The Best Ham and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort whispers through every spoonful of this hearty ham and potato soup that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly afternoon.

Cold days demand something special from the kitchen, and this recipe answers that call perfectly.

My grandmother’s secret was always adding just a touch of extra seasoning to make ordinary ingredients sing.

Rich chunks of smoky ham mingle with tender potato pieces, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with savory notes, promising a meal that fills both stomach and soul.

Each ingredient tells a story of home-cooked goodness and simple culinary magic.

Grab a ladle and let this soup transport you to a place of pure deliciousness.

Why Ham And Potato Soup Is Warm, Creamy, And Filling

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy texture and satisfying blend of tender vegetables and savory ham, perfect for chilly days or when you need a soul-warming meal.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: The recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy families who want a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flexible Family Favorite: Easily customizable with optional toppings like cheese and parsley, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy.
• Waste-Reducing Delight: Brilliantly repurposes leftover ham into a delectable soup, turning potential food waste into a nutritious and delicious meal that stretches your grocery budget and reduces kitchen waste.

Everything You Need For Ham And Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Hearty and filling, providing a creamy texture and substance to the soup.
• Carrots: Sweet and nutritious, adding color and subtle sweetness.
• Celery: Provides a delicate flavor and aromatic base.
• Onion: Foundational vegetable with depth of flavor.

• Ham: Salty and savory meat that adds richness and protein.
• Milk: Creamy liquid for smooth soup texture.
• Butter: Rich base for creating smooth roux.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional garnish with sharp, tangy flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base for cooking vegetables.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating a smooth soup texture.
• Garlic Powder: Provides mild, aromatic seasoning.
• Thyme: Herb with earthy, slightly minty flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish and brightness.

How To Make Ham And Potato Soup In A Few Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Vegetable Base

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently, allowing vegetables to become fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Roux

Grab a separate saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously. Cook the mixture until it transforms into a golden, bubbling blend, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Blend Milk Mixture

Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 3-5 minutes. Pour this silky mixture into the vegetable pot, stirring to incorporate completely.

Step 4: Add Hearty Protein

• Diced ham
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the soup reach a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Optional garnishes include sprinkled cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers for a comforting meal.

Helpful Tips For Creamier Ham And Potato Soup

• Vegetable Prep Perfection: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, lump-free base for a creamy soup.
• Ham Harmony: Use leftover holiday ham or smoked ham for deeper flavor; trim excess fat to keep the soup lean and delicious.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Texture Tip: Let the soup simmer gently to develop rich flavors and achieve a velvety consistency without scorching the bottom of the pot.

How To Store And Reheat Ham And Potato Soup Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for 3-4 days, keeping the soup's delicious flavors intact and ready for your next meal.
• Freezer Storage: Cool the soup completely before pouring into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2-3 months, ensuring a comforting meal is always within reach.
• Reheating on Stovetop: Gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the original creamy consistency if needed.
• Microwave Reheating: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

What Goes Well With Ham And Potato Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's creaminess and complements the ham's saltiness.
• Match with Hearty Rustic Bread: Choose a crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the rich soup and add textural contrast.
• Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Create a fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the soup's heavy, creamy profile and provide a zesty counterpoint.
• Complement with Buttery Chardonnay: Select an oak-aged Chardonnay that enhances the soup's creamy texture and matches its comforting warmth.

Tasty Upgrades For Ham And Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ham with plant-based protein like smoked tofu or tempeh. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and extra protein.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap thyme for cumin. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Seafood Chowder Remix: Substitute ham with chunks of fresh cod or shrimp. Include a splash of white wine and fresh dill to enhance the oceanic profile.
• Rustic Autumn Harvest: Mix in roasted butternut squash and crispy bacon bits. Sprinkle sage instead of thyme and use a touch of nutmeg for warmth and depth.

FAQs About Ham And Potato Soup

• Why use a roux in this soup?

The roux helps thicken the soup and creates a rich, creamy texture by combining butter and flour before adding milk. It prevents lumps and gives the soup a smooth, velvety consistency.

• Can I use different types of ham?

Absolutely! You can use leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even bacon for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the soup.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes! The combination of potatoes, carrots, and ham provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables. It’s a hearty meal that offers essential nutrients and keeps you full and satisfied.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No worries! If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works perfectly. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs.

Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting ham and potato soup delivers hearty warmth straight from grandma’s kitchen. Creamy potato chunks and savory ham create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (600 g) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1.5 cups (225 g) cooked ham
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion
• 2 carrots
• 2 stalks celery

Seasonings and Extras:

• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 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 potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce temperature and allow vegetables to simmer gently until potatoes become fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. While vegetables are cooking, create a smooth roux in a separate small saucepan. Melt butter over medium heat, then gradually whisk in flour. Continuously stir the mixture, allowing it to develop a golden, frothy consistency without burning, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the milk mixture until it thickens and becomes velvety smooth, typically 3-5 minutes. Carefully pour this creamy base into the vegetable pot, stirring to create a uniform consistency.
4. Introduce diced ham, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the soup. Allow the ingredients to meld together by simmering gently, stirring occasionally. The soup will gradually thicken and develop a rich, comforting flavor profile.
5. Once the soup reaches a creamy, luxurious texture, remove from heat. Ladle into serving bowls and enhance with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Accompany with warm crusty bread or crisp crackers for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use leftover ham or ham hock for deeper, smokier flavor that adds richness to the broth.
• Control roux thickness by adjusting flour amount – less flour creates lighter soup, more flour makes it heartier and more substantial.
• Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg