featured 18929

Hearty Ham Bone and Lentil Soup Recipe for Deep Flavor

A large soup pot of ham bone lentil soup with a black ladle sitting on top with a scoop of soup.

Lentil Ham Bone Soup is Perfect for Leftover Ham or Turkey Bones

When I was young my mother always saved the ham bone from holiday dinners. She used it to make classic soups like lima bean or split pea, and while I wasn’t a fan back then, those comforts grew on me. Today I prefer to turn the leftover ham bone into this hearty Ham Bone Lentil Soup. It’s a simple, satisfying way to stretch leftovers into a flavorful family meal.

I first tried lentils with a leftover bone thanks to a friend whose dad made a turkey-bone lentil soup. The lentils added great texture and body, and I started adapting the idea to both turkey and ham bones. If you save a bone after Easter or Thanksgiving, try this soup with either one—the results are equally delicious.

Lentil and ham soup in a blue polka-dotted white bowl with a spoon inserted on the right with three breadsticks on the left, all sitting on top of a white polka-dotted dark blue plate.My kids surprised me by loving this soup. The flavor is mild and wholesome, and even picky eaters tend to enjoy it—my eight-year-old once requested it for his birthday dinner. With holidays coming up, remember to save that ham bone and make a pot of this comforting soup.

My Favorite Soup Recipes

  • Creamy White Chicken Chili
  • Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup
  • Minestrone Soup
  • Sausage and Sweet Potato Tortellini Soup
  • Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
  • Poor Man’s Egg and Spaghetti Soup

Step-by-step directions for how to make Ham Bone Lentil Soup

9-photo picture collage of step-by-step photos of how to make Ham Bone Lentil soupA white and blue polka-dotted bowl filled with ham and lentil soup sitting on a large white polka-dotted blue plate with three bread sticks on the left of the bowl.Frequently Asked Questions for making Ham Bone Lentil Soup

How long will a ham bone stay good in the freezer?

Stored in an airtight bag, a ham bone will keep well for at least 3–4 months and often up to 6 months depending on freezer conditions. Label and date the bag for best results.

Can I make this soup without a ham bone and just add pieces of ham?

You can use ham instead, but the distinctive depth of flavor comes from simmering the bone. If using ham pieces, add them early and allow enough simmering time so the ham contributes to the broth rather than being added only at the end.

How much Italian seasoning should I add instead of the other dried herbs?

To substitute Italian seasoning, use 1 teaspoon and still include about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for brightness.

A large dark blue plate with white polka dots with three breadsticks and a blue and white polka-dotted soup bowl of lentil and ham bone soup with a spoon inserted. Next to the plate is a partial picture of a plate of breadsticks.Can I freeze this Ham Bone Lentil Soup?

Yes. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. It thaws and reheats very well, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

How long do lentils need to cook?

Lentils usually become tender after about 20–30 minutes of simmering. You can cook them longer if you prefer them very soft; the soup will thicken slightly as the lentils break down.

Two-photo Pinterest picture with the text Ham Bone Lentil Soup in the middle separating the photos. The top photo is a bowl of ham bone lentil soup with a spoon it. The bottom photo is a large pot of ham bone lentil soup with a black serving spoon held from the right on top of the soup with soup in the spoon.Chef’s tools for Ham Lentil Soup:

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Chicken bouillon (optional, for seasoning)
  • Soup bowls

Pinterest picture of ham bone lentil soup with a serving spoon on top of the soup with soup in it. The text of the title is at the bottom with the text of the ingredients list directly below it.

Serve Ham Bone Lentil Soup with…

Three rows of Baked Lunch Lady Cafeteria Rolls for a total of nine rolls.
Lunch Lady Cafeteria Rolls
img 18929 9
Perfect Artisan Bread
A round loaf of crusty bread with a couple slices of bread on brown parchment paper.
Easy Crusty Bread
Ham Bone Lentil Soup
Recipe Type: Soup / Ham / Lentils
Author: Slightly adapted from my friend Jessica’s dad, Tony.
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10–12
A flavorful, nourishing soup made from a leftover holiday ham bone and hearty lentils. It’s easy to prepare, freezes well, and makes a great family meal.
Ingredients
  • 1 ham bone with some ham attached, if possible
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3–4 large carrots, sliced or diced
  • 4–5 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 10–12 cups water
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 lb lentils
  • 1 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic until the onion is translucent.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and chicken bouillon.
  3. Add the lentils and the ham bone, then pour in the water.
  4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes or until lentils are tender. You can simmer longer for deeper flavor.
  5. Remove the bone and shred any remaining ham into the soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
3.5.3251

Amazing Quick Bread Recipes

Three slices of zucchini bread staggered on one another.
The BEST Zucchini Bread Recipe
Banana chocolate bread sliced and sitting on a plate with chocolate chips scattered around the bread.
The Best Chocolate Banana Bread
Small cutting board with a sliced loaf of banana bread.
Amish Banana Bread

Pinterest picture with the text of the title of the recipe at the top and a photo of a large soup pot of ham bone lentil soup and a serving ladle held from the right on top of the soup with soup in the ladle.

Other Ham and Lentil Soups
Leftover Ham Bone Lentil Soup
Ham and Lentil Soup
Easy Ham and Lentil Soup