Ham And Noodle Soup Recipe

Ham and Noodle Soup is one of those timeless, cozy dishes that embodies warmth and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a chilly evening, to use up leftover holiday ham, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s flavorful, nourishing, and the perfect balance between rich, savory ham and soft, hearty noodles. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity-yet, it’s packed with layers of deliciousness. The broth, made fragrant and flavorful by the ham, mingles wonderfully with fresh vegetables and a satisfying mix of noodles. And, let’s not forget about the crispy, slightly smoky pieces of ham floating throughout the soup-it gives that extra boost of savory goodness. It’s the kind of meal that brings you back for seconds, if not thirds. Plus, it’s one of those soups that gets even better as it sits, making it an ideal dish for leftovers!

Now that we’ve set the stage for how comforting this dish is, let’s dive into the recipe. Here’s how to create your own perfect bowl of ham and noodle soup. It’s simple, yet so flavorful-it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to meals.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process a lot smoother, trust me. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ham (about 2 cups, diced) – The star of the show! You can use leftover ham from a roast or a ham steak, or even pre-cooked ham from the deli section.
Egg Noodles (2 cups) – They cook quickly and have the perfect texture to absorb the broth. Wide egg noodles work great, but you can also use thinner varieties.
Carrots (2, diced) – They add sweetness and color to the soup. Be sure to slice them small so they cook quickly and evenly.
Celery (2 stalks, diced) – A classic soup vegetable that provides a nice crunch and mild flavor. Adds great balance.
Onion (1 medium, chopped) – For that aromatic base that brings everything together.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – The garlic adds a fragrant kick that enhances the savory flavor of the broth.
Chicken Broth (4 cups) – You can also use vegetable broth if you want a lighter, vegetarian option, but chicken broth adds the best depth of flavor.
Bay Leaves (2) – These infuse the broth with a subtle, herby aroma.
Thyme (1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh) – Another aromatic herb that complements the flavors of the ham and vegetables.
Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Don’t forget to season! Adjust the seasoning as the soup simmers to make sure it’s perfectly balanced.
Parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a pop of fresh green and a mild herbaceous flavor right before serving.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get to cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful ham and noodle soup in no time.

Prepare Your Ingredients
- Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Cube the ham into bite-sized pieces.
- Set your ingredients aside, ready to go.
Sauté The Veggies
- In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
- Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add The Broth And Herbs
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the diced ham, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together.
Add The Noodles
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Keep an eye on the noodles; they can absorb a lot of liquid, so you might need to add more broth if you like a soupier consistency.
Season And Adjust
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley (if using).
- Enjoy hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in creating that balanced, rich flavor. Here’s a deeper look at why these ingredients work so well together:

Ham: Ham is the hero ingredient here. It’s rich, salty, and provides a meaty depth to the broth. The ham pieces soften as they cook, becoming even more flavorful and tender.
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are soft and absorb the broth beautifully, making them a perfect vehicle for soaking up all the flavors. They add heartiness without overwhelming the soup.
Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These are the classic aromatics, often referred to as the “holy trinity” of soup making. Together, they create a savory, slightly sweet base for the soup that balances the saltiness of the ham.
Garlic: A small amount of garlic is all you need to give the soup a fragrant, savory punch. It infuses the broth and complements the ham and vegetables.
Herbs: Bay leaves and thyme are both earthy and aromatic, giving the soup a layer of complexity. While they don’t overpower, they round out the flavor profile.

Expert Tips

Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner or roast, this soup is a fantastic way to use it up. The ham adds tons of flavor to the broth.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Noodles can get mushy if they’re cooked for too long, so keep an eye on them. Adding them in the last 10 minutes helps them stay al dente and prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
Homemade Broth: While store-bought chicken broth works fine, homemade broth really enhances the flavor. If you have the time, make a simple broth with leftover bones or chicken parts!
Add More Vegetables: If you love a veggie-packed soup, consider adding peas, corn, or even potatoes. Just keep in mind that these may need different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
For Extra Richness: Stir in a dollop of cream or a bit of butter at the end for an even richer broth.

Recipe Variations

There are endless ways to customize this soup to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty, meat-free soup.
Spicy Ham and Noodle Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. You can even stir in a bit of sriracha at the end if you like a spicy kick.
Creamy Ham and Noodle Soup: For a creamier texture, add a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. Stir well to create a luscious, velvety soup.
Pasta Swap: If you don’t have egg noodles, you can swap them out for other types of pasta, like shells, fusilli, or even rice.
Herb Variations: Fresh basil or rosemary could be used instead of thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Words

There’s something so satisfying about a warm bowl of Ham and Noodle Soup. It’s a meal that brings comfort and joy, whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or curling up with a bowl on a rainy day. The combination of rich, savory ham, soft noodles, and aromatic broth creates a dish that feels both simple and special at the same time. Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe to your liking, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

Ham And Noodle Soup Recipe