Do you know the kind of person who thinks soup isn't a meal? Make this for them and they will change their mind. Guaranteed.

The soup also includes plenty of ham which cooks low and slow with the ... And anyway, do I really need to convince you that creamy navy bean soup is even better with more cheesy goodness?

Drain the soaked beans and discard the water. Place the beans, ham hocks, chicken broth, and bay leaf in a soup pot; do not add salt at this stage. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour ...