Basic Ham and Bean Soup

The perfect answer to chilly nights, this hearty ham and bean soup is packed with protein-rich white beans and tender ham, all simmered together in a savory broth. Aromatic vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery blend with garlic, bay leaves, and a hint of mustard to create a comforting classic that tastes like home. It’s an ideal way to use leftover holiday ham or repurpose what’s in your fridge. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese for a full-on comfort meal. Whether you’re batch cooking for the week or serving it fresh for dinner, this is a soup that warms the soul and satisfies every spoonful.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water

• 1 pound dry great northern beans

• 1 ham hock

• 2 cups chopped ham

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Rinse and sort the dry beans. Soak them overnight or use a quick-soak method. Drain and rinse again.

2. In a large soup pot, combine beans, water, and ham hock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours.

3. Add chopped ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, mustard powder, bay leaves, white pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.

4. Continue to simmer for another 1.5 hours, or until beans and vegetables are tender.

5. Remove the ham hock and bay leaves. If desired, puree a few scoops of soup in a blender and return to the pot for a thicker texture.

6. Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Why Everyone Needs This Basic Ham and Bean Soup in Their Recipe Repertoire

When it comes to comfort food that fills both your belly and your soul, Ham and Bean Soup stands tall among the best. It’s a timeless classic, rich with heritage, hearty ingredients, and robust flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, trying to make use of leftover holiday ham, or simply craving something warm and nourishing, this soup checks all the boxes.

But this is more than just another soup recipe—it’s a masterclass in using simple, affordable pantry staples to create a dish that tastes like it simmered in a grandma’s kitchen all day. Here’s everything you need to know about this culinary staple, why it deserves a permanent spot in your winter meal rotation, and all the little tips that can help you turn it into something extraordinary.

The Humble Origins of Ham and Bean Soup

Ham and Bean Soup dates back centuries and has long been cherished in many cultures. It’s particularly rooted in American and European traditions, where resourcefulness in the kitchen was key. After big family feasts, especially around holidays like Christmas or Easter, leftover ham bones and meat were too precious to waste. Enter: the ham and bean soup—a way to stretch one protein into multiple meals while also extracting every ounce of flavor.

In the U.S., this soup is closely associated with Appalachian and Southern cooking, where slow-simmered pots were a norm, and every ingredient had a purpose. The ham hock, with its collagen-rich bones, not only flavors the broth but also gives it a rich, almost creamy mouthfeel without any added cream or dairy.

Why This Recipe is a Standout

This particular version of Ham and Bean Soup shines for several reasons:

1. Flavor Depth from Simple Ingredients

With just a few key ingredients—dry great northern beans, a ham hock, chopped ham, onion, garlic, and spices—this soup delivers a deep, savory flavor that feels complex and layered, yet takes very little prep work.

2. Incredible Texture

Simmering the beans slowly alongside the ham allows the flavors to mingle perfectly. And if you purée a portion and stir it back in (as many reviewers recommend), the soup becomes naturally thick and velvety without thickeners like flour or cream.

3. Healthy & Filling

This is a protein-packed, fiber-rich soup that’s also low in fat. Beans are fantastic for gut health, and ham offers both protein and a touch of saltiness. It’s satisfying without being heavy, perfect for cold days or after a busy day when you need real food fast.

4. Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly

Cook once, and enjoy all week. This soup gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Plus, it freezes exceptionally well, making it a go-to for meal prep and batch cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup isn’t just comforting—it’s surprisingly healthy!

• Great Northern Beans are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. They help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.
• Ham adds flavor and protein. If you’re watching sodium intake, you can always use a reduced-sodium ham or rinse it before adding.
• Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions provide vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune health.
• The long simmering time with a ham bone or hock also extracts collagen and minerals, making the broth especially nourishing.

Tips for Success

To make sure your soup comes out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Soak the Beans: Soaking beans overnight makes them easier to digest and reduces cooking time. If you’re in a hurry, use the quick soak method: boil beans for 5 minutes, then let sit for 1 hour.
• Don’t Skip the Ham Hock: This is key to developing a rich base flavor. After cooking, you can remove any meat from the hock and stir it back into the soup.
• Season Last: Ham can be salty, and as the soup reduces, saltiness intensifies. Taste and adjust your seasoning only at the end.
• Add a Touch of Acid: A splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten up the rich flavors.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

One of the best things about Ham and Bean Soup is how well it stores:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezer: Let soup cool completely before transferring to zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers. Lay bags flat to freeze, saving space and ensuring even defrosting later. Soup lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.

When reheating, consider adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

1. Add Greens: Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or Swiss chard at the end for added color and nutrients.

2. Make it Smokier: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

3. Use Canned Beans: In a pinch, two to three cans of rinsed white beans work well, though you’ll lose a bit of the thick, starchy richness that comes from slow-simmering dried beans.

4. Add Potatoes: Dice Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a thicker, stew-like texture.

5. Go Mediterranean: Add oregano, rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few perfect pairings:

• Crusty Bread: Think sourdough, cornbread, or garlic toast.
• Grilled Cheese: The melty cheese and crunchy bread are the perfect foil to the soup’s creamy texture.
• Green Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a light, citrusy salad.

What Reviewers Are Saying

This soup has been loved by thousands of home cooks and reviewers. Here’s what some have shared:

“I make a big batch and freeze some for later. Always delicious!” – Dave C.

“I added potatoes and celery to make it go further. Love, love, love it!” – Ne_Tia2003

“Wonderful soup. Not basic at all! Ate it all week with grilled cheese.” – Linda

That kind of praise tells you all you need to know—this is the kind of recipe that becomes part of your family’s story.

Conclusion 

There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that’s rooted in tradition yet flexible enough to suit modern kitchens. This Ham and Bean Soup is exactly that—a humble recipe that transcends its ingredients to become something far more nourishing and memorable.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prepper, a beginner cook, or a nostalgic foodie craving something classic, this soup will deliver every time. It’s a perfect balance of taste, texture, health, and practicality—and that’s why it’s not just good. It’s essential.