These ham soup recipes will help you make the most of a holiday ham. Here’s how to transform those leftovers into ham and potato soup, creamy ham chowder or a brothy soup packed with vegetables.

A whole smoked ham is a beloved celebration food. Whether your family serves a big Easter ham, makes a holiday ham instead of turkey for Thanksgiving or adds a sweet touch to the holiday spread with Christmas ham recipes, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this smoky, savory main. Ham is such a large cut of meat that there are always leftovers, and that’s where ham soup recipes come in.

You can combine leftover ham with hearty vegetables like potatoes or pack your soup with beans to create a filling dish that’s up to the task of feeding a crowd. Ham soups tend to be hearty, so they’re perfect for chilly nights, but they taste great anytime you want to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast.

When it comes time to serve ham soup, whip up a batch of soft dinner rolls or buttery cornbread to serve on the side. The slight sweetness pairs beautifully with any ham soup.

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