Hearty Ham and Potato Soup Recipe: Comforting Bowl of Goodness

Creamy ham blends seamlessly with hearty potatoes in this comforting soup that speaks directly to your soul.

Cold winter nights demand something warm and satisfying like this classic dish.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen come flooding back with each spoonful of rich, velvety goodness.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in your kitchen, promising pure deliciousness.

Home cooks adore this recipe for its straightforward preparation and incredible flavor profile.

Robust chunks of savory ham intermingle with soft potato pieces, creating a symphony of textures.

Comfort food doesn’t get better than this – you’ll want to ladle up every last drop.

What’s Good About Ham and Potato Soup

• Ham and Potato Soup offers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Transform spare ham and vegetables into a hearty, delicious meal that prevents food waste and saves money.
• Kids and adults will love this creamy, rich soup packed with tender potatoes and savory ham chunks that appeal to all taste buds.
• Minimal cleanup required with this streamlined recipe that comes together in under 45 minutes, making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.

What Goes into Ham and Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Hearty base that adds substance and texture to the soup.
• Carrots: Sweet vegetable that provides natural color and nutrition.
• Celery: Adds aromatic flavor and crisp texture to the soup.
• Onion: Provides foundational savory flavor and depth.

• Ham: Smoky meat that adds rich protein and classic flavor, best when diced into small, uniform pieces.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich background flavor for the soup.
• Milk: Creamy ingredient that helps create smooth, velvety texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth roux.
• Flour: Essential for thickening the soup and creating creamy consistency.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, consistent garlic flavor.
• Thyme: Provides earthy, herbal notes.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty topping that adds extra richness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright color and light flavor.

Cooking Method for Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Vegetable Medley

Toss potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into a large pot. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables, creating a flavorful base. Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring to a rolling boil. Once bubbling, dial down the temperature and let the mixture simmer gently. Watch the clock for 15-20 minutes until potatoes transform into fork-tender delights.

Step 2: Craft a Silky Roux

Grab a small saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking with enthusiasm. Keep stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden and starts to bubble up with promise.

Step 3: Marry the Soup Components

Slowly pour milk into the roux, whipping vigorously to banish any potential lumps. Let the mixture thicken up for 3-5 minutes. Carefully introduce this creamy concoction to the vegetable-filled pot, stirring to create a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Amp Up the Flavor Profile

• Diced ham
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the soup simmer for 10 more minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure everything mingles perfectly.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Crown with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Slide a side of crusty bread or crackers onto the plate for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips That Help Improve Ham and Potato Soup

• Boost Vegetable Tenderness: Cut vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the soup.
• Prevent Roux Lumps: Whisk flour and butter continuously while cooking to create a smooth, golden base without any clumpy textures.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and let the ham's natural saltiness shine through the soup.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ham with smoked turkey or plant-based protein for vegetarian and lighter versions of the soup.
• Improve Texture Control: Add milk gradually and stir constantly to achieve a creamy consistency without separation or curdling.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Ham and Potato Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature before serving to prevent hot spots.

Pairing Ideas for Ham and Potato Soup Meals

• Slice thick, rustic sourdough bread to complement the creamy soup's rich texture and soak up every delicious bite.
• Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with subtle buttery notes that enhance the soup's creamy consistency and balance the salty ham.
• Choose a clean, crisp pilsner beer with light hoppy undertones that cut through the soup's richness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Create a light side salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing to provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the hearty, creamy soup.

Ways to Make Ham and Potato Soup Even Better

• Vegetarian Ham Alternative: Replace ham with smoked tofu or plant-based ham substitute, maintaining rich protein content and smoky flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch instead of flour for roux, ensuring smooth texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select reduced-sodium chicken broth, omit added salt, and use herb-infused seasonings like rosemary and sage for enhanced taste without extra sodium.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, using coconut cream for added richness and maintaining creamy consistency.

Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “ham and potato soup” warms hearts with its creamy comfort from classic American kitchens. Packed with tender potatoes, smoky ham chunks, and rich seasonings, this soul-satisfying soup delivers pure winter bliss for hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins and Vegetables:

• 1 ½ cups (225 g) diced cooked ham
• 4 cups (600 g) diced potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced

Liquids and Thickening Agents:

• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Optional Garnishes:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable base by combining diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in a large pot with fragrant chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow the vegetables to simmer gently until potatoes become fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. While vegetables are cooking, create a classic roux in a separate saucepan by melting butter and whisking in flour. Toast the mixture continuously, watching for a golden, bubbling consistency that indicates proper development of flavor, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, whisking meticulously to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop a smooth, velvety texture over medium heat, which typically takes 3-5 minutes.
4. Merge the milk-based sauce with the simmered vegetables and broth, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious, creamy foundation for the soup.
5. Introduce diced ham, along with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, into the soup. Let the ingredients meld together during a final 10-minute simmer, allowing flavors to intensify and the soup to reach a rich, hearty consistency.
6. Serve the piping hot soup in individual bowls, optionally embellishing with sprinkled cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Complement the dish with crusty bread or crisp crackers for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Select low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness, especially when using pre-cooked ham which already contains salt.
• Swap ham with smoked turkey or plant-based protein for vegetarian and lighter variations of the soup.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a roux alternative for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same thickening process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg