How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker White Bean and Ham Soup
American · Easy · 490 min · 6 servings
This satisfying soup uses dried white beans and smoky ham hock to create a thick creamy broth that develops incredible depth over hours of slow cooking. It is an economical and nourishing meal that stretches a small amount of protein into a feast.
Why this recipe works
This Slow Cooker White Bean and Ham Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 490 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb dried white cannellini beans soaked overnight
- 1 large smoked ham hock
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Drain and Rinse Beans
Drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Soaking overnight reduces cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Place the drained beans in the slow cooker and nestle the ham hock in the center. Add the diced onion around the ham hock then pour in the chicken broth and water.
Step 3: Season and Cook
Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the top and add a pinch of black pepper. Do not add salt yet as the ham hock is already very salty. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
Remove the ham hock and let it cool slightly. Pull the meat from the bone and shred it then stir it back into the soup. Mash a few beans against the side of the pot to thicken the broth. Taste and season with salt if needed before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ham hock → smoked sausage sliced into rounds for a quicker option
- dried cannellini beans → two cans of white beans added in the last 2 hours of cooking
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding salt at the start which can cause the beans to remain tough
- Not soaking the beans overnight which significantly extends cooking time
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 24g protein, 38g carbs, 6g fat, 9g fiber.
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