The Best Ham and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty ham and potato soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Memories of cozy kitchen moments flood back with each spoonful of this classic dish.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a creamy texture that hugs your palate.

Potatoes absorb the smoky essence of tender ham chunks, delivering depth and complexity.

Salt and pepper dance lightly across the surface, enhancing every delightful bite.

Winters feel instantly more inviting when this soul-warming soup appears on your table.

Dive into a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of culinary comfort.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?

Yes, you can substitute ham with cooked bacon, chicken, or even turkey for a similar hearty soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, the soup is moderately high in calories due to butter, cream, and potatoes. You can make it lighter by using low-fat milk and reducing butter.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra protein like cooked shredded chicken or beans, or include more vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value.

• Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream. Add milk or cream after thawing and reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Ham and Potato Soup: A Classic Favorite

• Quick and Comforting Meal: Whip up a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing dish.
• Versatile Ingredient Playground: Customize this recipe with your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to match what's in your kitchen, making it super adaptable for any cook.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack multiple food groups into a single pot, combining protein from ham, vegetables for nutrients, and creamy goodness that satisfies hunger completely.
• Simple Cooking Process: Follow easy steps that even beginner cooks can master, with minimal chopping and straightforward techniques that guarantee a delicious result every time.

Ingredients for Ham and Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide the main body and texture of the soup.
• Ham: Flavorful meat that adds a smoky and savory element to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates a rich and comforting foundation for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Celery, Carrots: Vegetables that build a deep flavor profile and add nutritional value to the soup.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Milk or Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Dairy ingredients that add richness and creaminess to the soup.

• Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the soup.

• Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Green Onions, Parsley: Toppings that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished soup.

How to Prepare Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced celery, and diced carrots.

Saute the vegetables until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, which should take around 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Silky Base

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

Gradually pour chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and creamy foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Simmer Hearty Ingredients

• Cubed potatoes
• Cooked ham pieces
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 4: Enrich With Creamy Goodness

Pour milk or heavy cream into the soup.

Stir gently and let it warm through.

If desired, fold in a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Step 5: Final Touches And Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley

Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips for Rich and Flavorful Ham and Potato Soup

• Roast vegetables before adding to the pot to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and maintain their texture throughout simmering.
• Swap milk or cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of the soup.
• Add extra broth or reduce simmering time to adjust the thickness according to your preferred soup texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, then let individuals season their own bowls for personalized taste.

Variations to Customize Ham and Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace ham with diced mushrooms or plant-based protein like tofu, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain soup's thickness while making it celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and top with jalapeños for a zesty kick that transforms the classic soup into a bolder dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the creamy texture and rich flavor.

Serving Ideas for Ham and Potato Soup

• Cozy Meal Companions: Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every delicious drop.
• Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette for a balanced, refreshing meal contrast.
• Comforting Garnish Party: Top the soup with extra crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor excitement.
• Winter Warmth Combo: Create a complete dinner experience by adding a simple grilled cheese sandwich for ultimate comfort food satisfaction.

Storage Guidance for Ham and Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain texture.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original consistency if it has thickened during storage.

Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 24 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 evenings. Creamy potatoes and savory ham mingle with herbs, creating a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor spoonful by spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups diced cooked ham

Vegetables:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced

Liquid and Dairy:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked and crumbled bacon
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Warm butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high heat, gently sautéing onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until they transform into a soft, aromatic medley (approximately 5 minutes).
2. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth base, and cook for roughly 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and create a silky foundation for the soup.
4. Introduce diced potatoes, cooked ham, thyme, salt, and pepper into the liquid, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together for 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
5. Pour in milk or heavy cream, gently heating through to create a luxurious, creamy texture. If desired, fold in sour cream for additional richness.
6. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to personal preference. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls.
7. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with optional toppings such as sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and vibrant parsley.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, smoother soup texture that holds its shape during cooking.
• Dice ham and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with whole milk or use a low-fat alternative without compromising the rich taste.
• Enhance the soup’s depth by using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage for extra complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg