Discover the ultimate comfort food for your low-carb lifestyle with this incredible Creamy Keto Ham Bone Soup with Vegetables. This recipe isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a smart way to utilize leftover ham bones, transforming them into a rich, savory, and wonderfully creamy soup that’s both comforting and perfectly aligned with ketogenic principles. If you’re searching for a hearty, satisfying soup that packs a punch of flavor without the carbs, look no further. This recipe promises a bowlful of warmth, packed with wholesome ingredients and infused with the deep, smoky essence of ham bone broth.
Is Ham Keto-Friendly? Navigating Low-Carb Ham Choices
A common question when following a ketogenic diet is whether ham is a suitable food choice. The answer, while generally yes, requires a closer look at the type and preparation of the ham. Pure, unprocessed, unglazed ham is indeed highly keto-friendly. A typical serving of plain ham contains minimal carbohydrates, usually around 1-2 grams, making it an excellent protein source for a low-carb diet. Its rich flavor and versatility make it a staple for many keto meal plans.
However, it’s crucial to be vigilant about how ham is processed and prepared. Many hams, especially those marketed as “honey-glazed” or “maple-cured,” often contain added sugars, syrups, and other carb-heavy ingredients that can quickly derail your keto goals. Even some deli hams might include binders or glazes with hidden sugars like corn syrup or dextrose. Always check the ingredient list carefully. If you’re craving glazed ham, don’t despair! You can still enjoy it on keto, provided the glaze is crafted with keto-approved sweeteners and ingredients. For a delicious and compliant option, I highly recommend trying my keto glazed ham recipe, which delivers all the flavor without the carb overload.
Unlock Deep Flavor with Creamy Ham Bone Soup
This Creamy Keto Ham Bone Soup is an exceptional recipe, particularly for utilizing those valuable leftover ham bones from a holiday feast or family meal. Don’t ever consider discarding them! A ham bone is a culinary treasure, brimming with rich flavor and essential nutrients that infuse the broth with an unparalleled depth. Slow cooking these bones extracts collagen, minerals, and a smoky essence that elevates this soup far beyond a simple meal.
This versatile soup can be prepared using two primary methods: on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Our featured recipe provides clear, step-by-step instructions for the stovetop method, which allows for quicker preparation while still developing fantastic flavor. If you prefer the convenience of a slow cooker, you can certainly adapt this recipe. However, a key tip for slow cooker preparation is to add the heavy whipping cream only during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Heavy cream, when cooked over an extended period in a slow cooker, can sometimes separate or develop an undesirable texture. By adding it towards the end, you ensure your Keto Ham Soup retains its luxurious, silky creaminess.
Crafting the Perfect Keto Ham Soup: Key Ingredients and Flavor Boosters
What truly makes this Keto Ham Soup exceptional is its rich, velvety texture and vibrant flavors. The secret to its iconic creaminess lies in the generous use of heavy whipping cream. This ingredient not only provides a smooth, indulgent mouthfeel but also significantly contributes to the soup’s keto-friendliness by adding healthy fats without carbohydrates.
For those who follow a dairy-free diet or have lactose sensitivities, a simple and effective substitution is canned coconut cream. Opt for full-fat coconut cream, which offers a similar richness to heavy cream. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the subtle coconut flavor isn’t overpowering and harmonizes beautifully with the savory ham, making for a delicious dairy-free Creamy Ham Bone Soup.
Another distinguishing feature of this recipe is its emphasis on fresh herbs over dried ones. As fresh rosemary and thyme gently simmer in the broth, they slowly release their potent aromatics and nuanced flavors, deeply infusing the entire soup. The difference in taste and fragrance compared to dried herbs is truly incredible. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more complex profile, elevating the soup from good to gourmet. Furthermore, using fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme allows you to easily remove them before serving, leaving behind only their delightful essence, rather than the sometimes crunchy texture of dried herb pieces.
Smart Storage Solutions for Your Delicious Keto Ham Soup
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of your Creamy Keto Ham Soup. Since this is a cream-based soup, be aware that it will naturally thicken and solidify somewhat in the refrigerator due to the fats in the heavy cream. This is completely normal. To store, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight and spill-proof container. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent any absorption of other refrigerator odors and to maintain freshness.
Refrigerated soup should be consumed within three days for optimal freshness and safety. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or a tiny bit more cream to achieve your desired consistency, especially if it has thickened considerably. Avoid boiling it rapidly, as this can sometimes cause the cream to separate.
