Easy Ham Soup Recipe

Ham soup is a delightful comfort food that can be whipped up quickly yet is full of depth and flavor. Whether you’re looking to utilize leftover ham or just craving a hearty meal, this recipe will satisfy your appetite and warm you from the inside out. There’s something incredibly cozy about a bowl of ham soup. The savory, smoky flavor of the ham infuses the broth, while the vegetables and seasonings create a balanced, satisfying dish. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking or adjust based on what you have in your pantry.

In this post, we’ll guide you step by step through a simple yet mouthwatering ham soup recipe, share tips for perfecting it, and suggest variations to help you make this dish your own. So, grab a spoon, and let’s dive into this delicious, easy-to-make ham soup recipe!

This easy ham soup is the kind of dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening at home or when you’re feeding a family. It’s hearty, nourishing, and filled with all the flavors of the ham, vegetables, and seasonings that meld together to create something truly special. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast or dinner.

Ingredients Needed

For this ham soup, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter – This is for sautéing your vegetables and adding a rich base flavor to the soup.
1 large onion, chopped – The onion provides a savory, aromatic foundation to the soup.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds depth and a wonderful savory aroma to the soup.
3 medium carrots, sliced – Carrots bring sweetness and texture, balancing the richness of the ham.
2 celery stalks, chopped – Celery adds freshness and crunch to the soup.
4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth – This forms the liquid base of your soup. Low-sodium options give you more control over the salt level.
3 cups of diced cooked ham – The star ingredient, this adds the salty, smoky flavor that gives the soup its identity.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Potatoes make the soup extra hearty and filling.
1 teaspoon of dried thyme – A classic herb to pair with ham and add earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary – Rosemary complements the ham beautifully and adds a fragrant touch.
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
1 cup of frozen peas – Frozen peas add a pop of color and a subtle sweetness to the soup.
1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional) – For a creamy texture, you can stir in some heavy cream at the end.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps of preparing this hearty ham soup:

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables: onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Dice the ham into bite-sized chunks.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Add the Vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir them around for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften a bit and take on some of the flavors from the onions and garlic.
Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then stir in the thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
Simmer the Soup: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add the Ham and Peas: Add the diced ham and frozen peas to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat through.
Optional Creaminess: If you prefer a creamy soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point. Allow it to warm through, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy the comforting flavors!

Ingredient Insights

Ham: The star of the soup, ham is often packed with sodium, so be mindful of how much salt you add to the soup. Leftover ham is ideal for this dish, as it adds richness and depth, but if you’re using fresh ham, you might want to cook it first for better flavor.
Carrots & Celery: These classic ’mirepoix’ vegetables form the base of the soup, bringing both sweetness and savory crunch. They also provide a subtle texture contrast to the creamy broth.
Potatoes: The potatoes add body to the soup, making it heartier and more filling. You can use any type of potato, but russet potatoes will break down more and thicken the soup, while waxy potatoes (like Yukon Golds) hold their shape better.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary pair wonderfully with ham, creating a fragrant, earthy flavor profile. These herbs are great for adding complexity without overwhelming the soup.
Frozen Peas: The peas add a sweet pop of color and flavor. Plus, they cook quickly, so they’re perfect for adding at the end.

Expert Tips

Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner or another meal, this soup is the perfect way to repurpose it. Just dice it up and toss it in!
Adjust Salt Carefully: Ham can be salty on its own, so be cautious when adding salt throughout the cooking process. Taste as you go!
For a Thick Soup: If you want a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup with a potato masher or blend a portion of the soup to make it creamy. This helps to add a rich texture without using cream.
Don’t Skip the Herbs: The thyme and rosemary are essential in bringing out the flavors of the ham and vegetables. Fresh herbs work great too, but dried herbs are more than fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Consider Adding A Splash of Vinegar: A small splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar at the end of cooking can help balance out the richness of the soup and bring all the flavors together.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this ham soup your own:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth with plenty of beans or lentils for protein. This version is still hearty and full of flavor, but much lighter.
Add Some Greens: For an extra nutritional boost, throw in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard towards the end of cooking.
Spicy Ham Soup: If you like heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables for a bit of spice.
Creamy Ham Soup: For an ultra-creamy soup, you can replace the heavy cream with a can of coconut milk or half-and-half. This will give it a richer consistency without sacrificing flavor.

Final Words

This easy ham soup is not just a meal-it’s a way to bring comfort and warmth to your table. It’s the perfect recipe for using up leftovers or preparing a satisfying dish that will please everyone in the family. The best part? It’s simple to make, and it’s packed with flavor, whether you’re using fresh ham or leftovers from your latest feast.

Easy Ham Soup Recipe