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A classic Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup made with tender white beans, smoky ham, onions, garlic, and a rich savory broth. The perfect comforting meal for chilly days.

Grandma's Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup

A classic Old-Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup made with tender white beans, smoky ham, onions, garlic, and a rich savory broth. The perfect comforting meal for chilly days.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried Great Northern or navy beans
  • 1 meaty ham hock or 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven
  • colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Rinse and soak the beans overnight, or use the quick-soak method.
  2. Drain the beans and place them in a large pot with the ham hock, onion, garlic, broth, and bay leaves.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2–3 hours until the beans are tender.
  4. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread.

Notes

A ham hock produces the richest flavor.
Taste before adding salt.
The soup thickens as it sits and is even better the next day.
Add extra broth when reheating if needed.