Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup simmering away in your kitchen — the kind of meal that makes your whole house smell like warmth, love, and home.
It’s the soup that wraps you up like your favorite blanket on a cold day — creamy without cream, hearty without being heavy, and full of slow-cooked flavor that only gets better with time. Tender white beans, smoky ham, and fragrant vegetables come together in a way that feels both rustic and deeply satisfying.
If you’ve ever found yourself craving a cozy, old-fashioned dinner that practically cooks itself, this easy Crockpot ham and bean soup is exactly what you need. It’s budget-friendly, protein-packed, and the kind of recipe that tastes like it’s been simmering all day… because it has!
So grab your slow cooker, and let’s fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of this hearty Crockpot white bean soup. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love comfort food recipes that are simple, wholesome, and totally satisfying, here’s why this Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- 🥣 True set-it-and-forget-it meal – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away.
- 🍖 Incredible flavor – The ham infuses the beans and broth with rich, smoky depth.
- 💪 High in protein and fiber – Thanks to white beans and lean ham.
- 🥕 Loaded with veggies – Carrots, celery, and onions make this a complete, balanced meal.
- ❄️ Perfect for meal prep – It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.
- 💰 Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and leftover ham to make something amazing.
If you’re a fan of split pea soup, ham and potato chowder, or hearty bean stews, this Crockpot ham and white bean soup is going to become one of your go-to comfort recipes all winter long.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delicious white bean and ham soup in the Crockpot:
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried white beans (navy, Great Northern, or cannellini) – soaked overnight or use quick-soak method.
- 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked ham, diced – leftover holiday ham works perfectly.
- 1 meaty ham bone or ham hock – optional, but adds incredible smoky flavor.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the base of the soup.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced – for natural color and flavor.
- 2 celery stalks, diced – gives that classic soup aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better.
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – enhances that cozy, smoky taste.
- 1 bay leaf – adds an earthy depth.
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 small potato, peeled and diced – for creamier texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter – for richness.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes – if you like a little kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beans (If Using Dried)
Rinse and sort your white beans, removing any debris. Soak overnight in cold water or use a quick soak method:
- Add beans to a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then let sit for 1 hour. Drain before adding to the Crockpot.
Pro tip: Soaking the beans helps them cook evenly and reduces the cooking time.
2. Layer the Ingredients
In your Crockpot (6-quart or larger), add:
- soaked and drained beans
- diced ham and/or ham bone
- chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic
- thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, and bay leaf
Then pour in the chicken broth until everything is covered.
Pro tip: Place the ham bone in the center so the marrow and flavor infuse the soup evenly.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beans are tender and the broth is thick and rich.
Pro tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid! Every time you peek, you release steam and slow the cooking process.
4. Remove the Bone & Adjust Seasoning
Once the beans are soft and creamy, remove the ham bone (if using) and bay leaf. Shred any meat left on the bone and stir it back into the soup.
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed.
5. Optional: Blend for Creaminess
For a creamier texture, remove 1–2 cups of soup, blend it until smooth, then stir it back in.
→ This trick thickens the soup naturally without adding cream or flour.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle your Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup into warm bowls and serve with crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or a side salad.
Pro tip: Drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Use quality broth. Since broth is the base, go for a flavorful low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
- Don’t skip the ham bone. Even a small one adds deep smoky flavor.
- Add salt at the end. Ham can be salty, so wait until after cooking to adjust.
- Make it creamy naturally. Blend a portion of the soup for a rich, velvety texture.
- Add greens. Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 10 minutes for extra nutrients.
- Store smartly. Let cool before refrigerating or freezing to preserve flavor.
- Freeze in portions. This makes for easy grab-and-go lunches later!
Variations & Substitutions
- 🥓 Smoky Bacon Twist: Add a few slices of crisped bacon before serving.
- 🧄 Herb Lovers’ Version: Mix in rosemary or sage for an aromatic kick.
- 🌶️ Spicy Cajun Style: Add cayenne or Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist.
- 🥬 Veggie-Packed: Add zucchini, spinach, or kale to make it heartier.
- 🍅 Tomato-Infused: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes for brightness.
- 🌾 No Ham? No Problem: Use smoked turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
What to Serve With It
This hearty Crockpot ham and bean soup is a meal in itself, but here are a few pairings that take it to the next level:
- 🥖 Crusty artisan bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- 🥗 Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- 🍞 Cheddar cornbread muffins for that Southern touch.
- 🍷 A cozy glass of red wine or apple cider to round out the meal.
Perfect for cozy family dinners, chilly nights, or lazy Sunday suppers.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Pro tip: If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
✅ Naturally gluten-free, high-protein, and rich in fiber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding salt too early – ham already brings plenty of salt; season at the end.
- Skipping the soak – unsoaked beans can stay tough even after hours of cooking.
- Using too little liquid – beans expand, so make sure everything stays covered.
- Overcooking on high – beans can split and turn mushy if cooked too long on high.
- Not letting it rest – flavors deepen as it cools slightly before serving.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes! Use 3 cans (15 oz each) of white beans, drained and rinsed. Reduce cook time to 3–4 hours on LOW.
What type of beans are best?
Great Northern, navy, or cannellini beans work beautifully for their creamy texture and mild flavor.
Can I make this without a ham bone?
Absolutely! Just use diced cooked ham and add a touch of smoked paprika for that signature flavor.
How do I thicken the soup?
Blend part of the soup or mash some beans directly in the Crockpot.
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Yes — this recipe was made for using up those delicious holiday leftovers!
Can I cook it on the stove instead?
Yes! Simmer everything together on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I freeze this soup?
Definitely. It freezes and reheats beautifully — just thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Conclusion
There’s just something special about a bowl of Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup — it’s the definition of comfort food done right. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor — all brought together by the slow cooker that does the work for you.
Whether it’s a post-holiday way to use leftover ham, or a cozy weeknight dinner when you need a bowl of warmth, this soup delivers every single time.
Once you make it, it’s sure to become a regular in your cold-weather rotation. 🥣💛
If you loved this recipe, try these next:
- Creamy White Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Cream of Chicken Soup Recipes: 5 Cozy Dinners to Try
- Sweet Potato Coconut Soup: Creamy Autumn Bliss
Crockpot White Bean and Ham Soup (Easy & Hearty)
A comforting and hearty slow cooker ham and white bean soup with a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This easy crockpot soup is a perfect match for those seeking a cozy and nutritious meal, ideal for winter evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry white beans
- 1 lb cooked ham, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Rinse the white beans and place them in the crockpot.
- Add chopped ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
