ham bone potato soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham bone potato soup recipe

I’ve been making ham bone potato soup for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. The rich, comforting flavors of the slow-cooked ham and potatoes are just what we need on a chilly day.

It’s a dish that’s steeped in tradition, with its roots in hearty farm-to-table cooking from the rural South. My grandmother used to make it for us when we were kids, and now I carry on the tradition for my own family.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some time to simmer on the stovetop. We love serving it up with some crusty bread or over egg noodles for a satisfying meal.

As an added bonus, this soup is packed with nutrients from the potatoes, carrots, and celery that are simmered alongside the ham. It’s a win-win for both taste buds and our health goals.

Hearty Ham Bone Potato Soup

4.9 from 1693 votes

This comforting soup uses a leftover ham bone to create a rich, savory broth. It is filled with tender potatoes, vegetables, and bits of ham, making it a perfect meal for a cold day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 ham bone with some meat attached
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups water
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
2Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4Place the ham bone in the pot and pour in the chicken broth and water.
5Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
6Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, allowing the ham bone to release its flavor.
7After 1 hour, remove the ham bone from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
8Add the cubed potatoes to the broth and bring the soup back to a simmer over medium heat.
9Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
10While the potatoes cook, shred the meat from the ham bone, discarding any fat and gristle.
11Once the potatoes are done, return the shredded ham to the pot and stir to combine.
12Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the ham may be salty.
13If using, stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup gently for 2 to 3 minutes, but do not let it boil.
14Remove the bay leaf before serving.
15Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Vegetable peeler
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cream. You can also add a cup of frozen peas or corn in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra color and sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Ham Bone Potato Soup Works

This ham bone potato soup is one of those recipes that always works, whether you are feeding your family on a random Tuesday or serving a crowd at a holiday gathering. It is simple to make, uses up leftovers, and everyone seems to love it.

I have brought it to potlucks and family dinners, and there is never any left. When you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days.

To reheat, just warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a little extra flavor.

This soup is a keeper, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Ham Bone Potato Soup

Q: Can I use leftover ham from a holiday roast?

A: Absolutely! In fact, using leftover ham is one of the best ways to repurpose it into this delicious soup. Simply chop up the cooled ham into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot along with your vegetables.

Q: What if I don’t have any ham bones on hand?

A: No problem! You can substitute beef or pork bones for added depth of flavor in your soup. Alternatively, you can even use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! This recipe is perfect for slow cooker cooking. Simply brown your onions and garlic in a skillet before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

A: Leftover soup can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Q: Can I serve this soup chilled or at room temperature?

A: While we prefer our soup hot, you can definitely serve it at room temperature or even chilled if you prefer.

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