The Coziest Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Heartwarming ham and bean soup can turn any chilly evening into a comforting culinary experience.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each spoonful of this classic dish.

Tender white beans mingle with smoky ham chunks, creating a robust flavor profile that speaks to pure satisfaction.

Nutrition meets nostalgia in this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal.

Quick and easy preparation means you can have a steaming bowl ready in less than an hour.

Rich broth carries hints of herbs and the deep, savory notes of slow-cooked ham.

Warm up your soul and spark joy around the table with this delightful soup that promises to become a new favorite.

What You’ll Need to Make Ham and Bean Soup

• Ham Hock: Adds rich, smoky flavor and provides meat for the soup.
• Chopped Ham: Enhances the meaty texture and additional ham flavor.

• Dry Beans: The hearty base of the soup that provides protein and substance.
• Carrots, Onion, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that build a robust flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic quality to the overall soup profile.

• Mustard Powder: Contributes a subtle tangy and slightly sharp undertone.
• Bay Leaves: Provides a gentle herbal background note.
• White Pepper: Offers a mild, smooth heat and warming sensation.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the overall taste of the soup.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent to adjust soup consistency.

• Water: Creates the primary liquid component of the soup.

How to Cook a Classic Ham and Bean Soup with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Dried Beans

Rinse dried beans under cool running water. Soak beans overnight in cold water or use quick soak method by boiling for 2 minutes, then let sit covered for 1 hour.

Drain beans completely before cooking.

Step 2: Build Soup Base

• Ham hock
• Chopped ham
• Carrots
• Onion
• Celery
• Garlic
• Mustard powder
• Bay leaves
• White pepper
• Water

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring soup mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir soup occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Remove and Shred Ham

Take out ham hock from soup. Separate meat from bone and fat.

Shred meat and return to soup pot. Discard bone and excess fat.

Step 5: Adjust Soup Consistency

Season soup with salt to taste. For thicker soup, mash some beans or blend a few cups of soup and mix back into pot.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Pair with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty meal.

Smart Tips to Make Ham and Bean Soup Even Better

• Soak beans overnight for best texture and faster cooking, ensuring even softness throughout the soup.
• Use ham hock for rich, deep flavor that infuses the entire dish with smoky undertones.
• Create a thicker consistency by puréeing a portion of the soup or adding a simple cornstarch slurry for extra body.
• Check bean tenderness during cooking and adjust liquid as needed to prevent burning or sticking.
• Remove ham hock bones and excess fat to keep the soup clean and smooth, maximizing meat content.

Ways to Switch Up Your Ham and Bean Soup

• Smoky Chipotle Kick: Replace white pepper with chipotle powder for a spicy, smoky flavor profile that adds depth to the classic ham and bean soup.
• Green Chile Upgrade: Mix in diced green chiles and swap mustard powder for cumin to create a southwestern-inspired version with a zesty punch.
• Hearty Potato Boost: Add diced potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking to increase the soup's heartiness and provide extra texture and substance.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate diced tomatoes, fresh oregano, and a splash of red wine vinegar to transform the soup with Mediterranean herbs and brightness.

Perfect Pairings for Ham and Bean Soup

• Crusty Bread Companion: Slice up a rustic, hearty bread with a crisp crust to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir to complement the soup's smoky ham flavors and balance its hearty profile.
• Salad Sidekick: Prepare a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a fresh, light contrast to the dense, warm dish.
• Beverage Boost: Serve with a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer that can refresh the palate and match the soup's robust, comforting qualities.

Storage Tips for Keeping Ham and Bean Soup Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ham and bean soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust consistency by adding liquid if needed.

Ham and Bean Soup FAQs for Easy Reference

• How do I know when the beans are properly cooked?

The beans are done when they are tender and can be easily mashed with a fork, typically after 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering. They should be soft but not mushy or falling apart.

• Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans, but they will significantly reduce cooking time. Drain and rinse canned beans, then add them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture.

• What type of ham works best for this soup?

Choose a meaty ham hock or leftover ham from a roast. For more flavor, use a smoked ham hock or ham with some fat still attached, which adds richness to the soup.

What Makes Ham and Bean Soup So Cozy and Comforting

• Hearty Comfort Classic: Sink into a warm, soul-satisfying bowl packed with protein-rich beans and savory ham that wraps you in pure comfort.
• Master Budget-Friendly Cooking: Transform simple, affordable ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and fiber, this soup delivers a complete meal that nourishes your body with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings, changing ham types, or adding extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Robust Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 13.5 to 14 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and bean soup recipe brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining smoky pork and creamy white beans in a soul-warming blend. Rich flavors mingle effortlessly, promising warmth with each spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound dry great northern beans
• 2 cups chopped cooked ham
• 1 ham hock

Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquid:

• 8 cups water
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon ground white pepper
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash dry beans and soak overnight in cold water, alternatively rapid-soak by boiling for 2 minutes and resting covered for 1 hour, then drain completely.
2. Combine soaked beans, water, ham hock, chopped ham, diced carrots, onions, celery, minced garlic, mustard powder, bay leaves, and white pepper in a spacious soup pot.
3. Heat mixture to robust boiling point over medium-high temperature, then immediately reduce to gentle simmer, covering pot and maintaining low heat for approximately 1.5-2 hours, periodically stirring contents.
4. Verify bean tenderness and flavor integration, then extract ham hock, carefully separating meat from bones and fat, returning shredded meat to soup while discarding remaining bone components.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt, enhancing soup consistency by either partially puréeing several soup cups or creating cornstarch slurry for additional thickness.
6. Present piping hot soup accompanied by rustic crusty bread or complementary grilled cheese sandwich for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Soak beans properly to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring even cooking and softer texture.
• Use leftover ham bones or ham hock for deeper, richer flavor that infuses the entire soup with smoky undertones.
• Customize thickness by partially blending some beans or adding cornstarch, creating a creamy consistency without losing chunky elements.
• Adapt for dietary needs by using smoked turkey instead of ham for a leaner protein option or vegetarian broth for a plant-based version.

• Prep Time: 12 hours (overnight soaking)
• Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg