When it comes to cooking with ham bones, there’s no shortage of creative ways to turn this often-overlooked ingredient into a delicious meal. From hearty soups and stews to comforting casseroles and chowders, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a slow-cooked weekend treat, these 19 ham bone recipes have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore everything from classic pea soup with ham bone to creamy potato chowder and smoky black-eyed peas. We’ll also dive into the world of international flavors, featuring recipes inspired by Southern comfort food, Italian casseroles, and more. So grab your ham bone and get ready to cozy up with a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.
Slow Cooker Ham Bone and Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting soup perfect for a chilly day, this recipe combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked ham bone with creamy beans and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked ham bone ( leftover from your last ham dinner)
– 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen lima beans
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the ham bone in a slow cooker.
2. Add the red kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and thyme.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen lima beans.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low) or 2-6 hours (high)
Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day, this Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to warm your belly and your heart.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound split peas (green or yellow)
– 1 ham bone (preferably smoked or cooked)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the split peas, ham bone, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
4. Remove the ham bone and discard any excess fat. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Creamy Ham Bone and Potato Chowder
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ham, potatoes, and vegetables with a creamy twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 large ham bone (about 2 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the ham bone on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Add potatoes, chicken broth, and roasted ham bone to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Ham Bone and Lentil Stew
Ham Bone and Lentil Stew Recipe
Hearty and comforting, this stew combines the rich flavors of ham bone with the wholesome goodness of lentils. Perfect for a cozy night in or a warm lunch on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 ham bone (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place the ham bone in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery on top of the ham bone.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
5. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Southern Ham Bone Collard Greens
A classic Southern comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ham, collard greens, and spices to create a hearty and delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham bone
– 2 cups collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add chopped collard greens, smoked ham bone, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until greens are tender.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until greens are very tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ham Bone and White Bean Cassoulet
This hearty, slow-cooked casserole combines the rich flavors of ham bone, tender white beans, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a cold winter’s night or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless ham hock
– 1 cup dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the grated carrot, diced celery, and cooked ham hock to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the dried white beans, diced tomatoes, and thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Savory Ham Bone and Barley Soup
Warm up with this hearty, comforting soup made with a rich ham bone broth, tender barley, and savory vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) ham bone
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the ham bone, water, barley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours or overnight.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8
Ham Bone and Cabbage Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with tender ham bone and crunchy cabbage adding depth to the rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ham bone (preferably leftover or store-bought)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups cabbage, shredded
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wrap the ham bone in foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
4. Add cabbage, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Add the baked ham bone to the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors meld together.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Ham Bone and Black-Eyed Peas
This hearty, one-pot dish is a Southern classic that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The spicy ham bone adds a rich flavor profile, while the black-eyed peas provide creamy texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham bone
– 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the ham bone, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
8. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ham Bone and Corn Chowder
This hearty chowder is a perfect blend of smoky ham and sweet corn, making it a cozy addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham bone, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ham bone pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the corn kernels, chicken broth, and milk.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Ham Bone and Kale Stew
This comforting stew combines the rich flavor of ham bone with the nutritious goodness of kale, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham bone
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups kale leaves (stems removed)
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add ham bone, kale, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover pot with lid and transfer to preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until ham is falling apart and kale is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Smoky Ham Bone and Chickpea Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of smoky ham, creamy chickpeas, and savory vegetables. Simmering the bone adds rich flavor to this comforting soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham bone
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the ham bone on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little oil until tender.
4. Add the roasted ham bone, chickpeas, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ham Bone and Vegetable Minestrone
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of smoky ham bone, tender vegetables, and warm noodles. A delicious and satisfying meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham bone (such as prosciutto or pancetta)
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 8 ounces small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the ham bone on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the carrots, celery, and onion in a little bit of oil until tender.
4. Add the roasted ham bone, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and pasta to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are very tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ham Bone and Navy Bean Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day, this Ham Bone and Navy Bean Soup recipe is a twist on the classic dish. With the rich flavor of ham and the creamy texture of navy beans, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham bone
– 1 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the ham bone on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, combine the roasted ham bone, navy beans, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and thyme.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Easy Ham Bone and Rice Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 ham bone (leftover from your last roast)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the ham bone, cooked rice, chicken broth, onion, and garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
3. Remove the ham bone from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, chop it into small pieces and return them to the pot.
4. Stir in the thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ham Bone and Tomato Bisque
This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening, combining the rich flavors of ham bone and fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ham bone (with some meat still attached)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, ham bone, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Ham Bone and Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e fagioli is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the heartiness of ham and beans. This recipe is a twist on the traditional version, adding a rich and savory ham bone to create a satisfying one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
– 1 pound smoked ham bone
– 2 cups cooked kidney beans
– 1 cup diced onion
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the ham bone and chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and basil.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and add it to the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ham Bone and Butternut Squash Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of savory ham, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 large ham bone (about 2 lbs)
– 1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine the ham bone, butternut squash, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and thyme.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and bake for 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ham Bone and Quinoa Stew
A hearty and comforting stew perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe combines the rich flavors of ham bone with nutty quinoa and tender vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ham bone (preferably smoked or cured)
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the quinoa, ham bone, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get cozy with these 19 comforting ham bone recipes that are perfect for soups and stews. From classic split pea soup to creamy potato chowder, there’s something for everyone. Try using your leftover holiday ham to make a hearty lentil stew or a flavorful collard greens dish. Or go bold with spicy black-eyed peas or smoky chickpea soup. With such a variety of recipes, you’ll never be stuck without a delicious and comforting meal option. So grab that ham bone and get cooking!
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