Ham and Potato Soup

If there’s one dish that wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavor and nostalgia, it’s Ham and Potato Soup. This creamy, hearty recipe fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day. With tender chunks of ham, velvety potatoes, and a rich broth, every spoonful offers comfort that goes beyond just food—it’s soul-warming goodness that’s perfect any time you need a little culinary love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy texture combined with savory ham and tender potatoes creates the ultimate cozy meal that feels like home.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using straightforward pantry staples, this soup delivers complex taste without complicated steps.
• Flexible and Filling: Perfect for weekday dinners or weekend get-togethers, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every appetite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen after resting, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance and enjoy all week long.
• Customizable Comfort: Whether you prefer it extra creamy or with added veggies, it adapts perfectly to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting a fantastic Ham and Potato Soup starts with key ingredients that are easy to find yet essential for achieving that smooth, hearty texture and rich flavor. Each component plays its part, from the salty ham adding depth to the potatoes providing comforting body.

• Ham: Diced cooked ham is the star protein, lending smoky, savory notes throughout the soup.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes provide the creamy base when cooked down, giving soul to the broth.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add subtle sweetness and layers of flavor that build complexity.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid foundation that brings all the ingredients together in a flavorful harmony.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: For the luscious, velvety texture that turns this soup from simple to indulgent.
• Butter and Flour: The classic combination to make a roux, thickening the broth into a satisfyingly rich consistency.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme or parsley brighten the dish with subtle freshness and a pop of color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.

Variations for Ham and Potato Soup

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting you tailor it to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Want to mix it up? These variations offer tasty ways to make this soup your own.

• Loaded Potato Style: Add cooked bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions for a baked potato twist in every bowl.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor without the meat.
• Cheesy Delight: Stir in your favorite cheese for an ultra-rich, creamy texture that kids and adults will love.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chili powder to bring gentle warmth to your soup.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in carrots, celery, or corn for more texture, nutrients, and color variety.

How to Make Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-size pieces, chopping the onion finely, mincing garlic, and cutting your ham into small cubes so they meld perfectly into the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, releasing their sweetness into the base.

Step 3: Build the Base

Sprinkle flour over the softened aromatics and stir continuously to make a roux, cooking it for a couple of minutes until it’s golden and bubbling to thicken your soup beautifully.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Potatoes

Slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps, then add diced potatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

Let the potatoes soften completely, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Stir in Ham and Cream

Add the diced ham and heavy cream, heating just until warmed through. Be careful not to boil after adding cream, so it stays smooth and silky.

Step 7: Season and Garnish

Finish by seasoning with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and it’s ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Ham and Potato Soup

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for that perfect creamy consistency after simmering.
• Don’t Overboil After Cream: To prevent curdling, heat the soup gently after adding dairy.
• Use Quality Ham: Pre-cooked ham with smoky flavor or leftover ham bone can elevate the depth of taste.
• Make It Chunky or Smooth: For a thicker texture, mash some potatoes against the pot side during cooking.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding herbs at the end keeps their brightness intact and lifts the entire dish.

How to Serve Ham and Potato Soup

Garnishes

Top with shredded cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream to add contrasting textures and fresh flavors that take the soup to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal that satisfies both appetite and palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bread bowls to soak up every last drop or ladle into individual ramekins for a charming, cozy presentation at dinner parties or family meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more deeply.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 2 months—just leave out the cream if freezing, then add it freshly when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Rewarm gently on low heat, stirring frequently. If soup has thickened too much, adjust the consistency with a splash of broth or cream as needed.

FAQs

Can I use leftover ham for this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe and adds wonderful smoky flavor without extra effort or cost.

What type of potatoes work best in Ham and Potato Soup?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down nicely, creating a creamy texture while still holding some shape.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy milk to maintain creaminess without dairy.

Is Ham and Potato Soup freezer friendly?

It is freezer friendly; for best results, freeze before adding cream and stir in fresh cream when reheating.

How can I make this soup thicker?

To thicken, mash a few of the potatoes while cooking or add a small extra amount of flour or cornstarch slurry before simmering.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had a champion, Ham and Potato Soup would be the reigning king. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—a recipe that welcomes you with warmth and familiarity. Whether you’re chilly, hungry, or just craving a bowl of pure comfort, this soup promises to nourish both body and soul. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to favorite.

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