Hearty Homestyle Ham and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy comfort warms every spoon of this delightful ham and potato soup recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Cold winter evenings call for something hearty and rich with tender potato chunks.

The soup delivers robust flavors that dance between smoky ham and smooth potato goodness.

Loaded with savory ingredients, each spoonful tells a story of warmth and home-cooked love.

Chunks of ham provide delicious protein while potatoes create a creamy, comforting base.

Simmered slowly, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a meal everyone will crave.

Dive into this recipe and discover a soul-soothing dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Ham And Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Hearty base that provides creamy texture and satisfying substance, choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green spots.
• Carrots: Adds sweet earthiness and vibrant color, select bright orange carrots without blemishes.
• Celery: Introduces subtle aromatic depth, pick crisp stalks with fresh green leaves.
• Onion: Creates foundational flavor profile, select firm onions without soft spots.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers rich liquid base, opt for low-sodium versions for better seasoning control.

• Butter: Creates smooth roux foundation, use unsalted for precise seasoning.
• Flour: Helps develop luxurious soup consistency, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Milk: Provides silky, creamy texture, whole milk recommended for richness.

• Ham: Introduces smoky, salty protein punch, choose lean diced ham for even distribution.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory undertones, ensures consistent flavor throughout soup.
• Thyme: Contributes earthy herbal notes, dried thyme works wonderfully.
• Salt: Amplifies overall taste complexity, use kosher or sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground preferred.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides tangy, melty topping, sharp varieties recommended.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, bright finishing touch, finely chopped fresh parsley ideal.

Simple Instructions For Ham And Potato Soup Prep

• Vegetable Harmony

Gather your chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion in a large pot. Pour in chicken broth and let everything dance together, simmering gently until vegetables become tender and soft, about 15-20 minutes.

• Creamy Transformation

In a separate pan, create a smooth golden base by melting butter and whisking in flour. This magical mixture will give your soup luxurious thickness and rich flavor.

• Liquid Alchemy

Gradually pour milk into your butter-flour blend, stirring carefully to prevent any stubborn lumps. Let the mixture thicken and become silky, then merge it with your vegetable-filled pot.

• Flavor Explosion

Introduce diced ham and a sprinkle of seasonings – garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to mingle and develop deep, comforting flavors for about 10 minutes.

• Finishing Touches

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls. Crown your creation with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread for a truly heartwarming meal.

Flavor Boosting Tips For Ham And Potato Soup

• Soup Savvy Tips
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this soup up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Potato Perfect: Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a thicker soup, or waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a slightly firmer texture. Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Ham Hack: Replace diced ham with cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or vegetarian sausage for different flavor profiles. Smoked turkey can also create a delightful twist.
• Low-Carb Love: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrates. For a keto-friendly version, use heavy cream instead of milk and increase butter content.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast for a creamy, plant-based alternative that maintains rich flavor.

How To Serve Ham And Potato Soup Warm And Cozy

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty baguette or artisan sourdough to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Cheesy Topping Delight: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or smoked gouda on top, letting the cheese slowly melt and create a golden, bubbling layer of deliciousness.
• Crispy Crunch Addition: Crush some buttery crackers or homemade croutons over the soup for an exciting textural contrast that adds a satisfying crackle with each spoonful.
• Green Freshness Boost: Garnish with freshly chopped chives, green onions, or parsley to bring a bright, herbal note that cuts through the rich, creamy soup base.

How To Save And Reheat Ham And Potato Soup

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers, cool completely before sealing, and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Wisdom: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality, avoiding dairy-heavy soups for optimal texture.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw refrigerated soup in the fridge overnight. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick, restoring original creamy consistency.
• Smart Portioning: Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use glass or microwave-safe containers for convenient reheating, ensuring each portion stays delicious and ready to enjoy.

Kitchen Items For Making Ham And Potato Soup

• Large pot: Essential for cooking vegetables and combining soup ingredients.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for making the smooth, golden roux.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending roux without lumps and mixing ingredients seamlessly.
• Cutting board: Needed for dicing ham and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Helps prepare ham and vegetables quickly and precisely.
• Ladle: Great for serving soup into bowls neatly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for perfect flavor.

Hearty Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty ham and potato soup delights diners with creamy comfort from classic kitchen traditions. Rich flavors meld perfectly, offering warm satisfaction for families gathering around dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (600 g/21.2 oz) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1.5 cups (225 g/8 oz) cooked ham
• 3 cups (720 ml/24.4 fl oz) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml/16.2 fl oz) milk
• 1 small onion
• 2 carrots
• 2 stalks celery
• ¼ cup (30 g/1 oz) all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (60 g/2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Veggie Foundation: Combine potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth in a large pot. Bring to a vibrant boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer until potatoes soften, roughly 15-20 minutes.
2. Roux Creation: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, stirring constantly to develop a golden, aerated texture without scorching. This process typically takes 1-2 minutes.
3. Creamy Transformation: Slowly integrate milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to ensure a silky-smooth consistency. Pour the thickened cream base into the vegetable pot, blending thoroughly to create a unified, luxurious soup.
4. Flavor Infusion: Introduce diced ham, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the simmering mixture. Allow ingredients to harmonize, stirring occasionally, as the soup develops a rich, comforting depth of flavor.
5. Finishing Touch: Remove from heat once the soup reaches a velvety consistency. Serve in warm bowls, garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Prevent Lumpy Roux: Whisk continuously and keep heat moderate to avoid burning flour, ensuring a smooth base for the soup.
• Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized chunks to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Ham Selection Matters: Use high-quality, lean ham with minimal fat for a cleaner flavor and healthier soup option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter to create a lactose-free version of the soup.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg