The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup Recipe

There is perhaps no aroma more comforting, more deeply rooted in the history of home cooking, than the rich, savory scent of a long-simmered bean soup. This classic preparation transforms humble ingredients dried beans and a smoky ham bone into a meal that is both hearty and affordable. Today, we are bringing this timeless tradition into the modern kitchen with the simplest method available: the slow cooker. This recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup takes all the flavor complexity that usually requires hours of stove supervision and packages it neatly into a convenient, set-it-and-forget-it method. If you are looking for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that practically cooks itself, you have found your new favorite winter warmer.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. By leveraging the low, slow heat of the crockpot, the ham bone releases its deep, complex smoky flavors and gelatinous richness directly into the broth, creating a luxurious base that store-bought stock simply cannot replicate. Paired with aromatic vegetables and a robust blend of dried herbs, the result is a deeply satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal that tastes like it took a whole day to make when in reality, it only required about fifteen minutes of prep. Get ready to transform that leftover holiday ham bone into culinary gold with the best Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup you’ll ever taste.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary experience centered around convenience, flavor extraction, and pure, unadulterated comfort. There are several key reasons why this particular rendition of ham bone bean soup earns its spot in your weekly rotation.

Unbeatable Convenience: True “Set-It-and-Forget-It” Cooking

The defining feature of the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is, of course, the slow cooker itself. Unlike traditional stovetop methods, which demand constant monitoring, stirring, and temperature adjustments to prevent sticking or boiling over, the slow cooker handles the entire process flawlessly. You can toss all the ingredients into the crockpot before work, set it on LOW, and return eight to ten hours later to a fully cooked, deeply flavorful meal. This level of convenience is paramount for busy families and meal preppers alike.

Flavor Extraction Mastery: The Power of the Ham Bone

The true magic happens when the ham bone the very backbone of this recipe slowly simmers. Over hours, the bone releases gelatin, marrow, and concentrated smoked meat particles into the liquid. This process creates an incredible depth of flavor (umami) and a beautiful, slightly viscous texture that elevates the simple broth into something rich and luxurious. Using a smoked ham bone is the secret ingredient; it provides the savory, salty, and smoky notes that define classic bean soup. When we talk about maximizing flavor with minimal effort, this Crockpot Bean Soup stands alone.

Cost-Effective and Resourceful Cooking

This recipe is an economical superstar. Dried beans are one of the most cost-effective protein sources available, and the ham bone itself is often a leftover from a larger holiday meal (like Easter or Christmas ham). By utilizing an ingredient often discarded, you are practicing zero-waste cooking while turning scraps into a gourmet-level dish. This resourceful approach ensures that every penny spent on your holiday ham translates into multiple, delicious meals.

The Perfect Texture, Every Time

Slow cooking ensures the beans achieve the perfect texture. They become incredibly creamy and tender without the risk of bursting or turning mushy, which can happen during high-heat boiling. The long, gentle simmer allows the starches in the beans to break down slowly, resulting in a velvety soup base. Plus, the flexibility to adjust the final consistency by smashing some beans or adding liquid means you can customize this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup exactly to your preference, whether you like it thick like a stew or brothier like a traditional soup.

Why You Should Try This Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

Beyond convenience and flavor, there are compelling reasons related to nutrition, versatility, and sheer comfort that make this recipe a must-try. This isn’t just fuel; it’s nourishment for the body and soul, embodying the warmth of traditional home cooking.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

Beans are celebrated for their incredible health benefits. They are packed with dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This makes the Slow Cooker Bean Recipe an excellent choice for a satiating meal. Furthermore, incorporating lean, shredded ham meat back into the soup provides a significant boost of high-quality protein, making this a complete and balanced meal. It’s comforting food that you can genuinely feel good about eating.

Versatility in Flavor Profile

While the base of this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is rich and classic, the flavor profile is incredibly adaptable. The suggested addition of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end a crucial step often overlooked in bean soups cuts through the richness of the smoked ham and brightens the entire dish, preventing it from tasting flat or heavy. You can easily adjust the spices, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra smokiness, ensuring this recipe never gets boring. You can even serve it alongside other comforting classics, like our recipe for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, for a comforting meal duo.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing

One of the greatest advantages of making a large batch of Ham Bone Soup in the slow cooker is its suitability for batch cooking. Soups of this nature often taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to deepen and meld completely. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making weeknight dinners stress-free. Moreover, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for an almost instant, delicious meal.

A Dish that Tells a Story

Recipes like this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup are steeped in tradition. Historically, bean soup was the ultimate peasant dish a way to stretch meager resources into a filling and nourishing meal. Every spoonful is a connection to that heritage of practical, delicious cooking. When you transform a leftover ham bone into this gorgeous soup, you are participating in a tradition of maximizing flavor and minimizing waste, proving that the simplest ingredients often yield the most profound culinary rewards. For more inspiration on cozy, traditional recipes, feel free to check out my Pinterest page.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

Achieving the rich, deep flavor of this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup requires a balance of high-quality ingredients and a few essential tools. While the list is simple, the details matter, especially when it comes to liquid and seasoning control.

The Essential Ingredients

Precision in ingredient selection is key to developing that sought-after, savory depth. We rely on the natural salinity and smokiness of the ham bone, balancing it with fresh aromatics and quality liquids.

Protein and Base:

• 1 Large Smoked Ham Bone: This is the star. Ideally, it should still have a good amount of meat attached. This bone provides the rich, smoky flavor and the gelatin needed for body and texture.
• 1 Pound Bag (about 2 cups) Dried Mixed Beans: A 15-bean soup mix works beautifully, offering visual interest and varied textures. Great Northern beans or navy beans are also excellent substitutes if you prefer a uniform look.

Liquid Components:

• 6 Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Using low-sodium broth is crucial. Since the ham bone releases a significant amount of salt during the long cook time, starting with low-sodium liquid allows you to control the final seasoning precisely.
• 2 Cups Water: Used to supplement the broth and ensure all beans are fully submerged for even cooking.

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 Large Yellow Onion, finely chopped: The foundation of flavor.
• 2 Medium Carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and color.
• 2 Stalks Celery, diced: Provides essential savory depth to the mirepoix base.
• 4 Cloves Garlic, minced: Added late in the sauté process to maximize fragrance without burning.
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil (optional, for sautéing aromatics): Highly recommended. The quick sauté step “blooms” the vegetables and garlic, releasing their volatile oils and deepening the initial flavor before the slow cook begins.

Seasoning and Finishing Touches:

• 2 Whole Bay Leaves: Essential for a subtle, earthy background note. Remember to discard these!
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: Pairs perfectly with ham and beans, adding warmth.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley: Provides a hint of fresh flavor balance.
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground is preferred): Freshly ground pepper offers a more potent aroma than pre-ground.
• Salt, to taste: Wait until the very end to add any salt! Taste after the ham bone has been removed and the meat is returned to the soup.
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice (for finishing): This is the game-changer. A splash of acid brightens the deep, savory, and sometimes heavy flavors of slow-cooked meat and legumes, giving the soup a professional, vibrant finish.

Recommended Tools and Utensils

While the beauty of this recipe is its minimal equipment requirement, having the right tools ensures success and safety, particularly when dealing with large volumes of boiling hot soup and a heavy ham bone.

Slow Cooker Essentials

• 6-Quart or 7-Quart Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A larger size is necessary to accommodate the full volume of liquid, the beans, vegetables, and the large ham bone. Trying to cram this into a smaller cooker risks overflow and uneven cooking. Ensure your slow cooker has reliable LOW and HIGH settings.
• Large Colander: Essential for inspecting and thoroughly rinsing the dried beans.
• Large Skillet (optional, but recommended): Used for the initial sautéing of the mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery). This step adds a crucial layer of flavor depth before the long cook.

Preparation and Serving Tools

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the vegetables uniformly, ensuring they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
• Tongs: Absolutely necessary for safely removing the heavy, hot ham bone from the soup basin after cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate liquid and spice measurements.
• Immersion Blender (optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, an immersion blender (or transferring a portion to a regular blender) is the fastest way to puree some of the beans for thickening.
• Large Spoon or Ladle: For stirring, tasting, and serving your perfect Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.

By gathering these simple components and tools, you are setting the stage for a truly effortless cooking experience that results in phenomenal flavor. Remember the crucial notes on low-sodium broth and waiting until the end to season; these small details distinguish a good soup from a truly great 15-Bean Soup experience.

Detailed Recipe Steps: Mastering the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

Following these detailed steps ensures that your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, delivering perfectly cooked beans and maximum flavor extraction from the ham bone. Pay close attention to the preparation phase it sets the foundation for success.

Step 1: Preparation of Beans and Aromatics

1. Inspect and Rinse the Beans: Pour the 1-pound bag of dried beans onto a clean baking sheet or into a large colander. Inspect them carefully, removing any tiny stones, pieces of debris, or severely cracked beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cool, running water until the water runs clear. Crucial Tip: When using a slow cooker, beans usually do not require the traditional overnight soak, as the extended, low-temperature cooking softens them effectively. However, rinsing is non-negotiable for cleanliness and texture.
2. Prepare the Aromatics (Optional Sauté): While you can simply dump the raw vegetables into the pot, maximizing flavor begins here. Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté this mirepoix for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly and the onions become translucent.
3. Bloom the Garlic: Stir in the 4 cloves of minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Cook until the garlic is fragrant (about 30 to 60 seconds). Do not burn the garlic, as this will introduce a bitter flavor to the finished soup. This quick sauté step caramelizes the vegetables slightly, enhancing the overall savory profile of the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup.

Step 2: Loading the Slow Cooker

The layering process is straightforward, but ensure the ham bone is properly nestled among the ingredients for optimal flavor infusion.

1. Add Beans and Vegetables: Place the cleaned and rinsed dried beans directly into the bottom of your large 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker basin. Add the sautéed aromatic vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, and garlic) over the beans. If you skipped the sauté step, simply add the raw, chopped vegetables now.
2. Position the Ham Bone: Carefully nestle the large smoked ham bone into the center of the beans and vegetables. Ensure it sits deep within the ingredients so the liquid can fully circulate around it.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and the 2 cups of water. Check the liquid level: all ingredients, especially the beans, must be submerged. If the liquid does not cover the ingredients, add a little more water or broth until everything is covered. This prevents the top beans from drying out.

Step 3: Seasoning and Initial Cooking

1. Initial Seasoning: Add the dried seasonings: the two whole bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Important Reminder: Do not add any additional salt at this stage. The ham bone will release a significant amount of salt during the long cooking process.
2. Start Cooking: Cover the slow cooker tightly with the lid. Cook the soup on the LOW setting for 8 to 10 hours, or, if time is short, on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours. The soup is finished when the beans are completely tender, soft, and easy to mash with a fork.
3. Monitoring and Testing: Around the 7-hour mark (on LOW), taste a few beans from the center of the pot. If they are still firm or crunchy, continue cooking. Slow cooker times can vary, so the tenderness of the beans is the best indicator of readiness.

Step 4: Finishing and Serving the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

The final steps involve extracting the meat, adjusting the texture, and achieving the perfect seasoning balance.

1. Remove Bone and Bay Leaves: Once the beans are tender, turn off the slow cooker or switch it to the WARM setting. Carefully remove the ham bone using sturdy tongs. Place the bone on a cutting board. Discard the bay leaves immediately, as they are not meant to be consumed.
2. Shred the Ham Meat: Allow the ham bone to cool for a few minutes until it is comfortable enough to handle. Pick any remaining meat from the bone, shred it or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return the cooked ham meat to the slow cooker. Discard the remaining bone, fat, and any gristle.
3. Adjust Consistency (Optional Thickening): If your soup is too thin, you have a few options:
   • Smash Beans: Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to mash about 1 cup of the cooked beans against the side of the pot. Stir well. The released starches will thicken the broth.
   • Immersion Blender: Briefly pulse an immersion blender directly in the pot, aiming only for about 30 seconds to break down a portion of the beans.
4. Final Seasoning and Brightening: Now is the time to taste the soup. Assess the salinity level and add salt, if necessary, a teaspoon at a time. Then, stir in the 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This small addition is crucial; it “wakes up” the deep, slow-cooked flavors.
5. Rest and Serve: Stir the finished Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup well and let it sit covered on the WARM setting for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows the added meat and final seasonings to fully integrate. Serve hot with crusty bread, cornbread, or even alongside a simple, light appetizer like Caprese Skewers.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Your Ham Bone Soup

While the base recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is perfect as written, there are numerous ways to customize and perfect your batch. These tips address common issues and offer delicious alternatives.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The Salt Issue: Timing is Everything

The most common mistake when making ham bone soup is adding salt at the beginning. As the ham bone simmers, it slowly releases its curing salts into the liquid. If you pre-salt the soup, the final result will be overwhelmingly salty. Always wait until the ham bone is removed and the liquid is reduced and tasted before adding any additional salt. If, by chance, your soup ends up too salty, try adding an extra cup of unsalted broth or water, or squeeze in an extra dash of the finishing acid (vinegar/lemon juice), which can help balance the perception of saltiness.

Ensuring Bean Tenderness

If your beans are still firm after 8 hours on LOW, there are two potential culprits: old beans or hard water. Old, dried beans (those sitting in the pantry for years) can be notoriously difficult to soften. Ensure you are using a relatively fresh bag. If you live in an area with very hard water, the minerals can inhibit the softening process. Adding a tiny pinch of baking soda (no more than 1/4 teaspoon) during the initial cooking can help soften the bean skins, though this is rarely necessary in a slow cooker setup.

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives and Add-ins

If a large ham bone isn’t available, you can substitute other smoky pork products. A couple of smoked ham hocks or a smoked turkey leg will work equally well, providing the necessary depth. If you crave a spicier soup, try adding half a cup of diced smoked sausage (like kielbasa) during the last hour of cooking, or integrating a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning blend.

Vegetable Boost

To enhance the vegetable content, try adding diced potato (Russet or Yukon Gold) during the last two hours of cooking, or a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn) during the final 30 minutes. Adding greens, such as a cup of chopped kale or spinach, just before serving adds nutritional value and color.

Vegan/Vegetarian Bean Soup (Without the Ham Bone)

While the essence of this specific recipe is the ham bone, you can adapt the concept for a smoky vegetarian bean soup. Skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth exclusively. To achieve that smoky depth, substitute the ham bone flavor by adding 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and a tablespoon of liquid smoke (available in most grocery stores) during the initial cooking phase. You can also brown 4 ounces of vegetarian bacon pieces or substitute the ham bone with a parmesan rind for savory depth, turning this into a fantastic Slow Cooker Bean Recipe for all dietary needs.

Texture Variations

For a Southwestern twist, try adding 1 teaspoon of chili powder and a can of drained diced tomatoes during the last hour. For a creamier, richer broth (similar to a creamy garlic parmesan pasta sauce), you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of full-fat Greek yogurt just before serving.

Pro Tip: Finishing Touches

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. Serve the finished Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup with a swirl of extra olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. A side of hot sauce is also a fantastic way to add personalized heat to each bowl.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Ham Bone Bean Soup

The core components of the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup beans, lean ham, and hearty vegetables make this not only a satisfying dish but a significant contributor to a healthy diet. This soup is a nutritional powerhouse, especially valuable for its fiber and protein content.

Nutritional Snapshot (Estimated per 1.5 cup serving)

While exact values vary based on the saltiness of the ham bone and the specific bean mix used, the general profile is excellent:

• Calories: Approximately 300–400 Kcal
• Protein: High (20–30 grams)
• Fiber: Very High (10–15 grams)
• Fats: Low to Moderate (primarily unsaturated, depending on ham fat content)
• Carbohydrates: Moderate (Complex carbohydrates from beans and vegetables)

The Health Benefits of Beans: The Fiber Factor

Beans are classified as legumes and are an essential part of the Mediterranean diet. The primary benefit derived from this soup comes from the high fiber content:

• Digestive Health: The fiber (both soluble and insoluble) promotes regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation.
• Heart Health: Soluble fiber helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels by binding cholesterol in the digestive tract.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Beans have a low glycemic index. The combination of protein and fiber slows down digestion and the absorption of sugar, which helps prevent rapid blood sugar spikes, making this an ideal choice for sustained energy.

