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This slow cooker ham bone soup is one of my favorite ways to turn leftovers into something really satisfying.
If you’ve ever saved a ham bone and wondered what to do with it, this is it. It adds incredible flavor to the broth and turns a simple pot of soup into something rich and comforting.
Just load everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. By the end of the day, you’ve got a hearty, nourishing soup that feels like it took a lot more effort than it did.
Why I Love This Ham Bone Soup
• A great way to use up leftover ham
• Rich, flavorful broth with minimal effort
• Made with simple, affordable ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Comforting and satisfying
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ham Bone – The key to flavor. Leftover ham bones work best, but a meaty ham hock can also be used.
- Garlic & Onion – Build the base flavor of the soup.
- Carrots & Potato – Adds heartiness and texture.
- White Beans – Adds fiber and makes the soup more filling. Any mild white bean works well.
- Frozen Corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and color. Drained canned corn will also work.
- Dried Thyme & Bay Leaves – Classic seasoning for ham-based soups.
- Chicken Bouillon – Boosts flavor. You can substitute broth in place of water if preferred.
- Water – Forms the base of the soup.
- Diced Ham – Adds extra protein and texture.
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste at the end.
Calories and WW Points
According to my calculations each cup of soup has just 114 calories and 1 WW Point.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
2 PointsPlus (Old plan)
Recipe Notes
If you’ve never made soup with a ham bone, you’re in for a treat. It adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get any other way.
This is one of those recipes that feels both practical and satisfying — a simple way to stretch leftovers into another full meal.
It was the perfect way to use up the bone from my honey mustard glazed slow cooker spiral cut ham. (If you didn’t have ham for Thanksgiving, add it to your menu for Christmas or New Years so you can make a pot. Or save it for Easter, another important holiday that often includes ham.)
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup
Step 1: Just assemble and prep your ingredients. Dice, chop and mince your vegetables. Add them to the slow cooker along with everything else except the chopped ham.
Step 2: Add 6 cups of water. Cover and cook on LOW until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Remove ham bone from the slow cooker and remove any remaining meat from the bone, cutting it into bite size pieces.
Step 4: Return the meat to the slow cooker and discard the bone. Stir in the additional diced ham. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as necessary. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Ham Bone Soup
This soup pairs well with:
- Collard greens or a simple salad
- Warm crusty bread
- Irish Soda Bread
- Light and healthy cornbread
If you’ve made this low calorie Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Slow Cooker Ham Bone Soup (Easy & Budget-Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 russet potato, peeled and chopped, (I used unpeeled red potatoes instead)
- 1 can (14 to 15 ounces) canned white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1-1/2 tablespoons chicken bouillon (I like jarred Better than Bouillon)
- 1 1/2 cups leftover diced ham
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Ideal Slow Cooker Size: 6-Quart.
- Place leftover ham bone in the crock pot. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, potato, beans, corn, thyme, bay leaves and chicken bouillon. Add 6 cups of water.
- Cover and cook on LOW until the vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove the ham bone and stir in diced ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent it from getting overdone.
- Taste and add adjust the seasoning to your liking adding salt, pepper, hot sauce, etc.)
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 2 PointsPlus (Old plan) If you’ve never used a leftover ham bone to make soup you are in for a treat. It infuses the broth with incredible flavor. Brimming with vegetables, chunks of sweet ham, and tender white beans this savory, tummy-warming low-fat soup will keep you smiling and satisfied for hours. It was the perfect way to use up the bone from my honey mustard glazed slow cooker spiral cut ham. (If you didn’t have ham for Thanksgiving, add it to your menu for Christmas or New Years so you can make a pot. Or save it for Easter, another important holiday that often includes ham.)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe source: adapted from Damn Delicious for the crock pot.
This soup was SOOOOO delicious, but I am struggling a little with the points value (Smart Plan – 1 pt). I put the leftover soup in containers for lunch, and today I skimmed off about 2 tsp of fat off the top before I reheated. With so much fat, how are the points so low!
Like looking at you site but just can’t get past all the pop-ups that move, they are VERY distracting. It wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t move and always change.
First time I ever made a soup with a hambone, it was absolutely delicious! I left out some of the spices because my father-in-law is somewhat picky and it was still outstanding. And only 3 WW points, I may have seconds!
Was very tasty. I didn’t add salt/pepper until it was served and with the veggies and spices, it really didn’t need it. I would add another can of beans to thicken it more the next time.
That was a easy and very tasty meal. Fell like i can actcook! Thanjs for the share.
I just noticed the picture at the top of this recipe, the potato is not peeled. So, peeled or unpeeled?
Hi Fritz, Peeled or unpeeled, your choice!
Any idea what the Smart Point value is? I’m not sure how to calculate a ham bone….
Hi Kristine, it’s 3 SmartPoints. I’ve updated the recipe.
I think the soup from the leftovers is the best part of the Holidays! This looks wonderful…