Some soups feel like they were made for quiet evenings and for me, Ham Soup is exactly that kind of comfort.
It’s rich, warm, and full of simple flavors that fill the kitchen the moment it starts simmering.
I love how easy it is to make, a few vegetables, a handful of ham, and a broth that does most of the work.
No complicated steps, no long list of ingredients, just slow, steady cooking that turns everyday things into something special.
There’s something grounding about stirring a pot of soup and hearing it bubble softly.
The smell of ham and herbs fills the air, and suddenly, the house feels a little more peaceful.
It’s the kind of meal that welcomes you back home.
Why This Soup Stays in My Kitchen

This soup fits into almost any kind of day, chilly evenings, quiet weekends, or moments when I need something warm without much effort.
It has that steady, cozy flavor that always feels like home.
The ham brings richness, the vegetables soften into sweetness, and the broth ties everything together so naturally.
It tastes comforting without being heavy.
And what I love most is how flexible it is, easy to change, simple to adjust, and always forgiving.
It turns out better than the work you put in, every single time.
Hot Ham Soup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked ham diced
- 2 Carrots sliced
- 2 Celery stalks diced
- medium Onion chopped
- 3-4 medium Potatoes diced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or butter
- 3 Cloves garlic
- ½ tsp Dried thyme
Optional Add-Ins
- A splash of cream
- Corn
- Peas
- Spinach
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the VegetablesChop the onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and ham into even pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- Warm the PotHeat olive oil or butter in a large pot and let it melt until lightly sizzling.
- Sauté the BaseAdd the onions, carrots, and celery, letting them soften for 5–7 minutes until they smell sweet and warm.
- Add the Garlic & HamStir in the garlic and diced ham, letting everything cook together for a minute to build flavor.
- Pour in the BrothAdd the broth, bay leaf, thyme, and potatoes, giving everything a good stir.
- Simmer GentlyBring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Adjust SeasoningTaste the soup and add salt, pepper, or more herbs if needed. Sometimes I add a splash of cream for extra richness.
- Remove the Bay LeafTake out the bay leaf and let the soup rest for a minute so the flavors settle.
- Serve WarmLadle the soup into bowls and top it with fresh parsley. Warm bread or biscuits on the side make it even better.
Notes
Feel free to customize the vegetables to your preference. Other options include peas, corn, or green beans.
Nutrition
What Makes This Soup So Simple to Make

The ham adds depth, the vegetables soften into the broth, and the potatoes make it feel filling without being heavy.
Everything cooks at its own pace, and the soup always comes together with ease.
Even if I switch a few ingredients or use what’s already in the fridge, it still tastes like comfort in a bowl.
What to Serve With Ham Soup
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Simple green salad
- Grilled cheese
- Garlic toast
- Roasted vegetables
Conclusion
Every time I make this ham soup, it reminds me how good simple cooking can be.
It’s warm, hearty, and easy enough for any day of the week, the kind of meal that makes the house feel a little cozier the moment it starts simmering.
A bowl of this soup never disappoints, and that’s exactly why it stays in my rotation.















Cathy
Sunday 23rd of February 2025
Can I use a crock pot?
Anne Carter
Saturday 1st of March 2025
Yes Cathy! You can definitely make this in a crock pot. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the veggies are tender. If you'd like a richer flavor, you can sauté the ham and veggies before adding them. Hope you enjoy it!
Stacey
Sunday 5th of January 2025
We liked it! I think I will add a little cabbage and some pinto beans next time!
James Taylor
Wednesday 29th of January 2025
Hi Stacey, I'm so glad you liked it! 😊 Adding cabbage and pinto beans sounds like a delicious idea—I love how you're making it your own. Let me know how it turns out next time. Thanks for sharing your twist on the recipe!