Ham Bone Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Ham Bone Soup is one of those comforting dishes that seems to bring the whole kitchen together with its hearty, savory aroma. It’s the perfect meal for chilly evenings, a post-holiday tradition, or even just a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and flavorful. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, but also in how rich and deep the flavor can get, especially when it’s slow-cooked to perfection.

Slow cookers, or crockpots, are an absolute game-changer for recipes like this one. They allow you to throw all your ingredients in, set it, and forget it, only to come back hours later to a steaming pot of deliciousness. The slow cooking process not only makes the ham bone tender, but it also infuses the broth with a deep, smoky flavor that can’t be rushed. And the best part? You’re likely using leftover ham, which means this recipe is a great way to reduce food waste while creating something hearty and filling.

If you’ve never tried making ham bone soup in the slow cooker, get ready to be hooked. It’s not just easy-it’s also flexible and incredibly rewarding.

Ham Bone Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

This recipe is both a throwback to classic comfort food and a practical way to use up leftover ham. The slow cooker does all the hard work, giving you a rich, savory broth that’s bursting with flavor. You can also tweak it to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low setting)
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this warming ham bone soup in your slow cooker:

• 1 leftover ham bone (or ham hock) – This is the base of your soup, providing that rich, smoky flavor. You can use any bone with a little leftover meat still attached.
• 2 cups of ham (diced) – Add extra ham to the soup for more texture and flavor. It’s totally up to you how much you add.
• 1 large onion (diced) – The onion brings sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced) – Garlic adds aromatic richness and a bit of bite.
• 3-4 large carrots (peeled and chopped) – Sweet, earthy, and tender when slow-cooked.
• 3-4 celery stalks (chopped) – For that fresh crunch and mild bitterness to balance out the rich flavors.
• 1-2 cups dried beans (like navy, pinto, or white beans) – The beans provide heartiness, and they’ll absorb all that flavorful broth.
• 4-6 cups chicken broth (or more depending on your desired consistency) – This is your liquid base, soaking up all the flavors from the ham and veggies.
• 2 bay leaves – For that herbaceous, aromatic touch.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – A mild, earthy herb that pairs beautifully with ham.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, of course. Season as you go!
• Optional: 1-2 potatoes (peeled and cubed) – Potatoes can make the soup even heartier and add texture.

Cooking Instructions

Making this ham bone soup couldn’t be easier. The slow cooker takes care of all the heavy lifting, so just follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Dice the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. If you’re adding potatoes, peel and cube them.
   • Cut any leftover ham into small, bite-sized chunks. You can use ham off the bone or diced ham from a fresh ham roast.

2. Load Up The Slow Cooker

   • Place the ham bone (or ham hock) in the bottom of your slow cooker.
   • Add the diced ham, vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, potatoes), beans, and any herbs or spices (bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper).

3. Add The Liquid

   • Pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the ingredients are covered with enough liquid to cook properly, but you can add more broth if needed.

4. Set The Slow Cooker

   • Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together, and the beans will become tender and soak up the smoky flavors from the ham bone.

5. Final Touches

   • After the cooking time is done, remove the ham bone from the slow cooker. Use a fork to scrape off any remaining meat and add it back to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaves.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a full meal.

Ingredient Insights

• Ham Bone: The key to this soup! It adds that rich, smoky flavor and makes the broth extra savory. You can use a leftover ham bone from a holiday meal, or even ask your butcher for a ham hock if you don’t have one. If you don’t have any ham bone, you can still make a delicious soup by substituting with ham steaks or cubed ham.
• Beans: The dried beans need to be cooked long enough to soften, but they also absorb all that rich, smoky broth, which makes them the perfect companion to the ham. If you’re in a rush, you can use canned beans, but dried beans hold up better in the slow-cooking process.
• Broth: While chicken broth is a common base, you could substitute with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter option or use a rich beef broth for something with a deeper, more intense flavor.
• Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and potatoes are traditional in ham bone soup, providing sweetness and substance to the dish. These vegetables are hearty and tender when slow-cooked, offering great balance to the meaty richness of the ham.

Expert Tips

• Soak your beans: If you’re using dried beans, it’s a good idea to soak them overnight before adding them to the slow cooker. This can help reduce the cooking time and improve their texture. If you don’t have time, you can skip this step, but make sure you add enough liquid so they cook properly.
• Use a ham hock: If you’re using a ham hock instead of a ham bone, keep in mind that ham hocks tend to have less meat. They are more about infusing the broth with flavor, so you might want to add extra diced ham to ensure there’s enough substance in the soup.
• Flavor development: For an even more developed flavor, let the soup sit for 30 minutes after cooking, before you serve. The ingredients continue to meld and deepen in taste as they cool slightly.
• Don’t skip the seasoning: While the ham provides a lot of flavor, make sure to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs. Slow cooking sometimes dulls the seasoning, so it’s important to balance the flavors towards the end.

Recipe Variations

• Add greens: For a boost of nutrition and color, add leafy greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens in the last hour of cooking. They wilt down and absorb all the delicious flavors from the soup.
• Spicy twist: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a touch of heat. This works particularly well if you’re using a sweeter variety of ham.
• Swap out the beans: Don’t have beans on hand? No problem! You could substitute with lentils, barley, or even quinoa for a different texture.
• Creamy ham soup: If you prefer a creamier version, stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You could also blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a creamy texture.

Final Words

Ham Bone Soup is one of those timeless recipes that’s full of heart and flavor. It’s ideal for using up leftovers and making the most of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, the slow-cooking process makes everything come together beautifully-deep, smoky flavors, tender beans, and a rich, savory broth.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for a cold day or a way to stretch your leftovers into a new meal, this recipe has got you covered. The beauty of this dish is how customizable it is, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.