Honey Baked Ham White Bean Soup Mix Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with rich flavors, hearty textures, and a bit of nostalgia. If you’ve ever had a Honey Baked Ham dinner and found yourself enjoying the sweet, smoky flavor of their famous ham, you’re probably already familiar with how well that ham can elevate a dish. Now, imagine taking that delicious ham and turning it into a warming, savory soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or any time you’re craving something comforting and filling.

This Honey Baked Ham White Bean Soup Mix recipe does exactly that. It’s a perfect blend of creamy white beans, tender ham, and an array of savory ingredients that simmer together to create a dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful. And the best part? It’s super easy to prepare, especially with a pre-made soup mix that does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. So, if you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Honey Baked Ham White Bean Soup Mix Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. You get the delightful taste of Honey Baked Ham’s signature ham, a creamy texture from the beans, and a satisfying mix of seasonings that bring everything together. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or want to prepare a big pot of soup to feed a crowd, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk about the components that make this dish so comforting. The ingredients are simple but the combination creates magic in the bowl.

• Honey Baked Ham – The star of the show! The ham should be cooked and diced into small chunks. The sweet, smoky flavor of Honey Baked Ham adds a depth of taste that’s hard to replicate. If you’re using leftovers from a Honey Baked Ham dinner, you’ve got the perfect start.
• White Beans – Cannellini beans or great northern beans are typically used for this soup. They’re mild, creamy, and absorb the broth wonderfully while holding their shape, giving the soup a hearty, velvety texture.
• Vegetable Broth – The base of the soup. Vegetable broth is ideal here as it complements the ham without overpowering it. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer a richer, meatier taste.
• Carrots – Diced carrots add sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing the saltiness of the ham.
• Celery – Chopped celery provides a refreshing, subtle flavor and a bit of crunch to the soup.
• Onion – A diced yellow onion adds a savory, aromatic foundation to the soup, making it more flavorful.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives a fragrant, robust kick to the dish that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Bay Leaves – A couple of bay leaves will infuse the broth with a delicate, herbal flavor. Don’t forget to remove them before serving!
• Thyme – A classic herb in soups. Fresh thyme gives an earthy, slightly lemony flavor to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper – Seasoning to taste. Be sure to adjust the amount of salt based on how salty your ham and broth are.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is straightforward, and the best part is that it doesn’t require a ton of effort. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Ham: If you haven’t already, dice your Honey Baked Ham into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces that are small enough to mix well with the beans but large enough to be satisfying in every spoonful.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Garlic & Seasoning: Once the veggies are softened, add the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Add Beans and Broth: Stir in your white beans (drained and rinsed if using canned) and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer the Soup: Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes. The beans should become tender and the broth slightly thickened.
6. Add Ham: Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have melded, stir in your diced Honey Baked Ham. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat the ham through and blend the flavors.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaves and serve the soup hot, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down why these ingredients work so well together:

• Honey Baked Ham – The rich, slightly sweet flavor of Honey Baked Ham isn’t just a flavor enhancer; it also adds a bit of smokiness and complexity to the soup. It’s a wonderful contrast to the creamy beans and fresh veggies.
• White Beans – Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients like iron and potassium. The creamy texture of the beans makes the soup feel hearty and filling, while they absorb the broth’s flavors beautifully.
• Vegetable Broth – Opting for vegetable broth keeps the soup lighter without compromising the depth of flavor. It allows the ham’s flavor to shine without being overshadowed by a meat-heavy broth.
• Carrots & Celery – These two vegetables are classic soup staples. They provide sweetness (carrots) and a subtle crunch (celery), both of which enhance the texture and flavor of the soup.

Expert Tips

• Use Leftover Ham: If you’ve recently had a Honey Baked Ham for a special occasion, this is the perfect way to use up any leftover ham. It’s an efficient, delicious way to repurpose holiday or celebratory meal leftovers.
• Let It Simmer: The longer you allow the soup to simmer, the more the flavors will meld. If you have the time, let it simmer on low for an hour or even longer. Just make sure to check the beans to ensure they don’t overcook.
• Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer a hands-off method, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: It might seem like a small thing, but bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic quality that enhances the soup’s overall taste. Just be sure to remove them before serving.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to personalize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Add Greens: For extra nutrition, stir in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard towards the end of cooking. They’ll wilt into the soup, adding color and vitamins without overpowering the dish.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a chopped jalapeño or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the soup. You can also toss in a dash of hot sauce when serving.
• Swap the Beans: While white beans are traditional, you can use other beans like navy beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture or flavor.
• Creamy Version: If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup (or all of it, if you like). Alternatively, stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, velvety texture.

Final Words

This Honey Baked Ham White Bean Soup Mix recipe is a winner in so many ways. It’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor. The mix of savory, smoky ham with the creamy, comforting beans is the perfect combination for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family, feeding a crowd, or just preparing a cozy dinner for yourself, this soup has all the qualities you need: heartiness, flavor, and a bit of warmth that sticks with you.