If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Easy Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe. It brings together tender chunks of smoky ham with creamy white beans in a savory broth enriched by garden-fresh vegetables and just the right balance of herbs. This soup is incredibly simple to throw together but offers rich, layered flavors that develop as it simmers. Whether you’re cooking for a chilly evening or just want a satisfying, nourishing lunch, this recipe is a true kitchen keeper you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role in building deep flavor and inviting texture. Fresh veggies add sweetness and crunch, smoked paprika lends a subtle smoky warmth, and hearty beans combine with succulent ham for protein and creaminess.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing vegetables, adding a gentle fruitiness and helping develop caramelized flavor.
- Onion: Provides a mild, savory backbone when finely chopped and softened.
- Carrot: Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the smoky ham.
- Celery: Contributes a subtle earthiness and pleasant crunch to the veggie medley.
- Garlic: Offers a fragrant, pungent kick that melds beautifully with the other aromatics.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic savory notes.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers a gentle smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- Water: Used to balance the broth for the perfect soup consistency.
- Chopped cooked ham: The star protein, bringing smoky saltiness and satisfying chew.
- White beans (canned): Creamy and tender, these make the soup hearty and filling.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to fine-tune the taste after cooking.
How to Make Easy Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally as they cook for 7 to 10 minutes. A bit of browning here is fantastic because it deepens the flavor, giving your soup a rich foundation that will sing with every spoonful.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for just about 30 seconds—enough to release its delicious aroma without letting it burn—building an irresistible fragrant layer to your soup.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth, Ham, and Beans
Throw in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chicken broth, water, chopped ham, and the drained white beans. Crank the heat up to bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a steady simmer with the lid slightly ajar. Let this beautiful concoction bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld together, creating a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Step 4: Season and Adjust Texture
After simmering, taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed—remember, the ham already delivers some saltiness, so go easy. For extra creaminess, try mashing a few beans directly in the pot with a potato masher or briefly pulse with an immersion blender. This trick creates a luscious, velvety texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
How to Serve Easy Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves brightens up each bowl and adds a pop of color. If you love a little creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top brings a lovely tang and richness that complements the smoky ham perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the savory broth. A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts offer a fresh, crisp contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in mini crocks or rustic mugs to give each guest their own warm bowl to savor. Or ladle it over a scoop of fluffy cooked rice for an extra hearty twist that feels like pure comfort on a plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Easy Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ve got convenient, hearty soup ready to go whenever you want.
Reheating
Warm your leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and restore that perfect soup consistency.
FAQs
Can I use dried white beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them separately before adding to the soup. This enhances texture and flavor but adds some prep time.
Is it okay to use other types of ham?
Yes, you can use leftover ham steak, holiday ham, or even ham hock. Just adjust cooking times accordingly if you use tougher cuts to ensure tenderness.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika and maybe a dash of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.
What if I want a spicier version?
Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce at serving for a spicy kick.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup is nicely balanced between broth and thickness. If you prefer it thicker, mashing some beans or simmering uncovered for a bit longer will help concentrate the flavors and thicken the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like it’s straight from home—warm, filling, and simply delicious. It’s straightforward to make and endlessly adaptable, perfect for busy weeks or leisurely weekends alike. I really hope you give this recipe a try and make it a favorite in your kitchen, just like I have. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring a savory blend of sautéed vegetables, smoky ham, and tender white beans simmered in a flavorful broth, this soup offers a delicious balance of protein and fiber that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped small
- 3 sticks celery, chopped small
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Proteins & Beans
- 2 cups chopped cooked ham (or more to taste)
- 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans, drained
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow a little browning for added flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chicken broth, water, chopped ham, and drained white beans to the pot. Increase the heat to high to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes so the flavors meld together. You can simmer it longer for a richer taste.
- Season and Adjust Texture: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the ham may already contribute saltiness. For a thicker texture, optionally mash some beans directly in the pot with a potato masher or pulse an immersion blender a few times until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
- You can use any type of white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans.
- Leftover ham works perfectly in this recipe, making it an excellent way to repurpose holiday meat.
- Adjust seasoning carefully as ham and broth can have high sodium levels.
- Simmering longer enhances the soup’s flavor depth.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ham with smoked tofu and use vegetable broth.
