Ham and Potato Soup

If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming meal, this Ham and Potato Soup is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender chunks of smoky ham, soft potatoes, and creamy broth into a delicious, comforting bowl that’s easy to prepare any day of the week. It’s the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something truly special, delivering both hearty flavor and satisfying texture with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy texture and savory ham make it incredibly soothing after a long day.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, it’s easy to pull together without a grocery run.
• Flexible and Adaptable: You can tweak it with different veggies or spices to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ham and Potato Soup plays an important role—from building rich flavor to creating that creamy consistency you love. Keep the ingredients simple and fresh for the best results.

• Ham: Use cooked ham, ideally with a little fat for added richness and smokiness.
• Potatoes: Yukon Golds or Russets work best for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base flavor that complements the ham perfectly.
• Celery: Provides subtle crunch and herbal notes to balance the richness.
• Garlic: Delivers a fragrant kick that enhances overall depth.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup and keeps it light yet hearty.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Turns the soup velvety smooth and adds a luxurious finish.
• Butter: Used to sauté vegetables for extra flavor and richness.
• Thyme or Fresh Herbs: Brightens the soup with an earthy touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring every ingredient together.

Variations for Ham and Potato Soup

One of the best things about Ham and Potato Soup is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add more veggies, lighten it up, or ramp up the spices, there’s a variation here for you.

• Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, peas, or corn for extra color and sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream for coconut milk or your favorite plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Twist: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Melt in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a richer, indulgent flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace some potatoes with cauliflower florets to cut carbs while keeping creaminess.

How to Make Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces, peeling and cubing the potatoes, and chopping the onion, celery, and garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and add the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 3: Add Potatoes, Ham, and Broth

Stir in the diced potatoes and ham, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender—about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

If you like a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. For a chunkier soup, skip this step.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Season

Add heavy cream or milk to the pot and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through without boiling to avoid curdling. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a perfectly balanced soup.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add your favorite garnishes or sides. This piping-hot Ham and Potato Soup is now ready to warm you up from the inside out.

Pro Tips for Making Ham and Potato Soup

• Use Day-Old Ham: Leftover cooked ham works wonderfully to add depth without extra prep.
• Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Keep them tender but intact for the best texture.
• Partially Blend for Texture: Blending half the soup creates a creamy yet hearty consistency.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in small increments to avoid over-seasoning.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley, chives, or thyme adds a burst of freshness.

How to Serve Ham and Potato Soup

Garnishes

Add chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or a swirl of sour cream to make each serving personalized and extra special.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty bread, buttery crackers, or a fresh green salad to round out your meal and provide textural contrast to the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini pumpkins to impress guests with an inviting presentation that elevates this simple dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to reheat for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Ham and Potato Soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm the soup on low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much to regain that perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use smoked sausage instead of ham?

Yes! Smoked sausage offers a similar smoky flavor and pairs wonderfully with the potatoes and creamy base.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I make the soup less creamy?

Simply reduce or omit the cream and use additional broth to keep it lighter while still flavorful.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook the vegetables, ham, and broth on low for 6-8 hours, then add cream near the end of cooking for best results.

What’s the best potato to use?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape, but Russets also work well.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the rich, cozy feeling of a big bowl of homemade Ham and Potato Soup. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. So, grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that keeps you warm season after season.

Related Posts

• Pasta e Fagioli Soup
• Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup
• Creamy Chicken Chili

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