Ham Soup

The moment you add ham to a pot of simmering broth, the kitchen fills with a rich, smoky aroma that makes it nearly impossible to wait for the first spoonful. It’s like a hug in a bowl, warming you from the inside out. The saltiness of the ham contrasts so beautifully with the creamy vegetables, creating a balance that keeps you coming back for more. I love how the hearty chunks of ham hold onto their flavor while still letting the broth shine, each bite tender and satisfying.

This soup is one of those recipes that just gets better with time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a depth that you won’t find in a rush. A touch of fresh herbs or a little splash of vinegar can really bring it to life, adding a layer of brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s comfort food at its best – no frills, just pure, delicious simplicity.

And don’t forget the leftover ham! Whether it’s just a little or a lot, repurposing it into soup feels like the perfect way to extend the meal and make something new and exciting. After all, there’s no such thing as too much ham, especially when it’s part of a cozy bowl of soup.

Key Ingredients in Ham Soup

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that cozy, heartwarming bowl. These are the essentials that bring the richness of ham together with the savory, fresh components of the broth and vegetables.

• Olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, olive oil gives a subtle richness that forms the base for the soup’s savory flavor profile.
• Onion: When sautéed, the onion becomes sweet and aromatic, adding depth to the soup’s foundation.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor and a lovely savory aroma, enhancing the overall dish with just a little bite.
• Ham: The star of the show! Ham infuses the broth with a smoky, salty richness, adding that satisfying meaty depth.
• Chicken broth: This rich, flavorful liquid serves as the base of the soup, helping to create that warm, comforting texture.
• Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the soup, balancing the richness of the broth and giving room for the flavors to shine through.
• Carrots: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, complementing the savory ham and broth perfectly.
• Celery: The celery provides a crisp, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes and sweet carrots.
• Potatoes: Potatoes offer a creamy texture that helps thicken the broth, adding heartiness and a comforting bite to the soup.
• Dried thyme: A hint of thyme lends a herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the ham and vegetables, bringing the flavors together.
• Black pepper: Just the right amount of black pepper adds a bit of heat to balance the richness and bring everything to life.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup, bringing out the best in the ham, vegetables, and broth.
• Bay leaf: A single bay leaf imparts a subtle, earthy aroma that adds complexity and depth to the broth.
• Heavy cream: Stirring in heavy cream gives the soup a luxuriously smooth texture, making each spoonful extra comforting.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley provides a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor that lightens up the richness of the soup.

These ingredients work together to create a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts, each contributing to the heartwarming, satisfying experience of a bowl of ham soup.

How to Make Ham Soup

Serving Suggestions for Ham Soup

1. Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like a thick slice of crusty bread to dip into your bowl of ham soup. The bread soaks up the creamy broth, adding the perfect contrast of texture. Go for something with a nice, chewy crust—like sourdough or a hearty baguette—and you’ve got yourself the ultimate cozy combo.

2. A Simple Salad: Serve your soup alongside a light, refreshing salad to balance out the richness. Think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette or a citrusy salad with orange slices and a drizzle of olive oil. The brightness will complement the deep, smoky flavors of the soup beautifully.

3. Grilled Cheese: For a truly indulgent pairing, make a classic grilled cheese sandwich to go with your soup. The crispy, buttery bread and melty cheese add an extra layer of comfort to the already satisfying dish. Plus, there’s something about the combination of ham soup and gooey cheese that’s downright irresistible.

How to Store Ham Soup

Once you’ve made this hearty ham soup, you’ll likely want to enjoy it for days to come—and trust me, it only gets better as it sits! To store it and keep all those flavors fresh, start by letting the soup cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent any moisture from building up inside the container, which can sometimes make the soup lose its texture.

For the best results, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might notice the broth thickens a little as it cools, so feel free to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back that lovely, soupy consistency.

If you’re planning to store the soup for a longer stretch, freezing is a great option. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top since the liquid will expand. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then gently heat it up on the stove. Just like that, you’ll have a comforting bowl of ham soup waiting for you, even after weeks!

Conclusion

And there you have it – a warm, comforting bowl of ham soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The rich broth, tender vegetables, and smoky ham come together in the most delicious way, making each spoonful a little taste of home. Whether you’re making this soup with leftover ham or just because it sounds like the perfect meal, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face (and a little extra warmth to your kitchen).

If you decide to try it out, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you add your own twist to it? Maybe you found the perfect bread to go alongside? Drop me a comment or let me know if you have any questions—I’m always here to chat about cooking! Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Ham Soup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Calories: 350

Description

This hearty ham soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chunks of savory ham swim in a rich, flavorful broth, complemented by vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery. It's comforting, filling, and perfect for chilly days!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups ham, diced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 2 large carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 medium potatoes, cubed

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 bay leaf

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, making sure the garlic does not burn.
4. Add the diced ham to the pot and stir it in with the onions and garlic.
5. Let the ham cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine everything.
7. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes to the pot.
8. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
9. Drop the bay leaf into the pot and stir gently.
10. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer.
11. Cover the pot and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
12. Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
13. Stir in the heavy cream until the soup becomes creamy and well-mixed.
14. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
15. Sprinkle the chopped parsley into the soup and stir it in just before serving.
16. Serve the soup hot, with some crusty bread on the side if desired.

Note

• Sautéing the onions and garlic properly helps build a flavorful base for the soup.
• Feel free to swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’re tender.
• Add other vegetables like corn or green beans for more variety.
• Make sure to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid an overpowering flavor.

Keywords: ham soup recipe, easy ham soup, homemade ham soup, leftover ham soup, hearty ham soup