If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food recipe, this white bean and ham soup is rich, smoky, protein-packed, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, cold weather meals, and budget-friendly cooking, this soup combines tender white beans, savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and herbs into a flavorful, slow-simmered masterpiece.

This dish is especially popular after the holidays when leftover ham needs a delicious purpose. Whether you’re using a ham bone, diced ham steak, or smoked ham hocks, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried white beans (Great Northern beans or navy beans) – soaked overnight
  (Or 3 cans white beans, drained and rinsed)

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced (or 1 meaty ham bone)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup water (as needed)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse before cooking. Soaking reduces cooking time and improves digestibility — an important step for homemade soup recipes.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

This base creates the classic mirepoix foundation that elevates the soup’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Add soaked beans, diced ham (or ham bone), chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Cover and simmer for 60–90 minutes, or until beans are tender. If using canned beans, simmer for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally and add water if needed to maintain desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove bay leaf and ham bone (if used). Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Flavor Profile & Texture

This homemade ham and bean soup is:

• Smoky from the ham

• Creamy from slow-cooked white beans

• Savory and herbaceous

• Thick yet brothy

The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor — making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Bean Soup

✔ Use a ham bone for richer flavor
✔ Add a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving to brighten taste
✔ Blend 1 cup of soup and return to pot for a creamier texture
✔ Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours for easy preparation

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days in airtight container

• Freezer-friendly soup: Freeze up to 3 months

• Tastes even better the next day

This makes it perfect for budget meal planning and high-protein meal prep recipes.

Nutrition Benefits

White beans are high in:

• Plant-based protein

• Fiber (great for digestion)

• Iron and potassium

Ham adds additional protein, making this a protein-rich comfort food ideal for balanced eating.

Related High-CPM Food & Cooking Questions

1. What is the best type of white beans for ham soup?

2. Can I make white bean soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

3. How do you thicken homemade bean soup naturally?

4. Is ham and bean soup healthy for weight loss?

5. Can I freeze leftover ham and bean soup?

6. What spices enhance white bean soup flavor?

7. How long should dried beans soak before cooking?

8. Can I make this soup without a ham bone?

9. What side dishes pair best with white bean and ham soup?

10. How do I reduce sodium in homemade soup recipes?