Ever made a soup only to end up with a bland, watery mess? It’s frustrating, right? Ham soup doesn’t have to be one of those disappointing meals. In fact, when done right, it’s the kind of dish that will make you want to dive in for seconds, thirds, and maybe even a fourth helping.
Imagine the rich, smoky flavors of ham combined with hearty vegetables and just the right amount of seasoning.
This Ham Soup Recipe will make sure you never make that mistake again! Get ready to savor every bite of this satisfying, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Ham Soup Recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and comforting.
The combination of tender ham, vegetables, and rich broth makes each spoonful an absolute delight.
Whether you’re using up leftover holiday ham or making a fresh batch, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
It’s versatile, too—feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen.
Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so you won’t be stuck washing a mountain of dishes afterward!
Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for the next day.
Depending on your portion size, you can easily adjust the recipe to serve fewer or more people.
If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, try halving the ingredients, or if you’re making it for a larger group, simply double up.
The beauty of this Ham Soup Recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious ham soup:
- 2 cups of cooked ham, diced (perfect use for leftover ham!)
- 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
Ingredient Notes:
- Ham: You can use store-bought ham or leftovers from a roast. If you’re using leftover ham, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of what you’ve already prepared.
- Broth: Chicken broth works well, but you can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cream: For a richer, creamier soup, add some heavy cream at the end of cooking. If you prefer a lighter option, simply skip it or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Preparation Time
Prep time for this recipe is about 15-20 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables and dicing the ham.
You can save time by using a food processor or pre-chopped veggies from the store.
Cooking Time
Cooking this soup takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
Plus, it’s so easy—just throw everything in the pot and let it cook! If you’re short on time, you can always reduce the simmering time, but we highly recommend taking the full hour to ensure the flavors develop properly.
Instructions/Method
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Ham Soup:
- Sauté the veggies: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onions are translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ham: Toss in the diced ham and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to develop some extra flavor.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the peas: Stir in the peas, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, just to heat through.
- Finishing touches: If you’re making a creamy version, now is the time to stir in the heavy cream. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the bay leaf and serve the soup hot. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Cooking Tools and Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Soup ladle (for serving)
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon (for stirring)
Special Equipment:
- If you want to save time on chopping, a food processor can be helpful for dicing the vegetables quickly.
Flavor Profile
This ham soup has a savory, smoky, and slightly herbaceous flavor profile. The saltiness of the ham is perfectly balanced with the subtle sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the potatoes.
The herbs like thyme and rosemary elevate the taste and create a comforting, homey flavor that makes this soup irresistible.
The addition of peas adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness that complements the rich broth.
If you go for the creamy version, the heavy cream rounds out the dish, making it even more indulgent.
Allergen Information
- Dairy: If you’re lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, omit the cream or substitute it with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Soy: This recipe does not contain any soy, so it’s safe for those with soy allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this soup provides approximately:
- Calories: 250-350 kcal per serving (depending on whether you add cream)
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g (mostly from the ham and cream)
- Carbs: 25-30g (mostly from potatoes and vegetables)
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Sodium: 800-900mg (can be adjusted by using low-sodium broth)
Health Benefits:
- This soup is packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the vegetables, making it a great option for a hearty, nutritious meal. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C (from the carrots) and potassium (from the potatoes).
Dietary Considerations
- Low-Carb/Keto: To make this soup low-carb or keto-friendly, omit the potatoes and add extra low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
- Paleo: You can easily make this soup paleo by avoiding the heavy cream and sticking with a lighter, broth-based version.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the ham for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth to make it vegan-friendly.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Ham Soup: Add heavy cream or even half-and-half for a rich, velvety soup.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Swap Vegetables: You can mix in other veggies like parsnips, leeks, or even green beans for a unique twist.
- Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of thyme or rosemary, try basil, oregano, or parsley for a different flavor.
Pairings and Side Dishes
This hearty ham soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crunchy side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. A few slices of buttered toast or a warm, crusty baguette would also be perfect for dipping into the soup.
