Hearty Ham Bone Soup (Slow Cooker & Stovetop)

Welcome to the ultimate bowl of comfort food! This hearty ham bone soup is a delicious way to transform a leftover ham bone into something truly spectacular. You will create a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. It is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Bone Soup

You will quickly discover why this ham bone soup becomes a family favorite.

• Economical: It cleverly uses a leftover ham bone, reducing food waste and saving money.
• Incredibly Rich Flavor: The ham bone slowly infuses the broth with deep, savory goodness.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with vegetables and beans, it is a complete and comforting meal.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite pantry staples and leftover veggies.
• Flexible Cooking: Enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker or the classic approach of a stovetop pot.

Olivia

Hearty Ham Bone Soup

A comforting and hearty ham bone soup made with leftover holiday ham bone, beans, vegetables, and savory seasonings — perfect for slow cooker or stovetop.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 large meaty ham bone with leftover meat attached
• 3 cups diced leftover ham
• 2 cups white beans (canned, drained) or use soaked dried beans
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth

Vegetables

• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 3 carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced

Seasonings & Herbs

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 garlic cloves minced
• to taste black pepper
• to taste salt add at end as ham bone adds saltiness

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Large Pot (for stovetop)

Method

 

1. Prepare ingredients: chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince garlic.
2. For slow cooker: Place the ham bone, vegetables, beans, broth, bay leaves, thyme, garlic and pepper into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours until vegetables are tender. Remove ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. For stovetop: In a large pot, combine ham bone, broth, beans, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5–2 hours until vegetables and beans are tender. Remove the ham bone, shred the meat and return it to the pot. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Notes

This soup is a great way to use leftover ham bones and scraps. Add other vegetables or potatoes if desired. Season with salt at the end to avoid oversalting. Serve with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this flavorful ham bone soup is the first step to a delicious meal.

• 1 leftover ham bone (with some meat still attached)
• 7 cups water (1.5L)
• 20 whole peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
• 5-6 slices bacon
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 russet potato, peeled and diced
• 2 cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups leftover diced ham (225g, optional, for extra meat)

Notes & Substitutions

• Ham Bone: A larger bone with more meat will yield a richer, more flavorful soup.
• Broth: Use homemade ham broth or low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for extra depth.
• Bacon: It adds incredible depth of flavor; omit it if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have. Bell peppers or corn are great additions.
• Beans: Navy beans, cannellini beans, or even a mix of white beans work perfectly.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are always a fantastic choice. Triple the amount if using fresh instead of dried.
• Potato: A sweet potato can offer a different flavor profile and added sweetness.
• Salt: Remember to taste before adding salt, as the ham bone can be quite salty.

Equipment

Making this ham bone soup requires just a few basic kitchen tools.

• Large slow cooker (6-quart minimum) OR a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board
• Large spoon or ladle for serving
• Tongs for easily removing the ham bone

Instructions

Choose your preferred method below to create this delicious ham bone soup. Both deliver incredible results!

Slow Cooker Method

1. In a skillet, render the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, reserving the fat in the skillet.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your large slow cooker.
4. Place the ham bone into the slow cooker. Pour in the 7 cups of water or broth.
5. Add the bay leaves, whole peppercorns, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley flakes, and half of the minced garlic to the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ham bone meat is very tender and falling off the bone.
7. Carefully remove the ham bone from the slow cooker. Let it cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat from the bone, discarding the bone.
8. Stir the shredded ham meat, diced potatoes, chopped zucchini, rinsed Great Northern beans, and any optional leftover diced ham into the slow cooker. Add the remaining minced garlic.
9. Continue to cook on high for another 1-2 hours, or until the potatoes and zucchini are tender.
10. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
11. Ladle the hearty ham bone soup into bowls and serve hot.

Stovetop Method

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, render the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, reserving the fat in the pot.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Place the ham bone into the pot. Pour in the 7 cups of water or broth. Add the bay leaves.
4. Stir in the whole peppercorns, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley flakes, and half of the minced garlic.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the ham bone meat is very tender and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally.
6. Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred any remaining meat from the bone, discarding the bone.
7. Stir the shredded ham meat, diced potatoes, chopped zucchini, rinsed Great Northern beans, and any optional leftover diced ham into the pot. Add the remaining minced garlic.
8. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and zucchini are tender.
9. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
10. Ladle the comforting ham bone soup into bowls and serve hot.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Flavor Boost: For even deeper flavor, briefly sear the ham bone in the pot or skillet before adding other ingredients. This caramelizes the surface.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a portion of the cooked potatoes or beans against the side of the pot.
• Too Salty: If the soup tastes too salty, add a peeled, raw potato to the pot while simmering. It will absorb some salt. You can also add more water or unsalted broth.
• Skim Fat: Ham bones can release a fair amount of fat. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the soup, especially after it has simmered for a while, if desired.
• Vegetable Timing: Add more tender vegetables like spinach or frozen peas during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Don’t Rush: Slow cooking is key to extracting maximum flavor from the ham bone. Allow ample time for simmering.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile ham bone soup is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread for dipping.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment.
• Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for brightness.

Storage & Reheating

• Ensure the soup cools completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.
• For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.

Variations

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Other veggies: Incorporate hearty greens like kale or spinach in the last 15 minutes of cooking. Corn or diced bell peppers are also great additions.
• Different beans: Experiment with navy beans, cannellini beans, or even black-eyed peas for a different texture and flavor.
• Grains: Stir in a half cup of barley or small pasta shapes like ditalini during the last 20 minutes of cooking for a more substantial soup.
• Smoked paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika adds an extra layer of smoky depth.

Nutrition Information

This hearty ham bone soup provides a good source of protein from the ham, along with fiber from the beans and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It makes for a nourishing and satisfying meal. Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. To reduce sodium, always opt for low-sodium broth and taste before adding extra salt.

FAQ

Conclusion

There is nothing quite like a comforting bowl of homemade ham bone soup. It is truly incredible how a simple leftover ham bone can transform into such a profoundly flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe offers an easy, economical, and delicious way to bring warmth and nourishment to your table, whether you choose the set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker or the classic stovetop method. Do not let that ham bone go to waste; turn it into a comforting masterpiece your family will adore!

Olivia