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After a holiday meal or a big Sunday dinner, I almost always have leftover ham. My favorite way to use it up is by making a big pot of soup. There’s something so comforting about ham soup—it’s hearty, flavorful, and makes the whole house smell good.
These recipes are my go-to for turning that leftover ham into a meal that feels cozy and new.
They are simple, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week.
1. Classic Split Pea and Ham Soup
A timeless recipe where yellow split peas simmer with a meaty ham bone, carrots, and onions until thick and creamy. I make this more than any other soup.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 16g
2. Simple Ham and Potato Soup
Diced ham and potatoes in a creamy broth with celery and onions. I use milk or a little cream to make it rich. It’s my ultimate comfort food.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
3. Ham and Bean Soup
A mix of white beans, diced ham, and vegetables simmered in broth with herbs. It’s a filling, protein-packed soup that’s easy on the budget.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 12g
4. Ham and Corn Chowder
A sweet and savory chowder with corn, diced potatoes, and ham in a creamy base. I use frozen corn all year round for this.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
5. Hearty Ham and Lentil Soup
Brown lentils, ham, carrots, and celery cooked in a savory broth. This soup is thick, nourishing, and gets better the next day.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 15g
6. Slow Cooker Ham and Vegetable Soup
I toss everything—ham, broth, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced tomatoes—into the crockpot in the morning. Dinner is ready when I get home.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
7. Ham and Cabbage Soup
A light broth with shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and chunks of ham. It’s a simple, clean-tasting soup that feels wholesome.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
8. Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Soup
Just like the classic broccoli cheddar, but with diced ham added. It’s creamy, cheesy, and a great way to get my kids to eat their vegetables.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
9. Ham and Wild Rice Soup
A creamy soup with chewy wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, and ham. It feels a little more special but is still very easy to make.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
10. White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
I simmer a ham hock with white beans and a bay leaf until the meat falls off the bone. It’s deeply flavorful and so satisfying.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 11g
11. Ham and Barley Soup
Pearl barley makes this soup thick and hearty. With ham, carrots, and celery, it’s a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 7g
12. Ham and Tomato Soup with Pasta
A tomato-based broth with small pasta shells, diced ham, and spinach. It’s like a heartier version of classic tomato soup.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
13. Creamy Ham and Mushroom Soup
Sautéed mushrooms and onions in a creamy broth with chunks of ham. I like to use a mix of different mushrooms for more flavor.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
14. Ham and Black-Eyed Pea Soup
A Southern-inspired soup with black-eyed peas, ham, and collard greens. It’s simple, rustic, and full of good luck, as the tradition goes.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 9g
15. Ham and Pumpkin Soup
A fall favorite. Pureed pumpkin makes the soup velvety, and diced ham adds a salty, savory bite. A little sage completes it.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 6g
16. Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Similar to the white bean soup but specifically with navy beans. They break down a little as they cook, making the broth naturally creamy.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 14g
17. Ham and Escarole Soup with Orzo
A light Italian-style broth with escarole, small orzo pasta, and ham. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top is a must.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
18. Spicy Ham and Sweet Potato Soup
Diced sweet potatoes and ham in a broth with a touch of chili powder or cayenne. The sweet and spicy combo is really good.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
19. Ham and Rice Soup
A very simple, brothy soup with tender rice, peas, carrots, and ham. It’s gentle and comforting, perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
20. Ham Chowder with Bacon
A richer chowder that starts with cooking bacon. I use the bacon fat to cook the vegetables and add the crispy bacon back in with the ham.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
21. Minestrone with Ham
A vegetable-heavy minestrone with green beans, zucchini, and tomatoes, where I use diced ham instead of the usual pancetta or sausage.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 7g
22. Creamy Cauliflower and Ham Soup
Pureed cauliflower creates a creamy, low-carb base for this soup. Diced ham and cheddar cheese stirred in at the end make it a full meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
