Southern Ham Harvest Soup

Turn leftover ham into a hearty, flavor-packed meal with this easy Southern Ham Harvest Soup. Tender ham, butter beans, potatoes, corn, green beans, carrots, and tomatoes simmer together in a savory seasoned broth with smoked paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce for a comforting one-pot dinner that's perfect any time of year.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

35 minutes

Easy

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups leftover ham, diced into bite-sized pieces
5 cups chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed

Ingredients

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat the butter or olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ham

Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allowing the ham to lightly brown adds extra savory flavor to the soup.

3. Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Add the Vegetables

Stir in the butter beans, green beans, carrots, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, and diced potatoes. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

5. Simmer

Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are heated through and the flavors have blended together beautifully.

6. Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a little more salt, black pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste.

7. Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or buttery crackers for a hearty Southern meal.

RECIPE TIPS

This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for an easy homemade meal anytime.

🥶 STORAGE

Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store toppings separately when possible.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator
Transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
Microwave
Place a serving of soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on High for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the soup is hot throughout.
From Frozen
For best results, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, cook over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a little chicken broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I use a ham bone instead of diced ham?
Absolutely! A leftover ham bone adds incredible flavor to the broth. Simmer the ham bone with the soup, then remove it before serving. Pick any remaining meat from the bone and stir it back into the soup.
Can I use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh or frozen vegetables work wonderfully. Simply cook the soup a little longer until the vegetables are tender.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together.
Can I freeze Southern Ham Harvest Soup?
Yes. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with cornbread, crusty bread, biscuits, saltine crackers, oyster crackers, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Can I make the soup thicker?
Yes. For a heartier soup, mash a few of the potatoes and butter beans directly in the pot, or stir in a cornstarch slurry made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Celery, cabbage, peas, spinach, zucchini, or lima beans are all delicious additions that work well with this hearty soup.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.