Hearty Southern Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup: An Easy, Comforting Family Recipe

Indulge in the nostalgic warmth of this Southern Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup, a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. This classic, old-fashioned dish offers soul-satisfying comfort in every spoonful, perfectly complemented by a slice of homemade cornbread.

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to bring a sense of comfort and tradition to the dinner table. This particular Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, a staple in our family, and undeniably one of my all-time favorite recipes. Imagine tender, savory bone-in ham simmered slowly with creamy white beans, a medley of garden-fresh vegetables, and a generous kick of black pepper. The result is a rich, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday supper. For the ultimate Southern experience, serve it piping hot with a side of classic cornbread and a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

While the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience, this versatile ham soup can also be prepared on the stove-top using traditional methods, just like Grandma used to make it. Another fantastic advantage of this recipe is its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature. I can’t count the times this hearty soup has been a lifesaver, providing a delicious, wholesome meal when time was short. Its ability to be prepped in advance and frozen for later makes it a prime candidate for efficient meal planning and a testament to its enduring appeal.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Ham and Bean Soup

Crafting the perfect ham and bean soup begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for making the most of each component:

• Ham: The foundation of this soup’s incredible flavor comes from bone-in ham. For optimal tenderness and a deeply savory broth, I highly recommend a ham shank or ham hock. These cuts release rich gelatin and flavor as they slow cook, creating an unparalleled depth that boneless ham simply can’t replicate. If these specific cuts aren’t readily available on the shelf, don’t hesitate to ask your local butcher; they often have them in stock or can prepare them for you. As a last resort, ham steaks can be used, but you’ll miss some of that signature bone-in flavor.
• Bacon: Bacon is more than just a garnish here; it’s a flavor builder! Frying the bacon on the stove-top before adding the vegetables allows you to sauté the veggies in the rendered bacon fat, infusing them with an incredible smoky depth. If you’re looking to save on prep time, you can cook the bacon in an air fryer or oven ahead of time. In that case, simply use a knob of butter or a splash of olive oil to sauté your vegetables. For top-quality bacon, consider checking out my friends over at Naked Bacon Co.
• Beans: For this recipe, I find canned Great Northern Beans to be incredibly convenient and consistently delicious. They offer a creamy texture and mild flavor that perfectly complements the ham. Other excellent white bean alternatives include Navy Beans or Cannellini Beans. If you prefer to use dried beans, remember to soak them overnight before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they cook through evenly and become wonderfully soft.
• Broth: The liquid base for your soup is crucial. Both chicken stock or vegetable stock work beautifully, depending on your preference. You can certainly make your own homemade stock for the freshest flavor, or opt for a good quality store-bought version for convenience. Using a low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the finished soup, especially since ham can be quite salty.
• Vegetables: The classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic backbone of this soup. Sautéing these vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker softens them and caramelizes their natural sugars, adding another layer of complex flavor. Don’t forget the minced garlic, which should be added at the very end of the sautéing process to prevent burning and preserve its pungent aroma.
• Seasoning: While ham brings a lot of savory notes, the generous amount of course ground black pepper in this recipe is not to be overlooked. It provides a delightful warmth and subtle spice that elevates the entire dish. Salt should be added to taste at the end, after the ham has contributed its natural salinity.

Why You’ll LOVE This Southern Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup!
Family Favorite: This recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser, adored by both kids and adults alike, guaranteeing clean bowls and happy smiles.
Warm & Comforting: With its hearty ingredients and rich broth, it’s the ultimate soul food, perfect for chilly evenings or simply when you crave something truly satisfying.
Set it & Forget It: Ideal for busy schedules, this slow cooker method allows you to assemble the ingredients in the morning and return home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup

Creating this delicious ham and bean soup in your slow cooker is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, flavorful result:

Step 1: Frying the Bacon
Begin by taking 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and chopping them into generous chunks. In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until it becomes beautifully crispy and golden. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces, placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. You can set these aside for later or sprinkle them on top of the finished soup. If you prefer to streamline your prep, you can cook the bacon ahead of time in an air fryer or oven and simply skip this skillet step. However, remember that cooking the veggies in the bacon grease adds an incredible layer of flavor that’s hard to beat.

Step 2: Veggie Prep and Sautéing
Next, prepare your aromatics: finely chop the white onion, and thinly slice the carrots and celery. Return to the same skillet where you cooked the bacon, ensuring some of that flavorful bacon grease remains. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes. The goal here isn’t to fully cook them through, as they will soften further in the slow cooker, but rather to begin developing their flavors and slightly tenderize them. In the final minute of sautéing, add the minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Assembling & Slow Cooking the Soup
Once your bacon is crispy and your vegetables are lightly sautéed, it’s time to bring everything together in your slow cooker. Add the ham shank (or hock), the cooked bacon, the sautéed vegetables with garlic, the Great Northern beans (drained if canned, or pre-soaked if dried), chicken stock, salt, course ground black pepper, and thyme to a large crockpot. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours. The soup is ready when the beans are wonderfully soft and tender, and the ham easily shreds from the bone.

Step 4: Finishing Touches and Shredding the Ham
After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham shanks from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the tender meat off the bone. Discard the bones and return the shredded ham to the crockpot. Stir the soup thoroughly, then taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. This is your chance to add more salt, pepper, or any other spices to suit your preference.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the soup is perfectly seasoned, ladle your desired amount into individual serving bowls. For an authentic Southern experience, serve it with a generous topping of hot sauce (Tabasco is a personal favorite!), a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a hearty piece of warm homemade cornbread. I also love to add an extra dusting of black pepper over mine for an added kick. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal!

