Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most satisfying **Ham and Bean Soup Recipe** you’ll ever taste! This isn’t just a practical way to transform your leftover holiday ham into another magnificent meal; it’s a hearty, creamy, and deeply flavorful creation so delicious, you might find yourself buying extra ham just to make it. Forget bland, watery versions; this recipe promises a rich, velvety texture and a depth of flavor that will warm you from the inside out, making it an instant family favorite.

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Transforming Leftover Ham into a Culinary Masterpiece!

For years, holiday ham was the main event, and leftovers were simply… well, leftovers. But ever since I perfected this Ham and Bean Soup recipe, my excitement for the post-holiday feast has reached new heights. Seriously, this soup isn’t just “good” – it’s unbelievably delicious and wonderfully creamy. It redefines what leftover ham can be!

The secret to its profound flavor begins with crisping the ham right in the pot. This crucial step renders out some fat and builds a layer of rich, savory fond at the bottom of the pan. Then, the aromatic vegetables—onions, carrots, and garlic—are softened directly in those flavorful drippings, soaking up all that incredible ham essence. The beans, a staple in many hearty soups, contribute to a thick, satisfying texture, making each spoonful incredibly wholesome and filling.

I experimented with several early batches without blending, and while they were tasty, something was missing. The moment I decided to blend a couple of cups of the soup and stir it back in, it was a total game-changer. The texture transformed from merely hearty to luxuriously silky and smooth, all without needing excessive amounts of heavy cream. This simple technique amplifies the natural creaminess of the beans, creating a perfectly balanced consistency that’s neither too thin nor too thick. Now, I wouldn’t dream of making it any other way. I love serving generous bowls of this glorious soup with warm, buttered crusty bread, perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop of that exquisite broth.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Ham and Bean Soup

Creating an outstanding Ham and Bean Soup starts with a careful selection of ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some valuable tips for substitutions and enhancements:

Crafting Your Homemade Ham and Bean Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple yet impactful steps to create a Ham and Bean Soup that’s bursting with flavor and boasts an irresistible creamy texture:

1. Crisp the Ham to Perfection: Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your shredded or chopped ham. Sauté it until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy at the edges. This process not only adds a delightful texture to the ham but also renders out some fat and creates a flavorful fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pot, which will become the foundation of your soup’s rich taste. Transfer the crisped ham to a plate using a slotted spoon and set aside. Don’t clean the pot; if there’s more than 2 tablespoons of grease left, carefully drain the excess. If less, add enough olive oil to reach 2 tablespoons.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the pot, allowing it to melt into the ham drippings. Then, add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant. This step extracts their natural sweetness and savory notes. Next, stir in the salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and optional cayenne pepper, along with the all-purpose flour. Continue to sauté for another minute, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps create a flavorful roux.
3. Build the Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release all those flavorful browned bits (fond) from step 1 – this is called deglazing and is crucial for depth of flavor. Once this first cup of broth has thickened slightly, slowly add the remaining 3 cups of broth. Stir well to combine. Add one can (15 ounces) of drained and rinsed white beans and the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Achieve Ultimate Creaminess with Blending: This is the secret step for that silky texture! Carefully remove about 2 cups of the simmering soup from the pot. Transfer it to a blender. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy (refer to Note 4 in the recipe card for important blending safety tips). Return the velvety blended soup to the main pot and stir thoroughly to incorporate. This technique thickens the soup naturally with the beans, providing a rich mouthfeel without needing excessive dairy.
5. Finish and Perfect the Soup: Add the second can (15 ounces) of drained and rinsed white beans, the fresh baby spinach, the reserved crispy ham, heavy cream, and whole milk to the pot. Increase the heat to medium and simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Serve and Savor: Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed – a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference. Serve your incredible Ham and Bean Soup immediately, ensuring it’s piping hot. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Ham and Bean Soup

A bowl of creamy Ham and Bean Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal to a whole new level of comfort and delight. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

• Crusty Artisan Bread: Absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that rich, creamy broth! A warm, crusty baguette, a loaf of homemade herb bread, or even a simple sourdough works wonderfully. For an extra treat, serve with cheesy bread or classic garlic bread.
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup. Think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or even a classic Caesar salad for a bit more substance.
• Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food pairing! A warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich dipped into the hot soup is pure culinary bliss. Choose your favorite cheese and bread for this nostalgic combination.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy and flavorful accompaniment, serve alongside a medley of roasted vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted until tender-crisp, add color and nutrients. Our easy roasted vegetables recipe is a great starting point.
• Sweet Cornbread: The slightly sweet and buttery flavor of cornbread creates a delightful contrast with the savory ham and bean soup. Warm cornbread muffins or a slice of skillet cornbread are perfect for crumbling into the soup or enjoying alongside.
• Garnishes: Don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of heavy cream, a dash of hot sauce, or even some extra crispy ham bits can elevate the presentation and taste.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Ham and Bean Soup

One of the many great things about this Ham and Bean Soup is how well it stores, making it an excellent meal prep option or a convenient freezer meal. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your delicious soup:

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Creamy Ham And Bean Soup

By
Chelsea Lords

This Ham and Bean Soup is the ultimate way to give new life to your leftover holiday ham, and it’s so delicious that you’ll find yourself buying extra ham just to whip up this incredibly delicious meal!

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour

Servings:
4 servings

Equipment

• Dutch oven or cast-iron pot
• Blender

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2-1/2 packed cups cooked ham, shredded or chopped (see note 1)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1/2 onion)
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 carrots)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 32 ounces chicken broth (4 cups)
• 30 ounces white beans, drained and rinsed (2 x 15-ounce cans, see note 2)
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup whole milk (or use more heavy cream, see note 3)
• Hearty buttered bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add ham and sauté until golden and slightly crispy. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon. Do not wipe out the pot. If there is more than 2 tbsp grease, carefully drain the excess; if not, add 2 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add butter, onion, carrot, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4–6 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, cayenne) and flour; continue to sauté for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in 1 cup of broth, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Once thickened, gradually add the remaining 3 cups of broth. Add 1 can (15 ounces) of drained beans and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Remove about 2 cups of the soup and carefully blend until smooth (see note 4 for blending safety). Return the blended, creamy soup to the pot and mix thoroughly to incorporate.
5. Add the remaining can (15 ounces) of beans, fresh baby spinach, the reserved crispy ham, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer on medium heat for 3–5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove bay leaves and discard. Taste and adjust seasonings until the flavors are perfectly balanced and “sing”!
6. Enjoy immediately with hearty buttered bread, if desired, for a truly comforting meal.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Leftover holiday ham, especially from a bone-in ham, is perfect for this recipe as it imparts wonderful flavor. If you’re out, pick up some good quality thick-cut smoked ham from your local grocery store or deli!

Note 2: I typically use 1 can cannellini beans and 1 can white navy beans. However, feel free to use two cans of the same type of white beans (e.g., two cans of cannellini) – the result will still be delicious.

Note 3: This mix of heavy cream and whole milk creates a wonderfully creamy yet not overly heavy soup. For maximum richness, you can certainly opt for all heavy cream. For a lighter touch, use more whole milk or even half-and-half.

Note 4: When blending hot liquids, always proceed with caution to prevent burns or spills. Ensure the blender lid is securely fastened. If your blender doesn’t have a “soup” or “vented” setting, leave a small corner of the lid open or remove the center cap, then cover it with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape while blending in short bursts. Start on low speed and gradually increase. Do not fill the blender more than halfway.

Storage: To store, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 861kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 1815mg | Potassium: 2018mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 19580IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 373mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.