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Ham Broth Recipe

Brad
A simple, flavorful ham broth made from leftover ham bones, perfect for soups, beans, and cozy meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course pantry, Soup
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ham bone with some meat attached
  • 8 –10 cups water
  • 1 onion halved
  • 2 –3 carrots roughly chopped
  • 2 –3 celery stalks roughly chopped
  • 2 –3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 –2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole peppercorns
  • Salt optional, to taste after cooking

Instructions
 

Add everything to the pot

  • Place the ham bone, vegetables, and aromatics into a large pot.

Cover with water

  • Pour in enough water to fully cover the ingredients.

Bring to a boil, then reduce

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Skim the surface

  • Skim off any foam that rises to the top during the first 10–15 minutes.

Simmer

  • Let simmer for 1.5 to 3 hours.

Strain

  • Remove the bone and strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer.

Store or use

  • Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for later.

Notes

  • Don’t add salt until the end — ham is already salty
  • If your ham had a glaze, your broth may be slightly sweet (balance with a splash of vinegar if needed)
  • The broth will deepen in flavor as it sits
Keyword cooking with ham bone, easy ham stock, ham bone broth, how to make ham broth, leftover ham bone recipe, soup base recipe
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