Crockpot Great Northern Beans and Ham: A Hearty, Comforting Meal

Rinse and sort the dried Great Northern beans, removing any debris or broken beans.
Set Up the Crockpot:

Place the rinsed beans, diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and bay leaves into the crockpot. Stir everything together.
Cook:

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have fully developed. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish and Serve:

Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage Tips: