leftover ham soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best leftover ham soup recipe

I’ve been making leftover ham soup for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it when I make it for lunch or dinner, and it’s perfect for a quick meal after school or work.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I like to think of it as a ‘clean-out-the-fridge’ recipe, using up any leftover ham, vegetables, and broth we have on hand.

It’s also a great way to use up vegetables that are about to go bad, so I don’t waste them. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra nutrients in our diet without having to cook from scratch.

The key technique to making this soup is in the way you chop the vegetables – you want them to be nice and small so they cook evenly. This makes the soup smooth and creamy, rather than chunky and unpleasant.

I also like to add some noodles or rice to make it more filling. My family loves when I serve this with some crusty bread on the side for dipping into the broth.

It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that never fails to please.

Leftover Ham and Vegetable Soup

4.7 from 1210 votes

This hearty soup is perfect for using up leftover ham and vegetables. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 cups leftover diced ham
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups leftover diced vegetables
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cubed potatoes
2 cups chopped kale or spinach

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, add a bit of oil and heat over medium heat.
2Add diced onions, carrots, and celery.
3Cook until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are slightly softened.
4Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5Add the diced ham, diced vegetables, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and oregano.
6Stir well to combine.
7Bring the soup to a boil.
8Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9Add the potatoes and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the soup is thickened.
10Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
11Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or zucchini. For a creamier soup, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream before serving.

This leftover ham soup recipe is a total winner in our household – my kids devour it every time I make it! It’s also a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner solution or want a hearty meal for a family gathering, this recipe delivers every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Ham and Vegetable Soup

1. What type of ham is best for leftover ham soup?

For this recipe, you can use any type of ham you have on hand – boneless, bone-in, smoked, or plain. The most important thing is that it’s leftover ham, so use what you have!

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a big batch and store it in the freezer for later use. When you’re ready to serve it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on the stovetop.

3. How do I store leftover ham soup?

You can store leftover ham soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

4. Can I customize this recipe with my favorite vegetables?

Of course! This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

5. Is this recipe suitable for babies and toddlers?

This recipe is perfect for little ones who are just starting solid foods – just be sure to chop the veggies into small pieces and omit any seasonings that might be too strong.

Similar Posts