Honey Baked Ham Mixed Bean Soup Recipe: Smoky Sweetness in Every Spoon

This hearty soup transforms leftover ham into a smoky-sweet masterpiece with just 30 minutes of hands-on time.

Mixed beans soak up the rich, honey-kissed broth while chunks of ham add depth. It’s comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients for Honey Baked Ham Mixed Bean Soup

Leftover ham and mixed beans create this rich, honey-kissed soup with minimal effort.

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The ham is the foundation here. Honey baked ham (from HoneyBaked Ham Company if you’ve got it) delivers that signature smoky-sweet balance. For the beans, Bob’s Red Mill 15-bean soup mix works perfectly—no soaking required if you’re short on time. Look for ham with good marbling; it’ll enrich the broth as it simmers. Most grocery stores carry pre-diced ham in the deli section, which saves prep time.

No honey baked ham? Regular baked ham with a drizzle of honey gets you close. Swap mixed beans for navy or pinto beans at the same quantity. Out of Dijon? Whole grain mustard at half the amount works, or a pinch of dry mustard powder. Chicken broth can be vegetable broth for a lighter touch, but the ham’s saltiness means you’ll want to taste before adding extra salt.

This soup tastes even better the next day once flavors meld. Stores in the fridge for 4-5 days or freezes for 3 months (the beans soften slightly but hold up well). Reheat gently to preserve texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Baked Ham Mixed Bean Soup

This method ensures a perfectly balanced soup with smoky, sweet, and tangy notes in every spoonful.

Step 1: Soak and Prepare the Beans

Place the 1.5 cups Dried Mixed Beans in a large bowl and cover with enough cold water to exceed the beans by 2 inches. Soak overnight at room temperature, or use the quick-soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water. This removes excess starch and prevents the soup from becoming overly thick. Properly prepared beans will cook evenly and maintain their shape throughout the simmering process.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced 1 whole Yellow Onion, diced 2 whole Carrots, and diced 2 whole Celery Stalks (including leaves). Sauté for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the minced 4 cloves Garlic Cloves and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter. This aromatic base builds the flavor foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Build and Simmer the Soup

Add the drained beans, 2 cups Leftover Honey Baked Ham (diced into ½-inch chunks), 6 cups Chicken Broth, 1 tsp Dried Thyme (crushed between your fingers), and 2 whole Bay Leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine, then bring to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the soup becomes too thick. The beans should be tender but not mushy when fully cooked.

Step 4: Finish with Sweet and Tangy Notes

When the beans are tender, stir in the 0.25 cup Honey, 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, and 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar. These ingredients add the signature sweetness and tang that balance the smoky ham flavor. Season with 1 tsp Kosher Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The vinegar should provide a subtle tang without overpowering the soup. Remove and discard the 2 whole Bay Leaves before serving. The soup will thicken slightly as it cools, so serve it hot for the best texture.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Protein Powerhouse

This dish packs a serious protein punch—about 25 grams per serving from the ham and beans combined. That’s nearly half your daily protein needs in one bowl. The honey baked ham provides high-quality protein with all essential amino acids, while beans add plant-based protein for a complete profile. 💪

Fiber-Rich Comfort

Mixed beans bring 12-15 grams of fiber per serving, supporting digestion and keeping you full for hours. The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber in beans helps regulate blood sugar levels, making this soup a satisfying yet balanced meal option.

Vitamin Boost

You’ll get a healthy dose of vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from celery and onion. The ham contributes B vitamins like B6 and B12, which are essential for energy metabolism. Together, these nutrients support immune function and overall vitality.

Low-Fat Energy

Despite its rich flavor, this soup is relatively low in fat—about 5-7 grams per serving. The olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the lean ham keeps saturated fat in check. It’s a nourishing meal that won’t weigh you down.

Complex Carbs

Beans offer slow-digesting complex carbohydrates that provide steady energy without spiking blood sugar. This makes the soup an excellent choice for sustained energy, whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or recovering after activity. 🥗

Antioxidant Benefits

Garlic, onion, and thyme all contain antioxidants that combat inflammation. The honey adds a touch of natural sweetness while providing small amounts of antioxidants. These compounds work together to support long-term health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions