Collard Green Soup with Ham and Beans: Crispy, golden, cheesy perfection.

A Pot Full of Stories

This soup reminds me of my grandpa. He grew collard greens in his backyard garden. I can still see him bringing in a big, leafy armful. He said they were like green giants guarding the soil.

That memory makes this soup extra special for me. It feels like a hug from the past. Food can do that, you know. It can carry feelings and stories in every single bite.

Why This Soup Matters

This isn’t just food for your belly. It’s food for your whole body. The bone broth is like a warm, comforting drink for your bones. It makes you feel strong from the inside out.

The collard greens are packed with good things too. They help you feel your best. Cooking a meal like this is a simple way to take care of your family. That matters more than anything.

Let’s Get Cooking

First, you heat the oil in your biggest pot. Then in goes the onion and ham. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It sizzles and pops. That sound means you are on the right track.

Add the garlic last so it doesn’t burn. Then pour in that golden bone broth. Fun fact: Simmering the bones for a long time gives the broth all its good stuff. Now just add everything else and let it bubble away.

The Best Part

My favorite part is adding the beans and tomatoes. The white beans and red tomatoes look so pretty with the green collards. It’s like a happy garden in your pot. I still laugh at that thought every time.

While it simmers, the flavors all get to know each other. The soup fills your whole house with a warm, cozy smell. What is your favorite smell from your kitchen? Mine is definitely this soup with cornbread.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This soup is so forgiving. If you like it brothier, add a little water. If you want more ham, toss it in. You are the boss of your soup pot. What is one ingredient you always add to your soups?

I love hearing your kitchen stories. Did you try this recipe? Tell me what you thought. Or tell me about a soup your family loves. I’m always looking for new ideas to try.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
olive oil	1 tablespoon
chopped, smoked ham	2 to 3 cups
onion, diced	1 large
garlic, minced	3 cloves
Zoup! Good, Really Good® Chicken Bone Broth	2 (32-ounce) jars
frozen chopped collard greens	2 (16-ounce) bags
navy beans	2 (15.5-ounce) cans	drained and rinsed
diced tomatoes	2 (14.5-ounce) cans
salt	to taste
pepper	to taste

A Pot of Cozy Memories

This soup always reminds me of my grandpa’s garden. He grew the biggest collard greens I’ve ever seen. Their leaves were like giant, dark green fans. We would help him wash them at the old sink. The whole kitchen would smell like fresh earth and sunshine.

Now, I make this soup on chilly afternoons. It makes the whole house feel warm and happy. The smell of ham and onion cooking is just wonderful. It feels like a big, cozy hug from the inside. Let’s make some memories together, shall we?

Let’s Make the Soup

Step 1: Grab your biggest, coziest-looking pot. Drizzle in that olive oil and let it get warm. Toss in your chopped onion and that lovely smoked ham. You’ll hear a happy sizzle when they hit the pot. Stir them around until the onion looks soft and shiny.

Step 2: Now, add the minced garlic. Oh, that smell is just amazing! Please only cook it for about a minute. (I learned the hard way that burnt garlic tastes bitter). Stir it fast so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 3: Pour in both jars of that rich chicken bone broth. Then, add the frozen collard greens. They will clunk into the pot like little icebergs. Bring it all to a lively boil, then turn it down to a gentle bubble.

Step 4: Stir in your navy beans and diced tomatoes. Don’t they look pretty together? Now, put the lid on and let it all get to know each other. Simmer for about 20 minutes. The collards are ready when they are as tender as you like. Do you like your greens super soft or with a little bite? Share below!

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Three Tasty Twists

This soup is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up sometimes. You can make it a little different every time. Here are a few of my favorite ways to play with the recipe.

Smoky Veggie Swap: Skip the ham. Add a big spoonful of smoked paprika instead. It gives a wonderful, cozy flavor without any meat.

Zesty Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. It gives the soup a little warm feeling in your tummy. So good for a cold night.

Summer Garden Version: Use fresh collards from the market. Add a handful of fresh sweet corn at the end. It tastes like sunshine in a bowl.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Cozy Setup

A good soup deserves good company on the table. My number one rule is to have something warm and bready nearby. A basket of hot cornbread is the classic choice. Its sweet crumb is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.

For a drink, I have two favorites. A glass of cold, sweet iced tea is always a winner. It cuts right through the richness. For a grown-up treat, a crisp hard apple cider is lovely. The apple taste goes so well with the ham and greens.

Ladle the soup into big, sturdy bowls. Let everyone add a sprinkle of black pepper on top. Then, just find a comfortable chair and enjoy. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Soup Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely soup. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for about four days. Just let it cool completely first. Then pop it in a container with a tight lid.

This soup is a freezer dream. I freeze it in single portions for quick lunches. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. It will be good for up to three months.

Reheating is simple. Thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm it gently on the stove. I once reheated it too fast and it splattered. A little patience makes it perfect.

Batch cooking like this saves you on busy nights. It means a warm meal is always close by. That matters more than you think. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Pot of Soup

Is your soup a bit bland? Do not worry. The saltiness of the ham is your guide. Always taste your soup at the end. Then add salt and pepper as needed.

Are the collard greens too tough? They just need more time. Let the soup simmer a little longer. I remember when I got impatient and served crunchy greens. Now I let them get nice and tender.

Is your soup too thin? You can fix that. Take a cup of beans and mash them up. Stir them back into the pot. This makes the broth thicker and richer.

Knowing these little fixes builds your cooking confidence. A small change can make the flavor just right. That is the joy of homemade soup. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Is this soup gluten-free? A: Yes, it is. Just check your bone broth label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. The flavors get even better the next day.

Q: What can I use instead of ham? A: Try smoked turkey. Or use a tablespoon of smoked paprika for flavor.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Just use your biggest pot. Fun fact: This soup was made for sharing with a crowd.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A splash of vinegar at the end is lovely. It makes the flavors pop. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this soup as much as I do. It is a hug in a bowl. It always reminds me of my own grandma.

I would be so happy to see your creation. Share a picture of your cozy dinner. You can tag my blog on Pinterest. It makes my day to see your dishes.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.