Alton Brown Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Alton Brown’s Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of year.

The key to a rich, flavorful soup is to simmer the ham bone long enough to extract all its savory goodness.

One reason I love this recipe is that I can use simple ingredients to create a deeply satisfying meal.

A valuable tip:

Soak your beans overnight for a creamier texture and quicker cooking time.

This soup not only warms you up but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!

How to Make Alton Brown Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Beans
• 2 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 2 Carrots
• 2 stalks Celery
• 1 Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Mustard
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 Ham Bone
• 1 lb. Diced Ham
• 8 cups Chicken Broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of water and beans to a boil over high heat.

Take the pot off the heat, stir in the salt, and cover it.

Let it stand for an hour.

Step 2:

Peel and chop the carrots, celery, and onion.

Mince the garlic.

Incorporate the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mustard, and bay leaves into the pot with beans.

Step 3:

Whisk thoroughly to mix everything well.

Add the black pepper.

Step 4:

Stir in the ham bone and diced ham.

Pour in the chicken broth.

Bring to a boil.

Step 5:

Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour or until the beans are tender.

Remove the ham bone and bay leaves.

Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.

If possible, use fresh garlic and onions.

Soak Beans Overnight:

For softer beans, soak them overnight in water.

This reduces the cooking time.

Use a Thick-Bottomed Pot:

A thick-bottomed pot prevents burning.

Stir occasionally to keep from sticking.

Adjust Seasonings:

Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper.

It’s easier to add more later than fix an over-salted soup.

Leftovers and Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container.

They will keep well in the fridge for about a week.

Freeze portions for easy future meals.

What to Serve with Alton Brown Ham and Bean Soup

Cornbread

Cornbread pairs perfectly with Alton Brown’s ham and bean soup.

Its sweet, crumbly texture complements the savory soup nicely.

Arugula Salad

A simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh, peppery contrast.

It’s a great way to lighten up the meal.

Cheese Toast

Toast slices of bread with your favorite cheese until melted and bubbly.

It’s a comforting side that’s easy to make.

Coconut Rice

Try serving coconut rice for a twist.

Cook the rice with some coconut milk and chopped red chili for a few extra layers of flavor.

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters offer a slightly crunchy texture.

They are a pleasant addition to the meal.

Apple Slaw

Another interesting option is apple slaw.

The crisp and tangy flavors provide a refreshing balance to the rich soup.

Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are another classic side.

They’re flavorful and perfect for dipping into the soup.

Variations and Substitutions

You can switch up the type of beans.

Instead of using just one kind, try a mix like cannellini, navy, and kidney beans.

This adds more flavors and textures.

If you don’t have a ham bone, a smoked turkey leg works well too.

It brings a similar smoky flavor to the soup.

Vegetables

Adding different vegetables can change the soup’s taste.

You could include zucchini, spinach, or even bell peppers.

Just add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to keep them from getting too soft.

Liquid Base

Use chicken or vegetable broth if you want to switch out the base.

You could even use a part of it with some water for a lighter broth.

This might make the soup a bit different but still delicious.

Spices and Herbs

Experiment with different spices.

Adding thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of cumin can create new flavors.

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be sprinkled on top just before serving.

Meat Alternatives

For a meatless option, skip the ham entirely.

Use smoked paprika to keep some of that savory depth.

If you prefer different meats, Italian sausage or bacon can also give a nice twist.

How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Ham and Bean Soup

To keep your leftover Alton Brown Ham and Bean Soup fresh, follow these simple steps.

Store in an Airtight Container

Place your soup in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

It prevents air exposure, which can spoil the soup.

Refrigerate Promptly

After the soup cools to room temperature, refrigerate it right away.

Optimal Temperature

Keep the soup at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Use Within 3 Days

Consume the refrigerated soup within three days for the best flavor.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

If you won’t finish it in three days, freeze the soup.

Transfer it to good-quality freezer bags.

Leave some space to allow for expansion.

Label the bags with the date and type of soup.

Storage Duration

Frozen soup can be stored for 1-2 months.

Follow these steps for the best storage results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding Salt Too Early

If you add salt at the beginning, your beans may end up tough.

Wait until the beans are fully cooked before seasoning your soup.

Using the Wrong Pot

Using a thin-bottomed pot can lead to burning.

A Dutch oven or thick-bottomed pot distributes heat more evenly.

Skipping the Soak

Not soaking your beans can lead to uneven cooking.

You should soak the beans overnight or use a quick-soak method.

Overcooking Vegetables

Adding vegetables too early can make them too mushy.

Add them after the beans have softened to keep them slightly crisp.

Forgetting the Ham Hock

The ham hock adds depth of flavor.

Leaving it out can result in a less rich soup.

Skimping on Stirring

Failing to stir frequently can lead to burnt soup at the bottom.

Make sure to stir regularly, especially if using a thick-bottomed pot.