Honey Baked Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

When you think of comfort food, few things beat a hearty bowl of soup. Especially when it’s something like Honey Baked Ham and Bean Soup. This dish brings together the rich, savory flavors of tender ham with the smooth, creamy texture of beans, all infused with a touch of sweetness from the honey-baked ham. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for a family dinner or to enjoy leftovers that get better with time.

This Honey Baked Ham and Bean Soup not only delivers on flavor but is also an easy and satisfying way to use up leftover ham, turning what might be a simple leftover into something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will show you how to take your ham leftovers and turn them into a soul-satisfying meal that everyone will love.

What makes this soup stand out is its blend of flavors and textures. The beans provide a smooth, earthy base, while the honey-baked ham adds a unique, sweet-savory profile that elevates the entire dish. Plus, it’s one of those meals that improves as it sits, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Here’s the full recipe breakdown for you:

Ingredients Needed

2 cups cooked Honey Baked Ham (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
1 lb dried white beans (like navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight)
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 medium onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1-2 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness, depending on the ham’s sweetness)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the beans: If you haven’t soaked your beans overnight, place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit for 1 hour before draining. If you’ve soaked them overnight, simply drain them and set them aside.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked beans to the pot. Stir everything together, and then add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check the beans for doneness.
Add the ham: Once the beans are tender, add the chopped honey-baked ham to the pot. Stir well to combine, and let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
Serve and garnish: Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with a side of crusty bread.

Ingredient Insights

Honey-Baked Ham: The star of this soup, this ham offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Its smoky flavor adds a richness that transforms the soup into something truly special. If you don’t have honey-baked ham, you can substitute it with regular cooked ham, but the sweetness and complexity of the honey glaze really set this soup apart.
Beans: Beans are not only the heart of this soup but also provide tons of protein and fiber. The beans’ creaminess thickens the soup naturally, creating that perfect velvety texture. Navy beans are ideal for this dish, as they soften beautifully and soak up all the flavors.
Herbs and Spices: The combination of bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary is a classic for hearty soups. These herbs add depth and aromatic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper is essential to bring all the flavors together.

Expert Tips

Soaking Beans: Soaking beans overnight is key to ensuring they cook properly and don’t become tough. If you don’t have the time, the quick soak method (boiling the beans for 5 minutes and letting them sit for an hour) works well.
Slow Cooker Option: If you want to make this soup in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients (except for the ham and honey) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the ham and honey in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjusting the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your honey-baked ham, you might want to adjust the amount of honey you add to the soup. Taste as you go, and add honey sparingly, so you don’t overpower the savory flavors.
Adding Greens: For an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding some spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking. It will wilt perfectly into the soup and complement the flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

Use Different Beans: While white beans are traditional, you can experiment with other types like black beans or kidney beans. Each will give the soup a unique texture and flavor.
Smoky Flavor: If you want to enhance the smoky flavor of the ham, try adding a small amount of smoked paprika to the soup. It’ll give the broth a deeper, smoky undertone.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, skip the ham entirely and use smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein. You can also increase the number of beans for added heartiness.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. This will give the soup a nice warming kick.
Add Potatoes: For a more filling version, add diced potatoes (preferably waxy types like Yukon Gold) into the soup. They’ll absorb the flavors and make the soup even more substantial.

Final Words

Honey Baked Ham and Bean Soup is an incredibly versatile, comforting dish that feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or making it from scratch, it’s sure to become a go-to in your soup rotation. The depth of flavor is unmatched, and with simple ingredients, it’s easy to create something that feels luxurious. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxing weekend.

Honey Baked Ham And Bean Soup Recipe