Where to Buy Ham Bones for Soup: My Top Tips

As a passionate home cook and soup lover, I’m always on the hunt for ingredients that can take my soups to the next level. And one of my all-time favorites is the humble ham bone. When simmered for hours in a stock or bean soup, ham bones impart the most mouthwatering smoky, meaty flavor. But where can you buy ham bones for soup making?

In this article, I’ll share my top tips on where and how to source great ham bones for soup. I’ve got all the inside info on finding quality ham bones from butcher shops, supermarkets, online stores, and more. Read on for everything you need to know to get your hands on the perfect soup-ready ham bones!

Check Your Local Butcher Shop

My first recommendation for finding fantastic ham bones is always going to be your local butcher shop. Independent butchers and meat markets almost always carry soup and stock bones of all kinds. Swing by your neighborhood spot and check out their selection of ham bones.

From meaty smoked ham hocks to hefty femur bones, butchers are sure to have the ideal bones to suit your soup plans I love supporting local butchers and getting to hand select just the right ham bones for my recipes. Bonus – you can ask questions and get the butcher’s advice on which bones have the best flavor and fat content

Look in the Grocery Store Meat Department

If you don’t have access to a local butcher, your next best ham bone bet is the meat department at your mainstream supermarket. Most large grocery stores now include some soup bone options like ham hocks and knuckles.

Brands like Hormel and Swift Premium sell packaged hickory smoked ham bones perfect for soups and beans. Check both the fresh and frozen meat cases to cover all your bases. Around the holidays, you may also find fresh ham bone packs since they’re popular for dishes like split pea soup.

Order Ham Bones Online

Another great option – order your ham bones for soup online! Many specialty meat companies sell delicious ham soup bones via mail order. I like ordering online when I want to buy in bulk or stock up on bones for future soup making.

Brands like D’Artagnan, Savoie, Jones Creek, and Heath Putnam Farms offer awesome mail order ham bones. Products range from smoked ham hocks to fresh raw ham marrow and femur bones. Choose expedited shipping so your bones arrive cold and fresh.

Use Leftover Ham Bones

Have some leftover ham bones from a previous meal? Don’t toss them – they’re ideal for making soup stock! After picking off any remaining meat, wrap ham bones tightly in plastic and pop them in the freezer.

Whenever a soup craving strikes, defrost a ham bone and simmer it in water with aromatics like onion, celery, carrots and herbs. Freezer-to-soup is an eco-friendly way to get every bit of flavor from your ham bones.

Consider Smoked Ham Bones

My favorite type of ham bone for soups has to be hickory smoked. Smoked ham bones infuse broth with the most insanely savory, smokey ham essence.

Look for ham hocks or knuckles that are naturally hardwood smoked. Or opt for smoked whole bone-in hams you can carve then use the bone for soup. Either way, go for smoked ham bones whenever possible to maximize the rich flavor.

Raw Bones Work Too

While smoked is my personal fave, you can also use raw uncooked ham bones for soup making. Raw ham femurs and knuckles make wonderful stock too.

I suggest blanching raw bones for 5 minutes before using them to help remove impurities. Then simmer as usual in your soup pot and let the long cooking time impart flavor.

Know How Much to Buy

Figuring out how many ham bones to buy depends on your soup plans. In general, I’d suggest:

• 1-2 bones per batch of soup
• 2-3 bones for bone broth/stock
• 5-6+ bones for canning/freezing stock

For soup, opt for meatier bones like hocks. For stock, choose bigger femurs and knuckles to yield more bone broth. Buy in bulk if planning to freeze quarts of broth.

Handle and Store Bones Properly

To get the most out of your ham bones:

• Refrigerate promptly after purchase and use within 4 days.
• Wrap tightly in freezer bags/plastic wrap to freeze for up to 6 months.
• Thaw in fridge before using to prevent bacteria growth.

Proper storage keeps ham bones fresh and safe for soup making. Follow these tips for delicious soups every time.

Time to Start Simmering!

Now that you know where to source the best bones, it’s time to start simmering up some stellar soups and stocks! Here are a few of my personal favorite ways to use ham bones:

• Smoky Ham and Bean Soup
• Lentil Soup with Ham Bone Stock
• Potato Ham Bone Chowder
• Split Pea and Ham Soup
• Classic Ham Bone Broth

However you put them to use, ham bones add incredible flavor complexity. They satisfy cravings and make ordinary soups extraordinary. Follow my handy ham bone tips and get simmering your next batch of soul-warming soup soon. Just be prepared for people to request your secret once they get a spoonful!