This Cheesy Ham and Bean Soup is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor—the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day! With tender Great Northern beans, savory ham, carrots, onion, and melty cheddar cheese, it makes a comforting lunch or dinner. Pair it with crusty bread, a grilled cheese, or biscuits for a complete meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
If you love cozy bean soups, be sure to try my Navy Bean Ham Bone Soup next—it’s another delicious classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a bowl – rich, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Great use for leftovers – especially holiday ham.
- Quick and easy – ready in under an hour with canned beans.
- Versatile – swap in different beans or cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Onion & Carrots – sautéed in butter for a flavorful base.
- Flour – helps thicken the soup.
- Chicken Broth & Whole Milk – create a creamy, rich broth. (Stick with whole milk for best results.)
- Ham – perfect for using up leftover ham!
- Beans – Great Northern beans are soft and creamy, but navy or Cannellini beans work, too.
- Cheddar Cheese – melted in at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish. Shredding a block yourself gives the smoothest texture.
Can I Use Dried Beans?
Yes! If you’d like to use dried beans, soak them first. An overnight soak in cold water (up to 24 hours) gives the best, creamiest texture. Drain before adding to the soup, and simmer until tender.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ham and Bean Soup
Turn this soup into a complete meal with:
- Crusty bread (sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta)
- A gooey grilled cheese sandwich
- Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
- Roasted vegetables (asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator – Let soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer – Freeze without the cheese for best results (stir it in when reheating). Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover ham or just want a cozy bowl of soup, this Cheesy Ham and Bean Soup is the answer. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—it’s comfort food at its best.
Cheesy Ham and Bean Soup
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes
Warm up with a bowl of Cheesy Ham and Bean Soup! This cozy, flavorful soup is made with onions, carrots, beans, and diced ham, then finished with melted cheddar cheese for the perfect creamy comfort food.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
1 cup (245 g) whole milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cups (270 g) cooked ham, diced
2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for garnish)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Sauté vegetables – In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add onion, carrots, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic & flour – Stir in garlic. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring well.
- Build the base – Slowly pour in chicken broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Add ham & beans – Mix in diced ham and beans. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens, about 15–20 minutes.
- Finish with cheese – Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and creamy.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra cheese, if desired.
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