There’s nothing quite like turning a leftover honey baked ham bone into a soul-warming soup that brings comfort to our table. We’ve crafted this Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup recipe to capture the sweet-savory essence of the ham while packing in hearty veggies and flavors that make it a family favorite.
It’s our go-to for easy weeknight meals or post-holiday feasts where we repurpose ingredients without wasting a bite. With simple steps and rich taste you’ll love this twist on a classic.
Ingredients
To craft our flavorful Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup, we’ve compiled a list of key ingredients that bring out the sweet-savory essence of the ham bone while adding hearty vegetables and aromatic flavors. We order them here as they’ll be used in the preparation process, with prep notes for clarity.
- 1 leftover honey baked ham bone (about 2-3 pounds, with some meat attached for added flavor; this is our star ingredient, providing a rich, smoky base)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (use this as the primary liquid to simmer and extract flavors from the bone)
- 2 medium onions, diced (about 2 cups; these form the aromatic foundation, adding depth and sweetness)
- 3 large carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (approximately 2 cups; they contribute a natural sweetness and hearty texture)
- 3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups; essential for a classic mirepoix that enhances the soup’s savory profile)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for a pungent, aromatic boost that ties into the ham’s flavors)
- 1 cup dried beans or lentils (such as navy beans or green lentils; soak overnight if using dried beans to ensure they cook evenly and add heartiness)
- 2 bay leaves (whole; these infuse subtle earthiness without overpowering the dish)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped; it complements the ham’s sweetness with herbal notes)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; adjust based on the ham bone’s saltiness for balanced seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness that echoes the honey baked ham’s signature glaze)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup, added at the end for a bright, fresh garnish that elevates the soup’s appeal)
Tools and Equipment
With our ingredients assembled for the Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup, we now focus on the essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and optimal results. Having the right equipment not only streamlines the cooking process but also helps us achieve that rich, flavorful broth we’re aiming for.
To make this recipe efficient and enjoyable, here’s a list of the key tools and equipment we’ll need:
- Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven: We recommend a pot with at least a 6-quart capacity to accommodate the ham bone, vegetables, and broth. This allows for even simmering and prevents overflow, ensuring our soup develops deep, savory flavors.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp, sturdy chef’s knife is crucial for chopping onions, carrots, and celery quickly and safely. It helps us create uniform pieces that cook evenly, enhancing the soup’s texture.
- Cutting Board: Opt for a durable, non-slip cutting board to provide a stable surface for all our prep work. This keeps our workspace organized and reduces the risk of accidents during vegetable dicing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to balancing flavors, so we rely on a set of these for portions of broth, honey, and seasonings. Look for ones with clear markings for precision.
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle: A long-handled wooden spoon or ladle is ideal for stirring the soup without scratching the pot. It allows us to monitor and blend ingredients as they simmer, releasing the sweet-savory essence of the ham bone.
- Strainer or Colander: If we’re using dried beans or lentils, a fine-mesh strainer helps rinse them thoroughly and drain excess liquid, ensuring our soup remains hearty without unwanted grit.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we set ourselves up for a seamless cooking experience that maximizes the comforting appeal of our Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create our flavorful Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Prep Work
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to streamline the process and maximize flavors. Start by chopping the vegetables and handling any preliminary tasks:
- Chop the onions, carrots, and celery: Dice 1 large onion, 3 medium carrots, and 3 celery stalks into even 1/2-inch pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and release their natural sweetness into the soup.
- Mince the garlic: Finely chop 4 cloves of garlic to enhance the aromatic base without overwhelming the dish.
- Rinse the dried beans or lentils: If using dried beans, soak 1 cup overnight or rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water in a strainer or colander to remove any debris, promoting better texture and reducing cooking time.
- Prepare the ham bone: Inspect the leftover Honey Baked Ham Bone (about 1-2 pounds) for any excess meat or fat, and trim if needed to focus on the rich, sweet-savory essence that will infuse the broth.
These prep steps set the foundation for a seamless cooking experience, allowing us to transform simple ingredients into a comforting family favorite.
Cooking the Soup
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, stirring with a wooden spoon for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, building a flavorful base for our Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup.
- Add garlic and aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn the garlic to preserve its fresh taste.
- Incorporate the ham bone and liquids: Place the Honey Baked Ham Bone into the pot, then pour in 8 cups of low-sodium broth and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer for 1-2 hours, allowing the bone to release its sweet-savory juices and create a rich broth.
- Add beans and seasonings: Stir in the rinsed beans or lentils, 1 tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Continue simmering for another 30-45 minutes, or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish and serve: Once the soup reaches the desired consistency, remove the ham bone and bay leaves. Shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor before serving our hearty Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup even more convenient for busy schedules, we can prepare components in advance. This approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the sweet-savory essence of the ham while saving time on weeknights. Let’s break down the steps for seamless preparation.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting with the foundational elements to streamline your cooking process:
- Chop vegetables early: Dice onions, carrots, and celery up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their crisp texture and fresh aroma, which will brighten the soup’s hearty base.
- Mince garlic and herbs: Prepare minced garlic and chop fresh parsley 1–2 days ahead. Keep them wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag in the fridge to maintain their pungent flavor and vibrant green color.
- Rinse and soak beans or lentils: If using dried beans or lentils, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight in the refrigerator. This step ensures they cook evenly and absorb the rich, honey-infused broth more effectively.
Cooking the Soup in Advance
For full make-ahead preparation, we can cook the entire soup and store it for later enjoyment:
- Follow the main recipe steps up to simmering the soup with the honey baked ham bone, vegetables, and seasonings until fully cooked.
- Once cooled, remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and stir it back into the pot for that tender, flavorful bite.
- Transfer the soup to airtight containers, ensuring it’s cooled to room temperature first to prevent bacterial growth.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the soup’s comforting warmth and depth of flavor. We’ve outlined recommended storage times and methods below for quick reference:
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3–4 days | Store in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below; the soup’s aromas will intensify, making each serving more satisfying. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers; thaw overnight in the refrigerator to retain the ham’s sweet-savory profile without sogginess. |
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until it reaches a simmer. This revives the hearty vegetables and infused honey notes, ensuring a delicious, ready-to-serve meal that feels freshly made.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how this Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup turns simple leftovers into a cozy favorite. It’s a smart way to savor flavors while cutting waste, making every meal feel special.
Next time you’re in the kitchen, give it a try and see how it warms your table. We’re confident it’ll become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup?
Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup is a comforting recipe that turns leftover ham bones into a flavorful, sweet-savory dish. It features hearty vegetables, dried beans or lentils, and spices, making it perfect for easy weeknight meals or post-holiday feasts. This soup minimizes waste while delivering a family-friendly meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
What are the key ingredients for Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup?
The main ingredients include a leftover honey baked ham bone, low-sodium broth, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, dried beans or lentils, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, honey, and fresh parsley. These elements enhance the soup’s flavor and texture, with vegetables adding heartiness and honey providing a subtle sweetness for balance.
What tools are needed to make Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup?
Essential tools include a large stock pot or Dutch oven for simmering, a chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a strainer for rinsing beans. These items ensure safe, efficient preparation and optimal results in your kitchen.
How do I prepare Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup?
Start by chopping vegetables, mincing garlic, and rinsing beans. Sauté the veggies, add the ham bone, broth, and seasonings, then simmer until flavors meld. Remove the bone, shred any meat, and stir it back in. Finish with parsley and serve. The process is straightforward and takes about 1-2 hours for a hearty meal.
Can I make Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components like chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and soaked beans in advance to save time. Cook the full soup ahead, then cool and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it ideal for busy schedules while preserving its fresh taste.
How should I store and reheat Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup?
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain the soup’s original consistency and flavor.
Is Honey Baked Ham Bone Soup good for using leftovers?
Absolutely, it’s an excellent way to repurpose leftover ham bones from holidays or meals, reducing waste. The bone infuses the soup with rich flavor, while adding vegetables and beans creates a nutritious, satisfying dish. It’s budget-friendly and promotes sustainable cooking practices.