This Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. Simmered slowly with savory ham hock, tender white beans, and classic aromatics like onion, garlic, and bay leaves, it delivers big flavor from simple ingredients.
Whether you’re using up leftover ham or making a big pot to freeze for future meals, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s nourishing, budget-friendly, and tastes even better the next day. Serve it with rustic bread or a melty grilled cheese and you’ve got a meal that soothes both body and soul.
Full Recipe:
-
8 cups water
-
1 pound dry great northern beans
-
1 ham hock
-
2 cups chopped cooked ham
-
2 carrots, chopped
-
1 large onion, chopped
-
2 stalks celery, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon mustard powder
-
2 bay leaves
-
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
-
Salt to taste
Directions:
-
Rinse the dry beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in cold water, or use the quick soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour. Drain before using.
-
In a large soup pot, add the soaked beans, water, ham hock, chopped ham, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, mustard powder, bay leaves, and white pepper.
-
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
-
Once the beans are tender and flavors are well combined, remove the ham hock. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup, discarding any fat and bone.
-
Season with salt to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, purée a few cups of the soup and stir it back in, or create a cornstarch slurry to add more body.
-
Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 315 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
A Hearty Classic: Ham and Bean Soup
When it comes to comfort food that warms both the body and soul, few dishes stand as timeless and satisfying as Ham and Bean Soup. Rooted in tradition and practicality, this dish has long been a staple in kitchens around the world, often passed down through generations and tailored to regional tastes. At its core, it’s a humble soup made with pantry staples and leftover ham, yet the flavors that emerge from hours of slow simmering are anything but basic.
Ham and Bean Soup is especially popular during the colder months, but its wholesome appeal makes it a year-round favorite. Whether you’re feeding a large family, trying to make the most of a leftover holiday ham, or just craving something cozy and nourishing, this soup delivers on all fronts.
The Origins and History of Ham and Bean Soup
This beloved soup has deep historical roots. Variations of bean-based soups date back centuries, found in both European peasant cooking and American colonial kitchens. Beans were inexpensive, easy to grow, and packed with nutrition—making them a dietary cornerstone.
The addition of ham, particularly a ham hock or leftover bone, likely emerged out of frugality. Early cooks knew how to stretch every ingredient, and bones were never wasted. A ham hock adds smoky, rich depth to the broth, while chopped cooked ham provides texture and a savory bite.
In the United States, Ham and Bean Soup became especially prominent in Southern and Midwestern cuisine. It was often made after holiday meals, using the remnants of an Easter or Christmas ham. Today, it remains a classic in American households, especially in regions that embrace hearty, slow-cooked meals.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of this dish—beyond its delicious flavor—is its nutritional profile. Ham and Bean Soup offers a great balance of macronutrients: protein from the ham, fiber and complex carbohydrates from the beans, and essential vitamins from the vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
Beans, in particular, are nutritional powerhouses. Great Northern beans, which are commonly used in this soup, are rich in dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They help regulate blood sugar, promote gut health, and can even lower cholesterol levels. When combined with lean cuts of ham and fresh vegetables, this soup becomes a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
That said, for those watching their sodium intake, it’s important to be mindful of the ham used—especially if it’s pre-cooked or cured. Opting for a low-sodium broth or thoroughly rinsing the ham before cooking can help reduce salt levels.
Flavor Profile: Comfort in Every Spoonful
What sets this soup apart is its depth of flavor. The long simmering process allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully. The ham infuses the broth with a smoky, savory richness, while the beans become creamy and tender, soaking up every ounce of flavor.
Mustard powder adds a subtle tang, garlic lends aromatic complexity, and bay leaves contribute a herbal note that rounds everything out. The combination of onion, carrots, and celery—the classic mirepoix—gives the soup a base of gentle sweetness and balance. Ground white pepper adds a hint of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
The end result is a bowl of soup that is both hearty and harmonious—a true example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something deeply satisfying.
Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep
One of the most appealing aspects of Ham and Bean Soup is how it turns leftovers into a brand-new meal. After a holiday dinner, when there’s usually more ham than anyone knows what to do with, this soup offers a delicious and resourceful solution.
Not only does it use up the leftover meat, but the ham bone or hock can also be repurposed to make the broth even more flavorful. The collagen and marrow from the bone enrich the soup naturally, no bouillon cubes or artificial enhancers needed.
This soup also stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to five days and freezes beautifully for up to three months. Simply reheat and enjoy—many people find that the flavors improve over time, making the leftovers even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Ham and Bean Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A slice of crusty bread or a warm biscuit is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. It also goes well with a side salad for a lighter accompaniment, or grilled cheese sandwiches for an ultra-comforting combo.
If you want to elevate the presentation for guests or a special occasion, try topping the soup with freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for a rustic, café-style meal.
And for beverages? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a malty amber ale makes a great pairing. Both drinks help balance the rich, smoky notes of the ham and the earthiness of the beans.
Common Variations and Customizations
While the classic version uses great northern beans and ham hock, there are countless ways to make this soup your own. Some cooks like to add diced potatoes or tomatoes for extra heartiness. Others swap in different types of beans—like navy beans, cannellini, or pinto beans.
For added vegetables, kale, spinach, or cabbage can be stirred in at the end for a dose of greens. If you prefer a thicker texture, you can purée part of the soup and mix it back in, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. You can also skip the ham bone altogether and use smoked turkey or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian take.
The beauty of this soup lies in its flexibility. You can adjust it based on dietary needs, available ingredients, or personal taste preferences, and it will still be delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
The recipe’s simplicity is a big part of its success. It doesn’t rely on fancy techniques or expensive ingredients—just solid cooking fundamentals and time. The layering of flavors through slow cooking allows each element to shine, and the result is consistently satisfying.
It’s also a dish that feels like home. Whether you grew up eating it or are discovering it for the first time, Ham and Bean Soup evokes warmth, nourishment, and a sense of tradition. It’s the kind of food that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even go back for seconds.
Conclusion: A Soup That Brings People Together
Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary tradition that brings people together. It represents sustainability by transforming leftovers into something new. It reflects resourcefulness, comfort, and care. And above all, it’s deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for your family, freezing it for future meals, or simply craving something warm and homemade, this soup delivers every single time. So the next time you find yourself with leftover ham or just a craving for comfort food, remember this timeless dish. Simple, soulful, and oh-so-delicious—Ham and Bean Soup deserves a spot in every home cook’s repertoire.