Ham hock substitutes
Ham hock substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Smoked turkey leg
Same amount as the ham hock
Smoked turkey leg with similar flavor and bone for broth.
The best substitutes for ham hock are smoked turkey leg, bacon, pancetta, or smoked sausage depending on the dish.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ham hock | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smoked turkey legsoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Baconsoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Pancettasoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Smoked sausagesoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Smoked pork shouldersoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Smoked hamsoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Smoked turkey leg
similar taste and texture
Smoked turkey leg with similar flavor and bone for broth.
- Best for
- soups, stews, beans, braises
Similar smoky flavor and bone for broth.
Bacon
similar taste, different texture
Smoked pork with similar flavor profile.
- Best for
- soups, stews, beans, braises
Similar smoky flavor but different texture.
Pancetta
similar taste, different texture
Italian cured pork with similar flavor profile.
- Best for
- soups, stews, beans, braises
Similar cured pork flavor but different texture.
Smoked sausage
similar taste, different texture
Smoked pork sausage with similar flavor profile.
- Best for
- soups, stews, beans, braises
Similar smoky flavor but different texture.
Smoked pork shoulder
similar taste and texture
Smoked pork shoulder with similar flavor and bone.
- Best for
- soups, stews, beans, braises
Similar smoky flavor and bone for broth.
Smoked ham
similar taste, different texture
Smoked ham with similar flavor profile.
- Best for
- soups, stews, beans, braises
Similar smoky flavor but different texture.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is ham hock?
Ham hock is the cured and smoked shank portion of a pig's leg. It's used for adding smoky, salty flavor to soups, stews, and beans, and the bone adds richness to broths.
Can I use bacon instead of ham hock?
Yes, bacon can work as a substitute for ham hock, especially in soups and stews. It provides similar smoky, salty flavor, though the texture will be different.
What dishes commonly use ham hock?
Ham hock is commonly used in split pea soup, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and other Southern dishes. It's also used in German cuisine for flavoring sauerkraut and beans.
How should I store ham hock?
Store ham hock in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should last for 3-5 days when stored properly.
Tips for substituting ham hock
6 tips- Ham hock adds smoky, salty flavor to dishes
- Great for flavoring soups, stews, and beans
- The bone adds richness to broths and stocks
- Common in Southern and German cuisine
- Can be used whole or cut into pieces
- Store in refrigerator and use within a few days