Spiral Ham and Lima Bean Soup for the Holidays

A comforting soup combines tender spiral ham and creamy lima beans for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for chilly holiday days. It’s easy to make and sure to bring warmth and cheer to your family table.

★★★★★5(6 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 5 min

Cook Time 3 hr 35 min

Total Time 3 hr 40 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/9

1 (16 ounce) package dried lima beans 2 quarts water 1 ham bone with meat 1 large onion, sliced 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (Optional) 1 teaspoon dry mustard ½ teaspoon salt

Why This Recipe Is So Good

This soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly holiday days. The spiral ham adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with tender lima beans. It’s a hearty dish that brings a sense of home and tradition to your table.

Cooking Tips You Should Know

- Use leftover spiral ham for extra flavor and to save time.
- Rinse the lima beans well before cooking to remove any dust or debris.
- Simmer the soup gently to keep the ham tender and the flavors well blended.

Step 1

Place the lima beans in a large bowl and covering them with a few inches of water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Next, put the ham bone and onion in a big pot with enough water to cover and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the onion softens, which should take about an hour.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the soaked lima beans, then add them to the pot along with the ham bone. Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dry mustard, and a pinch of salt. Cover again and let everything simmer gently for around 2 hours. After that, take the lid off and keep simmering until the beans are tender, about another 30 minutes.

Step 3

When the beans are ready, fish out the ham bone and cut any meat off it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the meat back into the soup, discard the bone, and give everything a good stir before serving.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this soup with crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up the broth. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness and balance. For extra comfort, top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Stir occasionally to keep the texture smooth.

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people cooked this recipe

By Lucas Bennett

Food Writer

Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.