What Makes Ham and Potato Soup a Comforting Classic?

A Hearty, Creamy Delight

Ham and potato soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a rich, creamy soup that combines hearty potatoes with savory ham, making it the perfect dish for colder months. The smooth texture of the potatoes and the robust flavor of the ham create a warming, satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or as a quick weeknight meal, this soup is sure to please everyone.

Simple Yet Flavorful

What makes this soup so beloved is its simplicity. With just a few core ingredients—potatoes, ham, vegetables, and a creamy base—this soup can be made in under an hour. The subtle flavors of onion, carrots, and celery add depth, while the ham provides that irresistible savory kick. For more ways to enhance this soup, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves.

Perfect for Leftovers

This soup is also a great way to use up leftover ham. It’s a one-pot dish that stores well and tastes even better the next day. Whether you have leftover holiday ham or a fresh ham steak, it’s the ideal ingredient for a quick, filling meal. You can also freeze leftovers for an easy, ready-to-eat meal in the future.

Basic Recipe: How to Make Ham and Potato Soup

How to Make Ham and Potato Soup – Comforting, Hearty, and Creamy

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with tender russet potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth, it’s a filling and satisfying dish. The vegetables add texture and flavor, while the rich creaminess makes every spoonful feel indulgent. A great way to use up leftover ham, this soup is both delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups russet potatoes, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
16 ounces cubed ham
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Prepare the Soup Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes, salt, and pepper, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add Ham and Cream: Stir in the cubed ham, heavy cream (or milk), and sour cream. Continue to cook on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs, if preferred.

Notes

This soup is great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or skim milk for the heavy cream.
If you want a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher before adding the ham and cream.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans to diversify the flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Ham and Potato Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add the Potatoes and Ham: Stir in the diced potatoes, cubed ham, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and ham. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Add Broth and Cream: Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Then pour in the heavy cream or milk, bringing the soup to a simmer.
Simmer and Thicken: Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup thickens.
Finish with Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream for extra creaminess, then adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra ham, if desired.

Advanced Techniques: Take Your Ham and Potato Soup to the Next Level

Enhance the Flavor with Herbs

Add thyme or bay leaves during the simmering process for added depth. These herbs infuse the soup with subtle, aromatic flavors that complement the creamy base.
Fresh rosemary can also be a great addition if you prefer a more earthy note. Just be sure to remove the stems before serving.

Create a Smoky Version

For a smoky twist, try using smoked ham or adding a small amount of smoked paprika to the soup. The smokiness will elevate the flavor profile and add complexity.
Alternatively, finish the soup with a dash of liquid smoke for a more intense flavor.

Texture Variations

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup once the potatoes are tender. This creates a creamy texture without over-blending the entire soup.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, simply mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher while keeping the rest intact.

Garnishing Tips

Top each bowl of soup with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese before serving.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Proper Storage

Store ham and potato soup in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of making it. This helps preserve its flavor and creaminess.
To prevent the soup from separating, store it without the sour cream, and add it in when reheating.

Shelf Life

The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. After that, the potatoes may begin to lose their texture, so it’s best to enjoy it within a few days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or cream to restore the consistency.

Reheating and Refreshing

To reheat the soup, place it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms evenly. Add a splash of broth or milk if it becomes too thick.
You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing Tips

To freeze the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
For easy meal prep, portion the soup into individual servings for a quick meal on busy days.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Alternatives

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the soup gluten-free. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken the soup.

Dairy-Free Adjustments

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or a cashew cream.
Choose a dairy-free cheese, if desired, to add a cheesy flavor to the soup.

Low-Carb Options

If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can swap the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a similar texture.
Increase the protein by adding more ham or even a few bacon crumbles for extra flavor.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables, like mushrooms or peas, to compensate for the missing protein.
Try adding tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative.

FAQs About Ham and Potato Soup

Can I Use Any Type of Potatoes?

While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Red potatoes also work well but may not break down as easily.

Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Add the sour cream at the end to prevent curdling.

How Can I Make the Soup Thicker?

If the soup is too thin, you can mash some of the potatoes or stir in a bit more flour to thicken the broth. Alternatively, simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid.

Can I Freeze Ham and Potato Soup?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the sour cream when freezing. Add it after reheating for the best texture.

Can I Use Leftover Ham?

Leftover ham is perfect for this soup! It adds rich flavor and makes the soup even more budget-friendly. Simply chop it up and add it directly into the soup base.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Ham and potato soup is a cozy, satisfying dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, offering warmth and heartiness in every spoonful. With its creamy texture, savory ham, and tender potatoes, it’s a dish that brings comfort to the whole family.

Not only is this soup quick and easy to make, but it’s also adaptable to suit various dietary needs. Whether you need a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian option, this recipe can be customized to fit your preferences.

Perfect for leftovers and meal prep, this hearty soup can be enjoyed throughout the week. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of ham and potato soup today!