Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup

Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup is a meaty and comforting bowl of soup. Filled with vegetables and beans and a rich delicious flavor. 

I love making this Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup because it uses a leftover ham bone.  I like feeling like I’m stretching my food budget as far as possible to feed my family the best way that I can. This soup really helps me feel like I’ve done a great job of doing just that. 

Another great thing about this soup is that it’s a one pot meal.  I don’t know about you but the less dishes that I have to end up washing the happier I am at the end of the day. Sometimes it feels like all I do is wash dishes all day every day. When you work and school at home we seem to make a lot of dishes so I’m always looking for ways to save on those dishes. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup

Can I use ham stock or broth? 

Absolutely you certainly can use ham stock or broth.  You could even use ham flavored bouillon cubes and water and still get a very delicious soup.  I used chicken broth in this recipe because that’s what I had on hand at the time and I’m always all about using what I have on hand instead of buying something else. 

Can I use a different type of beans? 

Certainly.  This soup works great with navy or great northern beans.  I used cannellini beans because my family prefers them though.  However, you can use any type of beans that your family enjoys or that you already have on hand in the pantry. 

If you want to use dried beans instead of canned you will need to cook your beans first.  The cooking time for this recipe is set using canned beans so the dried beans will not cook in the time given in the recipe. 

How long can I store ham bone soup in the fridge? 

Slow Cooker Ham Bone soup stores great in the fridge for up to five days.  I personally find that the soup tastes even better the second day.  It seems sitting in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to deepen even more. Be sure to always keep your soup in an airtight container for best results. 

Can I freeze ham bone soup? 

Yes! You can freeze ham bone soup.  This soup freezes well. If you want to freeze your soup, cool your soup completely and then place your soup in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag.  And, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.  To thaw, place in the fridge overnight.  Warm in the slow cooker, a stock pot on the stove or in the microwave. 

 My family finds that the potatoes slightly change texture to a little mushier texture.  If you are sensitive to texture changes I recommend eating the soup fresh. 

Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup 

meaty ham bone

potatoes, diced

carrots, sliced

onions, diced

cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

chicken broth or water

bay leaves

garlic powder

thyme leaves

black pepper

How To Make 

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large slow cooker. Stir everything around the hambone to combine.
2. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 9 to 10 hours or cook on the high setting for 4 to 6 hours.
3. Before serving, remove the hambone and bay leaves. Remove the meat from the bone, cut the meat into bite size pieces, and return to the soup.  

Cooking Tips

• You can use water if you do not have broth or stock on hand.  You will still get a delicious soup.
• If you do not have a leftover ham bone you could also use two ham hocks. 
• Fresh spinach works great in this soup.  Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh baby spinach after the soup has finished cooking.
• Dice a few stalks of celery and add with your onions and carrots if you want more vegetables in your soup. 

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