Got some leftover Christmas ham? Turn it into a tasty home bone soup.
An Easy Soup for a Leftover Ham Bone
We love soups around the holidays, and this ham bone soup tops the list. This effortless recipe is filled with ham, beans, and vegetables. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Serve it with some easy dinner rolls or homemade bread for the perfect anytime meal!
Ingredients in Ham Bone Soup
- Ham Bone: A ham bone (or smoked ham hock) provides the base for the soup and adds a lot of flavor. Save the bone from your holiday ham or spiral ham (just toss it in the freezer until you’re ready).
- Broth: Use broth (or broth and water) to create the liquid base for this ham bone soup recipe. You can also add in leftover gravy or homemade turkey or chicken stock to boost the flavor. Ham is salty, so be sure to use low-sodium or no-sodium broth.
- Beans: Canned beans make this easy, but you can certainly rehydrate and cook dried beans if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Fresh or frozen vegetables can be added. Use vegetables you have leftover from your turkey dinner, such as sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, corn, carrots, squash, and more. If they’re already cooked, stir them in for the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through so they don’t get mushy.
Other Uses For a Leftover Ham Bone
- Remove most of the meat from the bone to use in leftover ham recipes, but leave a little on the bone for flavor.
- Save the bone in the freezer until you’re ready to make soup (use right from frozen).
- Before serving, remove the bone from the soup and pick off any remaining meat. Add the meat back to the soup and discard the bone.
- Note: The bone should not be used for more than one soup as it won’t have enough flavor left.
Try using it in ham and bean soup or split pea soup.
How To Make Ham Bone Soup
This is the best ham bone soup, and since it is made in a slow cooker, all you really need to do is a tiny bit of prep.
- Dice, chop, and slice your veggies.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove meat from the bone and add it back into the soup.
It really is one of the simplest soups you will ever make. Enjoy!
Hearty & Savory Soups
Did you enjoy this Ham Bone Soup? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
FAQs
Can I freeze ham bone soup?
Yes, you can freeze ham bone soup for quick meals. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label and date the containers, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What other recipes can I make with a leftover ham bone?
Aside from ham bone soup, there are several other delicious recipes you can make with a leftover ham bone. Some popular options include ham and bean soup, split pea soup, and lentil soup. These recipes are great for utilizing leftover ham and creating flavorful, hearty meals. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Remember, the key to a successful culinary journey is embracing creativity and exploring new flavors. Enjoy the process of turning leftovers into delicious meals, and let Takeout Food be your guide in the world of culinary delight and inspiration.
