Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup (Printable)

Hearty soup combining tender ham, creamy beans, and fresh herbs for vibrant, comforting flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 cups cooked ham, diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Beans

06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Other

14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
02 - Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add diced ham and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add cannellini beans, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in just one hour with minimal hands-on time
  • Packed with protein from ham and beans, making it a complete meal
  • Gluten-free and easily adaptable for various dietary needs
  • Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor and aromatic depth
  • Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have
02 -
  • Use leftover holiday ham for extra flavor and to reduce waste
  • Always rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve texture
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their vibrant color and flavor
  • For meal prep, store broth and solids separately to prevent beans from absorbing too much liquid
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy future meal
  • A parmesan rind simmered with the soup adds umami depth (remove before serving)
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