One of the clever tricks in this recipe is blending a cup and a half of the soup (avoiding meat chunks) and stirring it back in. This gives you a creamy consistency without adding dairy or thickeners.
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Don’t forget the herbs: Fresh thyme and flat-leaf parsley might seem like minor ingredients, but their freshness brightens up the earthy base of the dish.
Nutritional Perspective
Ham and bean soup is surprisingly balanced. Beans are a rich source of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates, which keep you full longer. They also offer vital nutrients like folate, iron, and potassium. Meanwhile, ham provides protein and essential B vitamins, though it can be high in sodium so tasting before adding more salt is wise.
By simmering the soup for hours, not only do you concentrate flavors, but you also make the beans easier to digest. The long cooking time allows all the components to meld beautifully into a hearty, nourishing meal that feels indulgent but is rooted in whole ingredients.
For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of ham and boost the veggies. For a more decadent one, pair the soup with buttered toast or cheese biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
The best companion to a bowl of this soup? Crusty bread. Whether it’s a slice of artisan sourdough, garlic focaccia, or even a warm cornbread muffin, something to mop up the broth is essential.
You could also serve it alongside:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Pickled vegetables or bread and butter pickles for tang
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Roasted root vegetables
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A light apple slaw to balance the richness
If you’re feeling fancy, top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated parmesan. A drizzle of olive oil and cracked pepper also add a gourmet touch with zero effort.
Storage and Reheating
This soup is the gift that keeps on giving. It stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping or freezing.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavor often deepens over time, making it even better on day two or three.
Freezer: Let the soup cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
It’s a great solution for busy weeknights or those moments when you want something satisfying without cooking from scratch.
Why We Love It
What makes this ham and bean soup so special isn’t just the flavor or simplicity it’s the feeling it evokes. There’s something deeply nostalgic about ladling a steaming bowl of soup that’s been bubbling away for hours. It’s the kind of meal that says “you’re home,” even if you’re dining solo in a small apartment.
It brings people together, too. Make a big pot and watch as family or guests gather in the kitchen, drawn by the aroma alone. It’s a dish that encourages seconds, storytelling, and slow dining. In a world that moves quickly, meals like this remind us to slow down.
Conclusion:
At its core, Cozy Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of resourcefulness, warmth, and the joy of simple pleasures. It takes what might be seen as leftovers and transforms them into a meal filled with depth, comfort, and charm.
Whether you’re curled up on a snowy night, recovering from a cold, or simply looking for a satisfying way to end the day, this soup delivers. And as it simmers away on the stove, it does more than feed your stomach it feeds your soul.
So next time you find yourself with a ham bone or a fridge full of odds and ends, remember: sometimes the most ordinary ingredients make the most extraordinary meals.