The Coziest Ham and Potato Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy ham and potato soup that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Hearty chunks of savory ham blend seamlessly with tender potato pieces, creating a delightful winter meal.

The rich, velvety broth carries deep flavors that dance across your palate.

Subtle herbs and seasonings enhance the soup’s robust character, making each bite more memorable than the last.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly in this simple yet delectable recipe.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor this classic, soul-warming dish.

Fun Additions for Ham and Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace ham with diced smoked tofu or plant-based bacon alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup and ensure gluten-free ingredients.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and top with cilantro for a zesty southwestern-style soup.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Ham and Potato Soup Family-Style

• Cozy Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy soup and add extra texture.
• Hearty Garnish Parade: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped chives on top to elevate flavor and create visual appeal.
• Nutritious Side Kick: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich and creamy profile.
• Winter Warmth Combo: Enjoy with a mug of hot apple cider or herbal tea for a comforting cold-weather meal that hugs your soul.

Storing Ham Potato Soup the Right Way

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream to maintain best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

FAQs

• Is this soup filling enough for a full meal?

Yes, the combination of potatoes, ham, and cream makes this a hearty and satisfying soup that can easily serve as a complete lunch or dinner.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes all work well in this recipe. Just make sure to dice them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• How can I make the soup less fatty?

Replace whole milk or cream with low-fat milk or half-and-half. You can also reduce the butter and use lean ham to cut down on calories.

• What if I don't have fresh ham?

Leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even bacon work perfectly in this recipe. Just chop the meat into small, bite-sized pieces before adding to the soup.

Comfort in a Bowl: Ham and Potato Soup

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty soup that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for chilly days or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick substitutions like using different meats or adding extra vegetables to match your taste and pantry contents.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this soup a go-to weeknight dinner that satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy, rich flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Utilizes affordable ingredients like potatoes and ham, transforming basic pantry staples into a delicious, filling meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Hearty Ham Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base for the soup.
• Ham: Flavorful meat that adds a rich, smoky dimension to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates depth and enhances the overall flavor.

• Butter, Flour: Classic combination that creates a smooth, creamy roux for thickening the soup.
• Milk or Cream: Adds richness and creates a velvety texture to the soup.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile and aromatic base for the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Shredded Cheese, Green Onions: Garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished soup.

Step-by-Step Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Vessel

Heat a large pot over medium flame and melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the melted butter.

Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour into the pot and continuously stir for 1-2 minutes.

This creates a smooth roux that will help thicken the soup and develop a rich flavor profile.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth slowly into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to allow a steady simmer.

Step 5: Cook Potato Chunks

Add diced potatoes to the simmering broth.

Let them cook until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Enhance With Protein

Fold in chopped ham pieces, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the soup.

Pour in milk or cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 7: Season And Finish

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Stir and allow the soup to heat through completely, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and warm.

Step 8: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Optional toppings include shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Creamy Potato Soup

• Continuously stir flour and butter to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, lump-free base for your soup.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent softness throughout the dish.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt levels and allow better control of seasoning in the final soup.
• Add milk or cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, rich texture in your soup.
• Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, gently reheating on the stovetop while stirring occasionally to preserve creamy consistency.

Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting ham and potato soup whisks warm memories of grandma’s kitchen into a single bowl. Rich potato chunks and savory ham create a hearty meal that welcomes hungry diners with classic midwest charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 cups diced ham

Vegetables:

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Fresh chives (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious Dutch oven, gently melt butter over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
2. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to create a smooth, golden roux that eliminates raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky base.
5. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and broth to slightly thicken.
6. Add cubed potatoes and reduce heat to medium-low, covering the pot and allowing potatoes to become tender for approximately 15 minutes.
7. Introduce diced ham into the soup, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Pour in milk or cream, stirring gently to integrate and create a rich, velvety texture.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
10. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until soup reaches a creamy consistency and ham is thoroughly heated.
11. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with optional toppings like sharp cheddar cheese or thinly sliced green onions.

Notes

• Roux technique matters for rich, velvety soup texture without lumps, so whisk flour carefully and consistently during cooking.
• starchy potatoes like Russets break down more, creating creamier consistency compared to waxy varieties.
• Swap dairy for healthier alternatives like unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream to make recipe dairy-free and lighter.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring added salt, especially if ham is already salty.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg