The Best Homemade Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This ham and bean soup is the perfect comfort food, warming you up from the inside out with its rich, savory flavors. It’s easy to make and packed with hearty ingredients that’ll keep you satisfied.
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples and leftover ham, so you won’t need a fancy shopping list.
- Big flavor – Slow simmering lets the herbs and ham infuse every bite with delicious, smoky goodness.
- Meal prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers or freezing.
Recipe
This homemade ham and bean soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans (or great Northern beans), soaked overnight
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the soaked beans, ham bone (or diced ham), chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender.
- Remove the ham bone, shred any meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaves.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes:
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
- Substitute vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook Time: 2 hours
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6-8 servings
Nutrition
This homemade ham and bean soup is packed with protein and fiber. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade ham and bean soup with warm, crusty bread, like a baguette or rolls, to soak up all that hearty goodness. A fresh side salad, maybe with greens, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, adds a nice crunch and balance to the meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative—I’ve even served it with cornbread for a fun twist!
Bread Options
When you’ve got a steaming bowl of ham and bean soup in front of you, there’s nothing like a great piece of bread to round out the meal. I love dipping crusty sourdough or a warm baguette into the rich broth—it soaks up all that flavor. For something heartier, try cornbread or a slice of rye. If you’re feeling fancy, garlic bread adds a punch, while a simple whole wheat roll keeps it wholesome. My go-to serving suggestion? Toast slices lightly and brush with olive oil for extra crunch. Trust me, the right bread turns soup into a feast.
Side Salads
A fresh side salad can brighten up a hearty bowl of ham and bean soup, adding crunch and color to balance the rich flavors. I love tossing together garden greens like spinach, arugula, and lettuce, then topping them with seasonal produce for a burst of freshness. Think crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, or even roasted squash in the fall. A light dressing, like lemon vinaigrette, keeps it simple but delicious. Sometimes, I’ll add a handful of nuts or crumbled cheese for extra texture. It’s an easy way to make the meal feel complete without overpowering the soup’s comforting warmth.