Benefits of Lean Ham and Bone Broth

The ham meat incorporated back into the Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup provides lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and satiety. Eating a protein-rich soup like this helps you feel full longer, potentially aiding in weight management. Furthermore, the slow cooking of the ham bone creates a form of bone broth, which releases valuable nutrients:

• Collagen and Gelatin: When the bone simmers, the connective tissues break down into gelatin, which gives the soup its luxurious mouthfeel. Gelatin is the cooked form of collagen, which is lauded for its potential benefits to joint health and skin elasticity.
• Minerals: The bone releases essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus into the broth, adding micronutrient density to the final product.

A Vitamin and Mineral Boost

The addition of carrots, celery, and onions ensures a good dose of vitamins A and K, as well as B vitamins. The herbs (thyme and parsley) also contribute antioxidants. In short, this isn’t just a comfort meal; it is a holistic, nourishing dish designed to support vitality and warmth during colder months. It pairs excellently with another vegetable-forward dish, like a Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, for a varied nutrient intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

The quest for truly satisfying, home-cooked comfort food often leads us back to the classics, and few recipes achieve the level of robust flavor and textural perfection as this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup. We’ve taken the traditional method, which historically tied cooks to the hearth, and adapted it for the modern, busy lifestyle, allowing the crockpot to transform simple dried beans and a flavorful bone into a dish of profound depth.

This soup is a testament to resourceful cooking a magnificent way to extract the final, rich essence from a leftover holiday ham. By following the detailed steps, from the recommended (but optional) quick sauté of the aromatics to the crucial step of adding acid at the finish, you ensure a soup that is not merely good, but outstanding. Remember the golden rules: wait on the salt, rinse those beans, and savor the ten hours of effortless simmering that delivers flavor far beyond its preparation time.

Whether you are seeking a hearty meal prep option, a budget-friendly family dinner, or simply an escape into the warmth of classic American cuisine, this Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. We encourage you to try this recipe, share the warmth, and perhaps even start a new Sunday tradition. Let us know in the comments how you customized your batch did you add sausage? Did you embrace the lemon juice finish? Your culinary adventures inspire us all!

Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup

A hearty and comforting soup made effortlessly in the slow cooker, utilizing a smoked ham bone for deep, savory flavor and packed with tender mixed beans and aromatic vegetables.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 large smoked ham bone (with some meat attached is ideal)
• 1 pound bag dried mixed beans, 15-bean soup mix, or Great Northern beans (about 2 cups)

Liquids & Aromatics

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing aromatics)

Seasoning & Finishing

• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is preferred)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for finishing)
• to taste Salt (Note: Wait until the end, as the ham bone is salty)

Equipment

• 6-7 Quart Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Large skillet (optional)
• Colander

Method

 

Step 1: Preparation of Beans and Aromatics

1. Inspect the dried beans carefully, removing any debris, stones, or broken beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cool running water using a colander. (Note: Rinsing is essential even if not soaking.)
2. Optional Sauté: If maximizing flavor, heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking until fragrant.

Step 2: Loading the Slow Cooker

1. Place the cleaned and rinsed dried beans directly into the basin of a large 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker. Layer the prepared aromatic vegetables (sautéed or raw) over the beans.
2. Nestle the large smoked ham bone into the center of the beans and vegetables. Pour in the 6 cups of broth and the 2 cups of water. Ensure all ingredients are submerged; if not, add a little more water until everything is covered by liquid.

Step 3: Seasoning and Initial Cooking

1. Add the seasonings: the two bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, and black pepper. Do not add additional salt at this stage.
2. Cover the slow cooker tightly. Cook the soup on the LOW setting for 8 to 10 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans are completely tender and soft.

Step 4: Finishing the Soup

1. Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the ham bone using tongs and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly. Discard the bay leaves.
2. Pick any remaining meat from the bone, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and return the cooked ham meat to the slow cooker. Discard the remaining bone and any fat.
3. Thicken (optional): If a thicker consistency is desired, smash about 1 cup of the cooked beans against the side of the pot with a spoon, or briefly use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. Stir well to incorporate.
4. Taste the soup and adjust for salt, if necessary. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Serve hot.

Notes

This soup freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. The soup will thicken considerably as it cools; you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. For a vegetarian option, replace the ham bone with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth, ensuring you add salt at the seasoning stage.