Ham Soup Crock Pot Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, nothing is more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, rich in flavor, and incredibly easy to make, Ham Soup in the Crock Pot is a perfect choice. This recipe combines the smoky, savory goodness of ham with the depth and warmth of vegetables, making it a go-to meal for colder months. The best part? You can set it, forget it, and let your Crock Pot do all the work!

This dish is also incredibly versatile. Whether you have leftover ham from a holiday feast or you just picked up a ham steak from the store, this soup uses simple ingredients that blend together perfectly over hours of slow cooking. The result? A deliciously satisfying meal that’s ready when you are. If you love meals that practically cook themselves while you go about your day, this recipe is definitely one to bookmark.

Ham Soup Crock Pot Recipe

Here’s the full breakdown of the recipe – perfect for busy days when you need something warm and filling without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb Ham (diced or leftover ham) – You can use any kind of ham, but the more flavorful, the better. Leftover holiday ham works perfectly!
• 1 onion (diced) – Adds a savory base of flavor.
• 3 large carrots (sliced) – A natural sweetness to balance the salty ham.
• 3 celery stalks (diced) – Provides crunch and a subtle earthy taste.
• 4-5 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed) – The heartiness of the potatoes makes the soup more filling.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) – For that aromatic, zesty punch.
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth – This is the soup’s liquid base. You can adjust it depending on how brothy you want the soup.
• 1 bay leaf – For a subtle, herbal flavor.
• 1 tsp thyme – A warm, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the ham.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• 2 cups frozen peas – Add towards the end for a pop of color and a sweet contrast.
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional) – For sautéing the vegetables if you prefer extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Vegetables

   • Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover ham, make sure it’s cubed into chunks.

2. Layer Everything In The Crock Pot

   • Add the diced ham, vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, potatoes), minced garlic, bay leaf, and thyme into the Crock Pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is mostly submerged.

3. Season To Taste

   • Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Don’t overdo the salt right away because the ham will already contribute a fair amount of saltiness to the broth.

4. Set The Crock Pot

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, so I highly recommend the low setting if you have the time.

5. Add The Peas

   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This will give them just enough time to heat through without losing their color or texture.

6. Taste And Adjust Seasoning

   • After cooking, give the soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a dash of extra thyme or bay leaf if you prefer more herbal notes.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy a warm, hearty meal! A slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top is a nice touch.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a critical role in building layers of flavor. Here’s a deeper look at why each one is important:

• Ham: This is the star of the show. It gives the soup that smoky, meaty richness. Whether it’s leftover ham or freshly cooked, the ham infuses the broth with its savory depth, making the soup more satisfying.
• Potatoes: Potatoes act as a thickener and provide heartiness to the soup. As they cook, they break down slightly, adding creaminess without the need for heavy cream or flour-based thickeners.
• Carrots & Celery: These vegetables add both flavor and texture. Carrots contribute a natural sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the ham, while celery adds freshness and crunch to the mix.
• Broth: Whether chicken or vegetable, the broth forms the base of the soup. It’s essential for carrying all the flavors from the ham, herbs, and vegetables. You can always opt for low-sodium broth to keep the soup lighter.
• Herbs: Thyme, bay leaves, and garlic bring an aromatic, earthy, and fragrant quality to the dish. They enhance the richness of the ham without overpowering the other ingredients.

Expert Tips

• Use leftover ham for more flavor: If you have leftover ham from a holiday, don’t hesitate to use it. Not only will it save you money, but the cooked ham also has a richer flavor than pre-cooked deli ham. Just make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized chunks so it blends seamlessly into the soup.
• Make it creamy: For an extra luxurious touch, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup before serving. This will thicken the broth and give the soup a creamy texture without the need for dairy.
• Add a touch of acid: A small squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar before serving will balance the richness of the soup with a bright note that brings out the flavors even more.
• Cook it low and slow: Slow cooking at a low temperature allows all the flavors to develop and meld together. While you can cook it on high, the slow method yields a more flavorful broth and tender vegetables.
• Use frozen peas: Frozen peas are an easy addition, but if you prefer, fresh peas can work, too! Just be mindful to add them towards the end of cooking, so they don’t overcook and lose their vibrant color.

Recipe Variations

Ham soup is one of those recipes that can easily be customized. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Add beans: If you want to make the soup even heartier, consider adding a can of white beans (like Great Northern or cannellini beans). They’ll complement the ham perfectly and help bulk up the soup.
• Spicy kick: For a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when adding the garlic. It adds a nice, spicy contrast to the ham.
• Creamy Ham and Potato Soup: If you want to make a creamier version, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of the cooking time. This will turn your soup into a luscious, velvety experience.
• Herb substitutions: You can mix up the herbs by adding rosemary or sage, which both pair wonderfully with ham. If you have a thyme allergy or just want a different flavor, rosemary’s piney aroma will still keep it savory.

Final Words

Ham soup in the Crock Pot is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make, comforting, and perfect for feeding a family on a chilly evening. The slow-cooked flavors make this dish a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it’s made with everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with some variations, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.