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You can use up your leftover hambone to make this cozy, hearty soup loaded with tons of veggies and chunks of sweet ham!
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This really is the best leftover ham bone soup! I’ve been making it for a few years now, usually just once a year after Easter. But, if I happen to get my hands on a ham bone from friends or family, this is the only thing I make with it! It’s top notch, with staple ingredients & also nutritious.
reasons to make hambone soup
Repurposes leftover holiday hambone
Makes for an amazing, flavorful ham stock
Warm, cozy, hearty, hug-in-a-bowl vibes
Great clean-out-the-fridge meal, adding in leftover vegetables and extra herbs
tips and tricks for success
Use a hambone. Not only can you repurpose a leftover hambone, but the hambone will add such luscious flavor, richness and body to the soup.
Add pasta. Add ditalini, macaroni or a small shape pasta for a heartier soup.
Add in leafy greens. This is a great recipe to sneak in leafy greens for those picky eaters. Spinach, kale, collard greens, swiss chard, or arugula are all great options.
Serve with crusty bread. Serve with all the homemade crusty bread for dipping, sopping and dunking!
Freeze as needed. Hambone soup is a great recipe to freeze, perfect for a quick, cozy weeknight meal in the coming weeks. Always use airtight, resealable freezer bags, label, date and freeze up to 3 months.
Can I still make this with leftover ham without the bone?
This can certainly be made without the hambone. It may not have the exact same flavors or richness than using the bone, but it will still be a great way to use up all that leftover holiday ham.
Can I use dried herbs instead?
Absolutely! But because dried herbs are often more potent/concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less when using dry. The correct ratio is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
Can I make hambone soup in the Instant Pot?
Yes! This is a great IP version for an even quicker time stamp.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Is hambone soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the leftovers in individual freezer bags, thaw overnight, and reheat on the stovetop.
Leftover Hambone Soup
Yield: 8servings
Prep: 15 minutesminutes
Cook: 1 hourhour
Total: 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
Use up your leftover hambone to make this cozy, hearty soup loaded with tons of veggies and chunks of sweet ham!
Place leftover hambone in a large stockpot or Dutch oven and add enough water to cover the bone halfway, about 6-7 cups. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until very fragrant, about 30 minutes to 1 hour; set aside ham stock and discard hambone.
Heat olive oil in the large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrots and potato. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in ham stock, beans, corn, thyme and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in ham until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
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