White Beans & Ham with Cornbread

Why You’ll Love White Beans & Ham with Cornbread

White Beans & Ham with Cornbread is a classic comfort meal. The beans turn creamy and full of flavor, while the ham adds a savory, smoky taste. The homemade cornbread is soft and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up the broth. This meal is great for cold nights or when you need something filling and easy to share. It is budget-friendly, uses basic pantry ingredients, and works for meal prep too.

Ingredients

For the White Beans & Ham

• 1 pound dried white beans (navy or cannellini), soaked overnight
• 1 pound ham hock or diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

For the Cornbread

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg

Step-by-Step Instructions

White Beans & Ham

1. Rinse the soaked beans and drain well.
2. In a large pot, combine beans, ham hock or diced ham, onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
3. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring now and then, until beans are soft.
5. If you used a ham hock, take it out, shred the meat, and return the meat to the pot. Stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Cornbread

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Serve

• Spoon the white beans and ham into bowls.
• Add a slice of warm cornbread on the side.
• Enjoy your cozy meal.

Pro Tips for Success

• Soak beans overnight for even cooking and a creamy texture.
• For a richer flavor, use smoked ham hock.
• Adjust the amount of salt if your ham is salty.
• Add chopped carrots or celery for extra veggies.
• For a crispy cornbread top, brush with a little melted butter after baking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Try Great Northern beans or butter beans instead of navy or cannellini.
• Use turkey ham or smoked turkey for a lighter option.
• Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based milk and vegan butter in the cornbread.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cornbread for a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

• Serve beans and ham with hot sauce or chopped fresh parsley.
• Enjoy leftover cornbread with butter and honey for breakfast.
• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed greens.

Secret Ingredient

A splash of apple cider vinegar stirred into the beans at the end brightens all the flavors.

Related Recipes

• Easy Split Pea Soup with Ham
• Southern Style Black-Eyed Peas
• Classic Beef Stew with Vegetables
• Simple Skillet Cornbread

Author

Written by Emma, a home cook who loves hearty and comforting meals the whole family can enjoy.

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