Ham and Potato Soup is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that instantly brings warmth and nostalgia to your table. It’s creamy, flavorful, and loaded with chunks of tender potatoes, savory diced ham, and aromatic vegetables. This soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and homey — the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.
What makes this soup truly special is how simple and budget-friendly it is. You can use leftover holiday ham or deli ham, and in under an hour, you’ll have a bowl of thick, creamy goodness that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Ham and Potato Soup because it’s everything you want in comfort food — creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying. The ham adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the soft, buttery potatoes perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of leftovers while creating something new and delicious.
It’s also versatile — you can make it as creamy or brothy as you like, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad. The aroma alone — a mix of simmering potatoes, onions, and ham — feels like home.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Comforting and hearty — perfect for cold nights
- Easy one-pot recipe that’s beginner-friendly
- Great way to use leftover ham or holiday meat
- Family-approved and filling enough for dinner
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Nutrition
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~390 kcal per serving (approximate)
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Soup / Main Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (russet or Yukon gold)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped chives or parsley
Cooking Directions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and ham: Stir in minced garlic and diced ham. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add potatoes and broth: Add diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Make it creamy: In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Stir the mixture into the soup and simmer for another 10 minutes to thicken.
- Finish with cream: Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, bacon, or chives if desired.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Dice all vegetables and ham before starting. Peel and cube potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until tender. Add garlic and ham, stirring for a few minutes to release flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes
Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Mix milk and flour in a small bowl, ensuring no lumps. Pour into the soup and stir well. Cook until the soup starts to thicken.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Add heavy cream (optional for richness) and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir until well combined and heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with cheddar cheese, bacon, and parsley, and enjoy!
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve Ham and Potato Soup hot in deep bowls, topped with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and fresh herbs.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty baguette or sourdough bread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- A fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
For a complete meal, serve with iced tea or a light white wine like Chardonnay.
Recipe Tips
- Use starchy potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes create the best creamy texture.
- For thicker soup: Mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the milk mixture.
- Avoid curdling: Add cream at the end and heat gently — don’t boil.
- Add cheese gradually: Stir in cheese slowly on low heat to prevent clumping.
- Leftover ham bone: Use it to simmer the broth for an even richer flavor.
Variations
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup – Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy version.
- Ham and Corn Chowder – Add 1 cup of corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
- Spicy Ham Soup – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Healthy Version – Replace cream with evaporated milk and reduce butter for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Boost – Add peas, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Freezer: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slowly, stirring in a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Tip: If freezing, do so before adding cream for the best texture. Add cream after reheating.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Ladle
- Potato masher (optional for thickening)
- Whisk
- Cutting board and sharp knife
Conclusion
Ham and Potato Soup is a timeless, cozy meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. It turns humble ingredients — potatoes, ham, and cream — into something rich, flavorful, and absolutely heartwarming. Whether you’re using leftover ham after the holidays or making it from scratch, this soup delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture and smoky, savory goodness.
Pair it with a slice of warm bread and enjoy a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl — simple, hearty, and full of love.
Ham and Potato Soup
Description
Ham and Potato Soup is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that instantly brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
Optional Toppings:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients : Dice all vegetables and ham before starting. Peel and cube potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.
-
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics : Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until tender. Add garlic and ham, stirring for a few minutes to release flavor.
-
Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes : Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
-
Step 4: Thicken the Soup : Mix milk and flour in a small bowl, ensuring no lumps. Pour into the soup and stir well. Cook until the soup starts to thicken.
-
Step 5: Make It Creamy :Add heavy cream (optional for richness) and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir until well combined and heated through.
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Step 6: Serve and Garnish : Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with cheddar cheese, bacon, and parsley, and enjoy!
