Ham and Bean Soup with Bay & Thyme

Name: Ham and Bean Soup with Bay & Thyme
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried navy beans; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups diced ham; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Classics

When I want a comforting meal that warms me from the inside out, I turn to my Ham and Bean Soup with Bay & Thyme. This rich and hearty soup is filled with tender beans, savory ham, and aromatic herbs. It's perfect for cold days or when I need a quick, satisfying dinner option. I love how the bay leaves and thyme elevate the classic flavors, making this dish feel extra special, whether enjoyed alone or shared with family around the table.

Created by

The Chefpaulbakes Team

Last updated on 2026-03-18T16:16:28.314Z

One winter evening, I decided to experiment with leftovers from a holiday ham, and that's how my Ham and Bean Soup came to life. I gathered some pantry staples, including dried beans and herbs from my garden, and the result was nothing short of delightful. The combination of flavors worked perfectly together, creating a creamy broth that I couldn’t resist.

I learned that letting the beans soak overnight makes a significant difference in texture. Not only does it cut down the cooking time, but it also helps to create a smoother soup. I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly nights
Infused with fragrant bay leaves and thyme
Easy to prepare and budget-friendly

The Importance of Soaking Beans

Soaking the navy beans is a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture in your Ham and Bean Soup. This process helps to soften the beans, ensuring they cook evenly and become tender during simmering. If you're short on time, consider using the quick soak method: bring the beans to a boil in water and let them simmer for 2 minutes before turning off the heat. Let them sit in the hot water for one hour, then drain and proceed with the recipe.

Using dried navy beans instead of canned ones contributes to better flavor and texture. Dried beans allow for fuller flavor absorption, leading to a richer soup. They also help to create the desired creaminess as they cook, releasing starches into the broth. However, if you're in a bind, you can substitute two cans of low-sodium navy beans, rinsed and drained, and adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Flavor Building Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables first is a vital technique that enhances the overall flavor profile of your soup. By cooking the onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft and slightly caramelized, you create a savory base that adds depth to the broth. Aim for about 5 minutes of cooking until the onions become translucent and the vegetables are glossy. This step not only develops flavor but also gives the soup a pleasant texture.

When adding the garlic and ham, cook them just until fragrant to maintain their flavors. Overcooking the garlic can lead to bitterness, while the ham should be warmed through rather than browned. This delicate balance allows the ham to impart its savory essence into the broth, making each spoonful taste deliciously comforting.

Perfecting Your Soup Consistency

As the soup simmers, keep an eye on the consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. This releases additional starches and thickens the broth naturally. If after 40 minutes you feel it needs more cooking for a creamier texture, continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes while covered, checking occasionally to stir and ensure even cooking.

This Ham and Bean Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent make-ahead dish. Just be aware that the soup will thicken as it cools. If you want to reheat it, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in individual portions for easy meals later on; it will last up to three months in the freezer.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious soup:

Ingredients

1 cup dried navy beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups diced ham
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Ham and Bean Soup:

Soak the Beans

In a large bowl, cover the dried navy beans with water and let them soak overnight. Drain before cooking.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Ham

Stir in the garlic and diced ham, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

Season and Serve

Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of ham and bean soup!

Pro Tips

For an even more flavorful soup, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ham and Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or buttery cornbread to complement the hearty flavors. The bread not only enhances the meal but also helps in scooping up the soup for a rustic dining experience. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness and balances the rich, savory elements of the soup.

For an extra touch, garnish the soup with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to introduce a pop of color and a hint of heat. This not only makes the meal visually appealing but also adds layers of flavor that make every bite exciting.

Variety in Ingredients

Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or additional vegetables based on your preference or dietary needs. Great northern beans, pinto beans, or even lentils can serve as excellent substitutes for navy beans. You could also enhance the nutritional profile by adding spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth. You can replace the ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain that deep, savory flavor. This way, the essence of the soup remains rich and satisfying, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find the soup too salty, adding a peeled potato to the pot while it simmers can help absorb some of the excess salt. Let the potato cook for about 15 minutes before removing it; it will take some saltiness with it, leaving you with a more balanced flavor. Be sure to taste as you go to avoid seasoning issues.

Should your beans not soften within the expected range of time, consider checking the age of your dried beans. Older beans can sometimes take longer to cook; ensuring you use fresh beans can dramatically affect the cooking time and overall outcome of your soup.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, if you're short on time, you can use 2 cans of rinsed beans. Reduce the cooking time to about 20 minutes.

→ What other meats can I add?

You can substitute the ham with bacon, smoked sausage, or turkey for different flavor profiles.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Just store it in airtight containers and it should keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ What should I serve with the soup?

Crusty bread or a fresh green salad pair perfectly with this soup.