For a lighter option, serve with a simple roasted vegetable medley.
Beverage pairings include a cold glass of white wine (like a Chardonnay) or a crisp apple cider for a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Serving Suggestions
For an added touch of flavor and color, garnish your ham soup with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Serve it in large, rustic bowls for that homey, comforting vibe, and don’t forget the extra napkins—you’ll want to savor every bite!
Storage and Shelf Life
After enjoying this Ham Soup, you might find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to store them to maintain freshness and flavor:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure the soup has cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat it on the stovetop. You may need to add a little extra broth to thin it out as it can thicken while freezing.
- Reheating: When reheating, always bring your soup to a simmer rather than a full boil, especially if it contains cream. This helps preserve the creamy texture and ensures even heating without splitting or curdling. You can reheat it in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Want to level up your Ham Soup game? Here are some pro tips to ensure your soup is always a hit:
- Perfectly Browning Ham: Don’t rush the step where you sauté the ham. Browning it slightly in the pot before adding the broth will enhance its smoky flavor and add depth to the soup. This extra step takes just a few minutes but makes a world of difference.
- Sauté the Vegetables First: Sautéing your veggies (especially the onions and garlic) before adding the broth helps release their natural sugars and flavors, creating a richer base for your soup. It’s a simple technique that adds so much flavor!
- Use Leftover Ham Wisely: If you have leftover ham from a holiday feast, this soup is a great way to use it up. But don’t just throw it in! Cut the ham into small, bite-sized pieces for better distribution throughout the soup.
- Simmer Low and Slow: For the best flavor, allow the soup to simmer at a low heat. This slow cooking process lets the flavors meld together and makes the broth rich and hearty.
- Add Salt Gradually: Ham is already salty, so taste your soup before adding extra salt. Add it gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
- For Creamy Soup Without Curdling: If you’re adding cream, wait until the end of the cooking process to stir it in. Adding cream too early, especially to hot broth, can cause it to separate or curdle. Stir it in at the very end, and let it warm through gently.
When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay! Here’s how to troubleshoot some common mistakes with Ham Soup:
- Too Salty: If your soup ends up too salty (which can happen with salty ham or broth), you can add a potato to absorb some of the salt. Simply peel and chop a potato, add it to the soup, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove the potato before serving—it’ll work its magic and make the soup more balanced.
- Too Thin: If your soup turns out too watery, you can easily thicken it by mashing some of the potatoes or vegetables. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to break down some of the potatoes in the soup. Alternatively, stir in a little cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Soup Too Chunky: If you find that the soup has more chunks than you like, you can puree part of it for a smoother texture. Just take a portion of the soup (about 2 cups) and blend it in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Then, return it to the pot.
- Burnt Flavor: If the soup has a slightly burnt or scorched taste, it’s possible the bottom of the pot was too hot while sautéing or simmering. Try adding a little more broth or water to balance it out. If it’s just a subtle burnt taste, you can mask it by adding a small amount of sugar or vinegar to bring the flavors back into balance.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this Ham Soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Feel free to make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to reheat gently, and you may want to add a little extra broth if it thickens up too much overnight.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ham on hand, you can use turkey, chicken, or even bacon for a different but still flavorful version of the soup. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, use tempeh or tofu in place of the meat, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! If you want to make this Ham Soup in a slow cooker, just sauté the vegetables and ham first (as per the recipe), then transfer everything into the slow cooker along with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the peas and cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What if I don’t like peas?
No worries! You can leave out the peas entirely or substitute them with another vegetable like corn, green beans, or spinach for some added color and nutrition.
Can I freeze the soup after adding cream?
While you can freeze the soup with cream, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing. The cream may separate or curdle upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding the cream only when reheating the soup to keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of ham soup, especially when it’s made with love and the finest ingredients. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham while making something that the whole family will devour.
Remember, the key to a great Ham Soup lies in building layers of flavor: from browning the ham, sautéing the veggies, to simmering it low and slow.
Happy cooking!