Leftover Storage Tips
To store leftover ham and bean soup, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the microwave, on the stove-top, or in a slow cooker until it’s warmed through.

Stove Top Method: Traditional Old Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup

While the crockpot method offers convenience, many prefer the traditional stove-top approach for this classic ham and bean soup. This is often the chosen method for both my mom and grandma, whereas I tend to “go rogue” with my slow cooker! You’ll be pleased to know that the initial prep instructions for the bacon, vegetables, and assembling the soup remain largely the same, regardless of your chosen cooking vessel. The primary difference lies in the cooking duration and heat management.

Once you have completed all the preparation steps – frying your bacon, sautéing your aromatics (onion, carrots, celery, and garlic), and gathering your ham and beans – add all the ingredients to a large stockpot. Bring the soup to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat significantly to low, allowing the soup to simmer gently. Place a lid on the pot, leaving a small crack for steam to vent. Let it cook for approximately 2 ½ hours. After 2 hours, check the tenderness of the beans and ham. If they require more time, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ham is cooked through and the beans are wonderfully soft. Once cooked, remove the ham shanks, shred the meat from the bone, and return it to the pot. Stir, taste, adjust seasoning, and get ready to serve this comforting, old-fashioned delight.

Making the Most of Leftover Ham

Have some delicious leftover ham from a holiday feast like Christmas or a large family gathering? This ham and bean soup recipe is absolutely perfect for repurposing that holiday ham and giving it a flavorful second life! If you’re going the leftover ham route, you won’t need the ham hock or shank typically called for in the main recipe ingredients, as your ham is already cooked and flavorful.

When using pre-cooked leftover ham, the cooking process becomes even quicker. Simply add all the soup ingredients – including your diced or shredded leftover ham – to your slow cooker. Cook the soup on LOW for about 4 hours, or until the beans are soft and thoroughly cooked. Because the ham is already cooked, the main objective of the slow cooking is to tenderize the beans and allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. You can significantly lower the overall cook time for both the slow cooker and stove-top methods when using pre-cooked ham, making this an even faster and more convenient meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Ham and Bean Soup

Unlock the full potential of your ham and bean soup with these expert tips that make all the difference in flavor and texture:

Elevate Flavor by Sautéing the Veggies: I know it might seem like an extra step, and some might be tempted to skip it when using a slow cooker, but trust me on this one: sautéing the vegetables first truly enhances the soup’s flavor profile. When onions, carrots, and celery are cooked in a pan with the bacon grease before being added to the slow cooker, they become wonderfully soft and develop a deeper, more nuanced flavor. This initial sautéing step caramelizes their natural sugars, contributing a richness that simply “plopping” them into the slow cooker won’t achieve. While they will cook through regardless, pre-sautéed veggies will have a superior texture and taste, softening beautifully into the broth rather than remaining slightly firm.

Bacon is King for Depth of Flavor: Who doesn’t love double the pork? In this recipe, ham is undoubtedly the star, but the addition of bacon plays a crucial supporting role in creating an exceptionally flavorful soup. You don’t have to include bacon if you prefer, but those salty, smoky bites of bacon scattered throughout are truly everything. It adds a layer of richness and a satisfying textural contrast. Alternatively, if you’re not keen on having bacon cooked into the entire soup, consider sprinkling some crispy cooked bacon over the top of individual bowls just before serving. For my ultimate bacon cooking method, check out my Ninja Foodi bacon recipe for perfectly crispy results every time.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Effortless Cooking
A Large Crockpot: To accommodate this generous batch of comforting soup, you’ll need either a 6 or 8 quart slow cooker. This recipe yields a big ole’ pot of goodness, so break out your largest kitchen appliance! If you’re opting for the traditional stove-top method, a substantial large stockpot will be essential to hold all the delicious ingredients.

Perfect Serving Ideas for Your Ham and Bean Soup

While this hearty ham and bean soup is undeniably delicious straight out of the slow cooker, a few simple additions can transform it into an even more comforting and satisfying meal. These serving suggestions cater to both those who enjoy soup as a complete meal and those who prefer a little something extra.

Flavorful Topper Ideas: Toppers aren’t just for decoration; they add texture, flavor, and a personalized touch to your soup. My personal top two recommendations for elevating this soup are homemade cornbread and a splash of hot sauce. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of Southern cornbread is the ideal companion to the savory, rich broth, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. And while any hot sauce will do, Tabasco is my absolute favorite, adding a bright, vinegary heat that cuts through the richness beautifully. These have always been non-negotiables in our family, and I enthusiastically encourage you to try them! Some other wonderful topper ideas to consider include crunchy crackers, a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, or a scattering of extra crumbled bacon for added smoky flavor and texture.

Complete the Meal with Perfect Sides: If you’re among those who believe soup alone doesn’t constitute a full meal (ahem, like my dear husband!), then adding a thoughtful side dish is the way to go. Choosing the right side can complement the soup’s flavors and textures, making for a truly well-rounded dinner. Some fantastic side ideas that pair exceptionally well with this comforting ham and bean soup include a light and refreshing Kale and Avocado Salad, classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes for a tangy crunch, or a gourmet Grilled Goat Cheese Sandwich, which offers a delightful creamy and savory contrast. These options add variety and ensure everyone at the table feels fully satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ham and Bean Soup

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Happy Eating!