This warm Ham & Potato Soup is a cozy delight, packed with tender potatoes and savory ham. It’s perfect for chilly days and is very filling!
I love making this soup because it comes together in just a pot! Just chop, stir, and let it bubble. Plus, it tastes even better the next day! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using butter gives a nice richness to the soup. If you want a lighter option, consider olive oil or margarine instead. Personally, I always stick to butter for its flavor!
Onion: A small onion adds great aromatics. If you’re not a fan, you could swap it for shallots or even leeks for a slightly different taste.
Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but russets work well too. If you need to avoid carbs, try cauliflower for a lower-carb version!
Ham: Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this, but any cooked ham works. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the ham or use smoked tempeh for a meaty flavor.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free version, opt for coconut milk or a plant-based creamer.
How Do You Make Sure the Soup Is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
To achieve a smooth, creamy soup, follow these simple tips:
- When adding flour, make sure to coat the vegetables well and cook it briefly; this helps avoid lumps.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth instead of pouring all at once. This keeps the mixture smooth.
- Be gentle when stirring in the cream. Heat it through without boiling to maintain that creamy finish.
These little tricks will help you serve up a soup that’s both delicious and satisfying!
Delicious Ham & Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups diced potatoes (about 2-3 medium potatoes)
- 3 cups diced cooked ham
- 4 cups chicken broth
For Creaminess:
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy Ham & Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a warm meal on a chilly evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they’re nice and softened. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
2. Add Flour:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them. This will help thicken the soup later. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
3. Add Broth:
Now, it’s time to make your soup base! Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring until everything is well mixed and smooth.
4. Add Main Ingredients:
Stir in the diced potatoes, diced ham, thyme (if you’re using it), and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble away for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Stir in Cream:
Once the potatoes are cooked, lower the heat and slowly stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Heat through gently but avoid boiling to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your comforting Ham & Potato Soup—it will warm you right up!
Can I Use Leftover Ham for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this soup. Just make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Ham & Potato Soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Just a heads up: the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious!