What about those precious ham bones? You can certainly prepare them in advance and store them for later use. I find that freezing ham bones is the best way to preserve them until I’m ready to make a batch of this flavorful soup. Simply place your clean ham bones in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, ready to lend their robust flavor to your next culinary creation. This proactive approach ensures you always have a delicious foundation for your Keto Ham Bone Soup without any waste.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Creamy Keto Ham Soup
This Creamy Keto Ham Soup is incredibly filling and wonderfully comforting on its own. However, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal into a truly memorable experience. To complement the richness of the soup, I highly recommend serving it alongside your favorite crisp, fresh salad. My family, for instance, adores the copycat Olive Garden salad – its tangy dressing and fresh vegetables provide a fantastic contrast to the savory ham soup, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
For a side dish with a bit of a kick and some added texture, consider serving Keto Spicy Green Beans with Caramelized Pecans. The tender-crisp green beans and sweet, crunchy pecans offer a delightful counterpoint to the creamy soup. Just be mindful of serving sizes, as both dishes contribute to your daily carb count. Alternatively, for a lighter and sweeter accompaniment that cleanses the palate, a refreshing strawberry cucumber salad makes an excellent choice.
No soup meal feels complete without something to dip! Whip up some keto garlic knots – their soft, garlicky texture is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. And to ensure you get your dose of healthy vegetables, a side of garlic butter zucchini and yellow squash will perfectly complement the savory herbs and rich flavors of this hearty soup. These thoughtful pairings will transform your Keto Ham Bone Soup into a complete, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying meal.
Creamy Keto Ham Bone Veggie Soup Recipe
Ready to create this incredible Creamy Keto Ham Bone Soup? Here’s a detailed overview of the ingredients you’ll need and step-by-step instructions, complete with helpful pictures to guide you through the process. The precise measurements and full directions are provided in the comprehensive recipe card below. Get ready to enjoy a deeply flavorful, low-carb, and wonderfully comforting soup!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 5 net carbs per serving
Ingredients
- Ham Bones
- Butter
- Onion
- Matchstick Carrots
- Turnip
- Celery
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Vegetable Broth
- Heavy Whipping Cream
Directions
If you don’t have leftover ham bones, you can prepare them by placing 1 lb of smoked ham bones into a crockpot with 4 cups of water and cooking on low for 6 hours until tender and flavorful.
Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced turnips, and chopped celery, and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté for another minute, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant oils.
Pour in the vegetable broth. Carefully remove the meat from approximately half of your prepared ham bones, dicing it into bite-sized pieces. Place one smaller ham bone into the pot with the soup, along with the diced ham meat. Cover the pot and simmer until the turnips are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Stir in the heavy whipping cream and matchstick carrots. Continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften slightly.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of freshness, serve garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary. Enjoy your rich and creamy Keto Ham Bone Veggie Soup!
Pin for later!
Follow me on Pinterest!
Creamy Keto Ham Bone Soup With Veggies
This is a classic soup recipe that is the perfect way to use leftover ham bones! Keto Ham Soup is creamy and so comforting.
Course: Soup
Keyword: keto ham soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 445 kcal
Ingredients
-
1
pound
Prepared smoked ham bones -
2
tbsp
Butter -
1/2
Onion
Chopped -
1/2
cup
Matchstick Carrots -
1
large
Turnip
peeled and diced -
1
cup
Celery
chopped -
1
tbsp
Fresh Rosemary
chopped -
1
tbsp
Fresh Thyme
chopped -
2
tsp
Minced Garlic -
3
cups
Vegetable Broth -
1/2
cup
Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
If you do not have leftover ham bones, you can place 1 lb of smoked ham bones into the crockpot with 4 cups of water, and cook on low for 6 hours to prepare them for the soup.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add in the onions, turnips and celery, and saute for 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, rosemary, thyme and salt and pepper to taste, and saute another minute.
Pour in the broth.
Remove the meat from ½ of the prepared ham bones, and place one smaller one into the pot with the soup. Cover and simmer until the turnips are tender.
Mix in the heavy whipping cream, matchstick carrots and ham bone meat. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
Serve garnished with rosemary.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 445 kcal
Net Carbs: 5 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
More Delicious Keto Soup Recipes to Explore
If you thoroughly enjoyed this creamy Keto Ham Soup, you’re in for a treat! We have a fantastic collection of other low-carb soup recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a flavorful starter, these keto-friendly soups are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you on track with your dietary goals. Each recipe offers unique flavors and textures, proving that eating low-carb can be incredibly diverse and delicious. Dive in and discover your next favorite:
- Keto Turmeric Zucchini Soup
- Creamy Keto Pumpkin Curry Soup
- Keto Italian Wedding Soup
- Keto French Onion Soup
- Low-Carb Shepherds Pie Soup