Ham Soup Instant Pot Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, hearty, and comforting bowl of soup that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require hours of simmering, then the Ham Soup Instant Pot recipe is exactly what you need. The Instant Pot makes the entire process so much quicker, taking traditional ham soup from hours of slow cooking to a mere 45 minutes. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal-meaning less cleanup!

This ham soup is rich, savory, and the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Whether you have leftover holiday ham or you’re using a fresh ham hock, this soup is easy to make and will warm you up from the inside out.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make the best ham soup in your Instant Pot. This recipe combines tender ham, savory vegetables, and comforting broth to create a bowl of pure deliciousness.

You’ll love how the Instant Pot locks in all those flavors, cooking everything to perfection with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the cooking, let’s talk ingredients. You’ll want to have these on hand for your Ham Soup Instant Pot:

Ham (1 lb) – You can use leftover ham from a holiday feast or buy a ham steak. You want it cut into bite-sized pieces so they fit perfectly in the soup.
Ham Bone or Hock (Optional, but highly recommended) – This adds depth to the flavor. It infuses the broth with rich, smoky goodness.
Carrots (2 large) – They bring some sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. You can dice or slice them based on preference.
Celery (2 stalks) – This gives the soup a bit of crunch and a mild herbal flavor.
Potatoes (2 medium) – They make the soup hearty and filling. Russet potatoes work great because they break down nicely and help thicken the broth.
Yellow Onion (1 medium) – A classic base for any soup, providing aromatic sweetness.
Garlic (3 cloves) – Because what’s soup without garlic? It’s an essential flavor booster.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups) – You can substitute with vegetable broth or beef broth, but chicken broth is classic here. It adds richness without being too heavy.
Bay Leaves (2) – For that herbal, slightly floral note that makes everything more comforting.
Thyme (1 tsp) – A must for the herbal flavor profile. You can use fresh thyme if you have it on hand.
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Adds a subtle kick.
Salt (to taste) – Since ham is salty, you’ll want to adjust the salt levels to taste.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – For sautéing the veggies before pressure cooking.
Parsley (for garnish) – A little green goes a long way in brightening up your soup.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make the Ham Soup Instant Pot style:

Sauté The Veggies

Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to Sauté mode. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it heats up, toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
Add Garlic And Herbs

Throw in the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add Ham And Broth

Now, it’s time to add your ham (whether leftover chunks or ham hock) and pour in the chicken broth. If you’re using a ham bone or hock, ensure it’s submerged in the broth. This is what gives the soup that smoky richness.
Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Select Pressure Cook or Manual mode and set it to 15 minutes on high pressure. If you’re using a ham bone, you might want to go for 20 minutes to extract more flavor.
Quick Release

Once the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release the steam.
Add Potatoes

Open the lid and add your diced potatoes. Stir everything together, then set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook again for 5 minutes (since the potatoes need less time to cook).
Final Release And Season

Once the timer beeps, perform another quick release. Give the soup a good stir and taste. This is where you’ll want to adjust your salt and pepper. You’ll also want to remove the bay leaves and ham bone at this point, if you used one.
Garnish And Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Ham: Whether it’s leftover from a holiday meal or a fresh ham steak, ham is the star of the show here. If you’re using a ham bone or hock, don’t skip it. The marrow and collagen in the bone make the broth extra flavorful and thickens it naturally.
Potatoes: Russets are an excellent choice because they break down and absorb flavors, making the soup even more creamy and filling. But you can also use Yukon Gold for a smoother texture or red potatoes for something with more firmness.
Broth: Using low-sodium broth is a smart move, especially since ham tends to be quite salty. It allows you to control the seasoning, ensuring the soup isn’t overly salty.
Bay Leaves & Thyme: These classic herbs provide a subtle but crucial layer of flavor that makes the soup taste as though it’s been cooking all day long.

Expert Tips

For a Creamier Texture: If you want your soup to be extra creamy, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’re cooked. Alternatively, you can add a splash of cream or milk at the end for extra richness.
Use Frozen Veggies: Don’t have fresh vegetables on hand? No problem! Frozen carrots, celery, and peas work just as well in this recipe. Just skip the sauté step and toss them right into the pot with the broth.
Add a Little Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Don’t Skip the Quick Release: After the pressure cooking, be sure to release the pressure quickly. This helps avoid overcooked vegetables and ensures the ham stays tender and not shredded.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ham for smoked tofu or tempeh to give the soup a smoky flavor without the meat. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Split Pea Ham Soup: If you love split peas, you can toss in a cup of dried split peas before cooking. It adds an earthy flavor and thickens the soup even more.
Sweet and Spicy Ham Soup: Add some diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness or toss in some jalapeños or bell peppers to bring a little heat to the party.
Slow Cooker Version: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps (sauteing the vegetables on the stove), and then cook everything in the slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Final Words

This Ham Soup Instant Pot recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. It’s a great meal to make if you have leftover ham and want to turn it into something delicious and filling. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warming soup that will have everyone asking for seconds.

And the best part? The Instant Pot makes it ridiculously easy. All the flavors meld together effortlessly, and you get that rich, comforting taste in a fraction of the time it would normally take. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.

Ham Soup Instant Pot Recipe