1-Initial Preparation Steps: First, spread the 1 lb of white beans on a baking sheet to check for any debris, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This step ensures your beans are clean and ready to absorb flavors. Next, dice your onion and celery, and prepare any optional herbs you plan to use.

2-Assembling in the Slow Cooker: Once prepped, add all the ingredients to your slow cooker: the rinsed beans, diced smoked ham, onion, celery, water, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything well to mix the flavors evenly. If you’re adding optional herbs, include them now for extra depth.

3-Cooking and Finishing Touches: Set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, depending on your time. The beans should become tender and creamy by the end. Before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir the mixture. To thicken, mash some beans against the sides of the cooker and mix them in, then let it rest if needed.

Serve the dish as-is for a simple meal, or over cooked rice for added heartiness, and offer hot sauce on the side for those who like a bit of spice. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like using canned beans, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking, as per the additional tips.