Indulge in the rich flavors of ham-based soups, perfect for utilizing holiday leftovers or simply satisfying your craving for this savory protein. By simmering ham into a flavorful broth and layering additional flavors, you’ll create a comforting and warm soup that’s ideal for meal prep or a quick mid-week dinner solution.
What to Do With Ham Fat and Bone?
When it comes to preparing ham, the leftover fat and bone can be a treasure trove of flavor and nutrition. The melted-down fat is surprisingly versatile, capable of replacing butter in many recipes with a similar savory depth found in bacon fat. Meanwhile, the bones are a valuable ingredient for crafting a hearty, wholesome bone broth. Simply brown them off in a pan, then boil them in water to create a rich foundation for any soup. Research suggests that these ham bones contain peptides that release cardioprotective compounds when cooked down, which can help support heart health.
How Do You Thicken Ham Soup?
When craving a rich and creamy soup, incorporating thickening agents is the key. A reliable method involves mixing in flour or cornstarch at a ratio of roughly three tablespoons to one cup of liquid. This will effectively thicken your broth without compromising its flavor. Alternatively, you can utilize natural thickeners like starchy vegetables, which release their starch content as they boil. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are particularly well-suited for this purpose, as they contribute a velvety texture to the soup.
Best Ham Soup Recipes
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
Indulge in a classic soup recipe that’s sure to please the whole family – and has the added bonus of being an excellent way to use up leftover ham. This split pea soup is reminiscent of Indian dal recipes, but with a meaty twist courtesy of a ham bone. The addition of a bay leaf takes this already flavorful soup base to new heights.
Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup
Streamline your mid-week meal prep with this satisfying Instant Pot recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. The humble potato plays a crucial role by thickening the broth, giving it a rich and velvety texture, while the bold flavors will transport your taste buds on a journey of delight.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup with Ham
Navy beans, also referred to as haricot beans, offer an array of benefits when incorporated into one’s daily culinary routine. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, they provide a nutritious addition to any meal. Furthermore, their affordability and versatility make them a staple in many kitchens, particularly when paired with the rich flavor of ham.
Collard Green Soup with Smoked Ham and Black Eyed Peas
Imagine capturing the essence of the South’s most beloved flavors and transforming them into a rich, smoky soup that will leave you craving more. This bean soup recipe infused with chicken broth is an effortless way to recreate the comforting warmth of classic Southern side dishes, minus the hassle. And the best part? It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutritious goodness.
Slow Cooker Ham and Kidney Bean Soup
Transform your day into a protein-packed powerhouse by whipping up this straightforward slow cooker soup recipe. A winning combination of leftover holiday ham and kidney beans yields a flavor-filled, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for serving with a crusty loaf of bread. This affordable crockpot gem is an absolute winner for families seeking easy, satisfying meals.
Ham and Cheese Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic ham and cheddar cheese sandwich by transforming it into a hearty, one-pot homemade soup that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. This straightforward recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it not only satisfies your family’s cravings but also saves you time and effort in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Ham and Corn Chowder
As the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like returning home to a hearty and comforting bowl of chowder on a cold evening. To make that happen, I’ve curated a collection of effortless slow cooker recipes perfect for a cozy winter weeknight dinner.
Crockpot Ham and Cabbage
Combining ham and cabbage may seem like a timeless tradition, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Cabbage, in particular, is a master of balancing flavors by absorbing the savory essence of ham while subtly introducing earthy undertones. This harmonious union yields a hearty, budget-friendly soup that’s sure to delight both children and adults alike. In fact, this dinner idea is an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal tonight!
Leftover Ham Bone Soup
When you’ve invested time and effort into preparing a mouthwatering holiday ham hock, it’s essential to make the most of every last morsel. Rather than letting any piece of it languish in the fridge or freezer, why not turn it into a hearty and flavorful soup? This leftover ham bone soup is a perfect example of how you can transform what would otherwise be waste into a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds.
Instant Pot Barley Soup
There’s something special about incorporating barley into soups – it’s a game-changer when it comes to adding depth and richness to the dish. But what really sets it apart is its exceptional storability, making it an ideal choice for meal prep enthusiasts. Case in point: this hearty Instant Pot barley soup recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Healthy Reuben Soup
Turn a classic sandwich into a satisfying and healthy soup that’s ideal for a cozy night in. The Reuben soup is incredibly straightforward, requiring just four key components: simply combine them in a pot, let it simmer, and indulge in the warm, comforting goodness.
Creamy Ham and Potato Ham Bone Soup
For generations, ham bone soup has remained a beloved favorite due to its velvety, indulgent flavor profile. The incorporation of potatoes not only enhances the soup’s heartiness but also contributes to its satisfying consistency, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ham Bone and Chickpea Soup
In culinary circles, chickpeas are renowned for their adaptability, value, and impressive protein content. It’s no wonder they’re a staple in many soup recipes. This hearty ham bone and chickpea soup is a testament to the transformative power of humble ingredients when combined with creativity and know-how. Moreover, this cost-effective dinner idea is an excellent way to stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Ham and Bean Soup
When envisioning this soul-warming soup, three adjectives that immediately spring to mind are simplicity, warmth, and comfort. Its versatility is truly remarkable, allowing for effortless customization by incorporating your preferred vegetables and spices – essentially making it a reflection of your unique taste profile. Furthermore, you’re free to experiment with an array of beans, from cannellini and great northern to even green beans, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.
Irish Cabbage and Potato Soup with Ham
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Ireland with this hearty cabbage, potato, and ham soup, a perfect way to repurpose leftover ingredients from a festive holiday gathering. This satisfying recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
3 Cheese Tortellini Soup with Ham
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece by adding this sumptuous cheese and tortellini soup to your repertoire. The tender bites of ham that float effortlessly through the rich, velvety broth will elevate your recipe book to new heights.
Creamy Cabbage Soup
Indulge in this comforting and nutritious soup that’s perfect for family gatherings or as a convenient meal prep option. Not only will you impress your loved ones with its hearty, tender vegetables, but you’ll also be treating them to a healthy and satisfying meal. To make it even more practical, consider freezing a few portions to have on hand for those hectic evenings when cooking feels like an insurmountable task. Simply thaw the soup, reheat it, and serve – your family or guests are sure to appreciate the effort you put into preparing this delicious and wholesome dish.
Classic Ham and White Bean Soup
Savor the simplicity and comfort of a timeless favorite – ham and white beans soup. This effortless recipe is perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and budget-friendly, making it an ideal solution for busy families looking to gather around the table.
Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup
This recipe boasts an impressive fifteen varieties of beans, including navy, pinto, and more. The sheer diversity of legumes is what makes this dish so exciting – it’s easy to tailor the flavors to your liking. Meanwhile, the savory ham adds a welcome depth of flavor, its saltiness perfectly balancing the natural sweetness of the beans.
Keto Cheesy Ham Chowder
When it comes to satisfying meals on a ketogenic diet, soups often top the list. This is due to their naturally low carb content and high protein levels. One standout recipe that checks all these boxes is a delicious cheese and ham chowder. Its rich, comforting flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for anyone following a keto lifestyle.
Ham Bone and Vegetable Soup
As we bring our list to a close, we’re highlighting a particularly nutritious and easy-to-make vegetable soup recipe featuring ham and bones. This versatile dish is an excellent way to repurpose leftover ingredients from a holiday feast with your loved ones. Serve it the following day for a gentle-on-the-stomach dinner that’s packed with wholesome goodness.
With this final addition, we’ve curated twenty-one scrumptious soup recipes utilizing leftover ham. For more creative ways to make the most of your leftover ingredients, be sure to explore my Recipe Roundups.