The Heartiest Ham and Potato Soup Recipe Ever Made

Cozy winter nights find comfort in this hearty ham and potato soup that fills your kitchen with warmth.

Chunks of smoky pork blend perfectly with tender potato pieces, creating a soul-satisfying meal.

Cold weather demands such delicious solutions for hungry families.

Creamy textures mingle with savory hints of seasoned meat, promising pure satisfaction in every spoonful.

Minimal ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a weeknight champion.

Pantry staples transform into something magical with just a few simple steps.

You’ll want to savor each comforting bite and share this delightful soup with everyone around your table.

Ham And Potato Soup: Cozy Comfort In A Bowl

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming soup packed with robust flavors that hugs you like a cozy blanket, perfect for satisfying deep hunger pangs.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Versatile Family Meal: Adaptable dish that pleases both adults and kids, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and rich, creamy texture that everyone will love.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamlined cooking process using a single pot means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal together with loved ones.

Key Ingredients For Ham And Potato Soup

• Ham: A savory meat that adds rich flavor and heartiness to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic flavor base that provides depth and aromatic foundation to the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Potatoes: Creamy and filling ingredient that makes the soup satisfying and substantial.

• Thyme: An earthy herb that brings a subtle, warm flavor to the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a gentle, complex background note to the overall dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright finish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that provides depth and moisture to the soup.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the rich and luxurious mouthfeel of the soup.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth, thickened consistency for the soup.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps with sautéing the vegetables.

Steps To Make Ham And Potato Soup At Home

Step 1: Prepare The Aromatic Base

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook minced garlic for an additional minute to release its delicious flavors.

Step 2: Build The Soup Foundation

• Diced potatoes
• Chopped ham
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaf

Pour chicken broth over the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.

Cook until potatoes become fork-tender, typically 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Create A Silky Smooth Texture

Craft a smooth thickening mixture by whisking flour with a small amount of milk.

Gently stir this slurry into the soup. Pour in remaining milk and heavy cream.

Allow the soup to simmer and slightly thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Final Flavor Touches

Remove the bay leaf from the soup.

Season with salt and black pepper to match your taste preferences. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve piping hot in deep bowls.

Simple Tips For Ham And Potato Soup Mastery

• Boost the flavor by using smoked ham for a deeper, richer taste profile. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy, smooth texture that holds its shape while cooking. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly and reduce sodium content. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, maintaining the soup's luxurious consistency. Keep stirring the soup occasionally to prevent potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensure even cooking.

Fun Options For Ham And Potato Soup Fans

• Smoky Bacon Brew: Replace ham with crispy bacon bits, adding a smoky depth and extra crunch to the classic soup.
• Vegetarian Veggie Fusion: Swap ham with roasted mushrooms or plant-based protein, using vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Splash: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to give the soup a zesty southwestern kick.
• Cheesy Potato Power: Stir in sharp cheddar or smoked gouda during the final simmer for a rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Sides For Ham And Potato Soup Dinners

• Pair this hearty ham and potato soup with crusty sourdough bread for dipping. The bread's tangy flavor complements the creamy, savory soup perfectly.
• Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions for extra texture and flavor. These toppings add a delightful crunch and richness to each spoonful.
• Serve the soup in a deep ceramic mug alongside a small side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. This combination provides a balanced meal that warms you from the inside out.

Save Ham And Potato Soup For Later

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after freezing.
• Separate cream-based soups into smaller portions before freezing to make reheating easier and prevent texture changes from multiple thawing cycles.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes in this soup?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each type will slightly change the texture, but they’ll all work well in the recipe.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding cream before freezing and stir well after reheating.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with milk, use low-sodium chicken broth, and add more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

• What if I don't have ham?

You can substitute ham with cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or even skip the meat for a vegetarian version. Each option will give a different flavor profile to the soup.

Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty ham and potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly days. Creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory ham create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 potatoes (about 3–4 medium russet or Yukon Gold, diced)
• 1 1/2 cups ham (leftover ham or ham steak, diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or ham broth)
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious cooking vessel, melt butter over medium heat (around 350°F). Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without burning.
3. Add diced potatoes, cubed ham, thyme, and bay leaf to the vegetable mixture. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing ingredients to combine.
4. Elevate heat to bring liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let contents cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes reach a fork-tender consistency.
5. Create a smooth thickening agent by whisking flour with a small portion of milk, forming a silky slurry without lumps.
6. Gradually introduce the flour mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Pour remaining milk and heavy cream, blending thoroughly.
7. Continue simmering for 4-6 minutes, allowing soup to develop a rich, creamy texture. Stir periodically to prevent scorching.
8. Extract bay leaf and discard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
9. Ladle into warmed serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use leftover holiday ham for an economical and flavorful twist on this comforting recipe.
• Substitute milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version of the soup.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach during the simmering process.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg