Warm up with a comforting bowl of Ham Bone and Potato Soup! This hearty soup is the perfect way to use up leftover ham from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. With simple ingredients and rich, bold flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall and winter days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Leftovers: Turn leftover ham and the ham bone into a flavorful, cozy meal.
- Rich, Homemade Broth: The ham bone infuses the soup with deep, bold flavors—no extra salt needed!
- Simple Ingredients: Wholesome and budget-friendly staples like potatoes, onion, and ham come together for a delicious bowl of soup.
- Customizable Comfort: Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or ingredients.
Ingredients for Ham Bone and Potato Soup
- Ham Bone: The star of the recipe, providing deep, smoky flavor. Substitute with ham hocks if needed.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Onion: Adds a savory depth to the broth.
- Water: Forms the base of the soup; substitute with chicken broth for extra richness.
- Leftover Ham: Adds hearty bites of protein.
How to Make Ham Bone and Potato Soup
- Prepare the Base:
- Place the ham bone, leftover ham, and any drippings into a large soup pot. Cover with water (or chicken broth).
- Simmer and Add Onion:
- Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and simmer until fragrant, about 20 minutes.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Add chopped potatoes to the pot. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the Ham:
- Remove the ham bone and shred any remaining meat. Return the shredded ham to the soup.
- Adjust and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, and serve warm.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions:
Add chopped carrots, celery, or green beans for extra color and nutrients. - Creamy Twist:
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a rich, creamy texture. - Herbaceous Flavor:
Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an herby aroma. - Spicy Kick:
Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a hint of heat. - Cheesy Addition:
Top each serving with shredded cheddar or Parmesan for added richness. - Low-Carb Option:
Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version of the soup.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
- Prepare the soup up to the point where the potatoes are tender but not fully cooked. Let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, and cook the potatoes until fully tender.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating Tip:
- If the soup thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
This Ham Bone and Potato Soup is a warm, nostalgic bowl of comfort that can easily be tailored to your family’s preferences. Whether served after a holiday feast or made just because, it’s a recipe that will leave everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds!
Ham Bone and Potato Soup
This hearty Ham Bone and Potato Soup is a comforting classic, perfect for using up holiday leftovers. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, it’s an easy, flavorful dish the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 leftover ham bone plus juices and any extra ham meat
- Water as needed
- 1 large onion diced
- 6 large potatoes peeled and diced
- Black pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large soup pot, place the ham bone, leftover meat, and any ham juices. Add enough water to fully cover the ham bone. Season with black pepper, if desired.
- Simmer and Add Onion:
- Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat and cook for 20 minutes. Add the diced onion and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
- Remove Ham Bone:
- Carefully remove the ham bone and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Shredded Ham:
- While the potatoes are cooking, pull any remaining meat from the ham bone and add it to the soup.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the soup from heat. Adjust seasoning with black pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Add the ham bone, leftover meat, juices, and diced onion to the slow cooker. Pour in enough water to cover the ham bone. Season with black pepper if desired.
- Cook on High:
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Add Potatoes:
- Add the diced potatoes to the slow cooker and continue cooking on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Shredded Ham:
- Remove the ham bone, shred the remaining meat, and return it to the soup.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
