The Coziest Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

When cold winds blow, nothing warms the soul quite like a delicious ham and bean soup that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, this hearty ham and bean soup recipe brings together tender chunks of smoky ham and creamy beans in a robust broth.

Slow-simmered ingredients meld into a deeply satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas.

Chunks of vegetables add color and nutrition to this classic dish that speaks to home-cooked goodness.

The recipe comes together easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.

Each bowl offers a warm embrace of flavor that connects you to time-honored cooking traditions.

Ladle up a bowl and savor the delicious simplicity of this comforting soup.

Steps To Cook Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Fire Up the Flavor Base

Warm up a large pot with a splash of oil or butter. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, letting them dance and soften for a few minutes. Sprinkle in garlic and herbs, stirring until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

• Build the Hearty Backbone

Drop in your ham pieces, beans, and broth. Splash in some Dijon for an unexpected kick. Let everything bubble gently, melding flavors together. If you’ve got a ham bone, let it simmer and infuse the soup with rich goodness.

• Create the Perfect Bowl

Brighten the soup with a zesty squeeze of lemon or vinegar. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning. Scoop into bowls and crown with fresh parsley. Grab a chunk of crusty bread and get ready to dive into pure comfort!

Helpful Hints For Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Soup-Making Magic: Insider Tips to Elevate Your Ham and Bean Soup
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Add a parmesan rind while simmering to create deeper, richer umami notes that will make your soup taste restaurant-worthy.
• Texture Perfection: Mash a few beans against the pot's side to naturally thicken the soup without using flour or additional starches, creating a creamy consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap ham with smoked turkey or plant-based ham alternatives for lighter protein options that maintain the soup's delicious smoky profile.
• Zero-Waste Pro Move: Use leftover holiday ham bone or roasted chicken carcass to develop an incredibly complex broth base that transforms this simple recipe into something extraordinary.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – portion into airtight containers and enjoy a quick, hearty meal whenever comfort food calls.

How To Serve Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Slice up a warm, crusty sourdough or country-style bread to soak up the rich, savory broth. Toasted and brushed with garlic butter, it adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor to your hearty soup.
• Cozy Side Salad: Whip up a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness. Toss in some crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a fresh contrast.
• Comfort Meal Upgrade: Transform the soup into a complete dinner by adding a dollop of sour cream, extra fresh herbs, and a side of crispy bacon bits. Pair with a glass of light white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a satisfying meal.
• Winter Warming Presentation: Serve the soup in deep, rustic ceramic bowls to retain heat and create a cozy dining experience. Garnish with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika for an elegant touch.

Storage Guide For Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Techniques: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, perfect for future quick meals.
• Reheating Methods: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Microwave works well in short 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle.
• Smart Portioning Tip: Divide soup into single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and enjoy convenient meal prep throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients List For Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Onion: Builds deep foundational flavor with sweet undertones, select firm and smooth bulbs.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, choose bright orange and crisp vegetables.
• Celery: Provides subtle earthy notes and textural complexity, pick bright green stalks without blemishes.
• Garlic: Delivers robust flavor punch, select plump cloves without sprouting.
• Thyme: Introduces delicate herbal essence, fresh sprigs offer more intense taste.
• Oregano: Contributes robust Mediterranean warmth, dried herbs work perfectly.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and rich color, Spanish varieties are most authentic.

• Ham, Ham Bone: Creates meaty foundation with rich salty undertones, prefer leftover holiday ham or smoked varieties.
• Beans: Provides hearty texture and plant-based protein, white cannellini or great northern beans work wonderfully.
• Chicken Broth: Builds liquid foundation with gentle flavor, low-sodium versions offer better control.

• Bay Leaf: Releases subtle herbal complexity, remove before serving.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy undertone and depth, whole grain varieties add extra texture.
• Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens overall flavor profile with subtle acidity.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh garnish and herbal brightness, chop finely for best presentation.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for final flavor balancing, adjust to personal preference.

Kitchen Tools For Easy Ham And Bean Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the soup, with heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
• Sharp Knife: For precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure herbs and seasonings.
• Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
• Optional Grater: If you want to grate fresh garlic instead of mincing.

Hearty Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Ham and bean soup brings comfort to hungry families during chilly evenings. Simple ingredients combine for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) white beans (Great Northern, cannellini, or navy beans, drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Crusty bread or cornbread (for dipping, optional)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until vegetables become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence in a large pot.
2. Herb Infusion: Quickly stir in minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika, allowing herbs to bloom and intensify without burning.
3. Liquid Ensemble: Add chopped ham, white beans, broth, bay leaf, and Dijon mustard, creating a robust and savory soup base that will develop complex flavors.
4. Simmering Stage: Reduce heat and allow ingredients to meld together gently, developing deep flavors for 25-45 minutes. If using a ham bone, extract and shred any remaining meat back into the soup.
5. Flavor Balancing: Introduce a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to cut through the richness and provide a subtle bright note. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serving Finale: Remove bay leaf, ladle the steaming soup into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread or warm cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Sautéing: Cook onions, carrots, and celery slowly to develop deep, sweet flavors without burning; medium-low heat ensures perfect caramelization.
• Preserve Herb Intensity: Add dried herbs toward the end of sautéing to prevent scorching and maximize their aromatic potential, releasing maximum flavor without bitterness.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Monitor soup’s thickness during simmering; add extra broth if becoming too dense or reduce liquid if wanting a thicker texture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ham with smoked turkey or plant-based protein for lower-fat versions; use low-sodium broth for heart-conscious individuals and gluten-free bread alternatives for celiac-friendly serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg