Ham potato soup has always been my go-to when I need a hug in a bowl. I remember growing up, my mom would make this incredible creamy ham and potato soup on the chilliest days, and the aroma of savory ham and tender potatoes simmering on the stove instantly made our old house feel warm and cozy. It’s such an easy ham potato soup recipe to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or when you have leftover ham. The rich, comforting flavor is unmatched, and it always hits the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ham Potato Soup
This ham potato soup is a true winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly delicious, packed with satisfying flavors that make it a truly hearty potato ham soup. You’ll be amazed at how quick it is to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that uses simple ingredients you likely already have. This soup is a guaranteed hit with the whole family, from picky eaters to adults. It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering a warm and filling experience that’s hard to beat. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for a truly satisfying, hearty potato ham soup experience.
Ingredients for Ham Potato Soup
Gathering the ingredients for this delightful soup is a breeze, especially if you have some potato soup with leftover ham. This recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor:
- 2 cups diced ham – cooked ham, like from a holiday roast, is perfect
- 1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon Gold or Russet work beautifully and create a creamy texture
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced – these add a touch of sweetness and color
- 2 celery stalks, diced – for that classic aromatic base
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced – the foundation of so many delicious soups
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth
- 6 cups chicken broth – low-sodium is a good choice so you can control the salt
- 2 cups whole milk – this makes our soup wonderfully creamy
- 4 tablespoons butter – for sautéing our veggies
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to thicken the soup into a rich chowder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – season at the end
How to Make Ham Potato Soup
Creating this delightful soup is surprisingly straightforward, making it a perfect example of a simple ham and potato soup. You’ll have a comforting bowl ready in about an hour!
- Step 1: Get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven heats, prepare your vegetables and ham.
- Step 2: Wash, peel, and dice your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. It’s best to keep them submerged in cool water until you’re ready to use them to prevent browning. Dice your carrots, celery, and onion into similar sizes. Mince the garlic.
- Step 3: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The kitchen will start to smell wonderful as the butter melts.
- Step 4: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more until you can really smell its fragrance. Be careful not to burn it!
- Step 6: Sprinkle the 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. Stir constantly for about a minute to form a light roux. This step is key to thickening our soup into a lovely chowder.
- Step 7: Slowly pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth while continuously stirring. Make sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. This ensures a smooth base for your simple ham and potato soup.
- Step 8: Add the drained diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 9: Stir in the 2 cups of diced ham. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the ham to heat through and meld its savory flavor into the soup.
- Step 10: Pour in the 2 cups of whole milk and stir gently. Continue to simmer the soup on low heat until it becomes creamy and heated through. Avoid boiling once the milk is added.
- Step 11: Taste your creation and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust as needed to achieve that perfect flavor balance for your simple ham and potato soup.
Pro Tips for the Best Ham Potato Soup
Want to elevate your soup game? Follow these expert tips for an unforgettable bowl of ham potato soup:
- For the creamiest texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds.
- Don’t skip the roux – it’s essential for achieving that perfect chowder-like thickness.
- If you don’t have leftover ham, consider using ham steaks or even diced ham bacon for extra flavor.
- A splash of heavy cream at the end instead of milk can make this truly decadent.
What’s the secret to perfect Ham Potato Soup?
The secret to a truly perfect and savory ham potato soup lies in building layers of flavor. Start with a good sauté of your aromatics, create a proper roux for thickening, and use quality broth and tender, diced ham. Don’t rush the simmering process! For more on building flavor in cooking, check out these easy homemade seasoning mix recipes.
Can I make Ham Potato Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the vegetables and even cook the soup a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding the milk and ham towards the end to maintain the best texture and flavor for your homemade ham potato soup.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ham Potato Soup?
A common pitfall is making the soup too thin; ensure your roux is cooked properly and add the potatoes gradually. Avoid overcooking the potatoes, as they can become mushy. Also, season at the end, as the ham and broth already contain salt. Understanding how to properly season your food is a key cooking skill, and you can learn more about it here.
Best Ways to Serve Ham Potato Soup
This delightful soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few complementary sides to create a truly satisfying experience. For a perfect comfort food ham potato soup meal, consider serving it with a crusty baguette or some warm, fluffy cornbread for dipping into that rich broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also adds a lovely fresh contrast to the hearty soup. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, a grilled cheese sandwich alongside your bowl is always a winner, making it a complete and comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts for Ham Potato Soup
This hearty soup is satisfying and packed with goodness. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of our delicious ham potato soup:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your potato ham broth.
How to Store and Reheat Ham Potato Soup
Properly storing your delicious ham potato soup ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. Once the soup has cooled slightly, ladle it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. This makes having a warm bowl of that savory potato ham broth incredibly convenient whenever a craving strikes.
When you’re ready to reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup seems too thick after storage, you can add a splash more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the soup once the milk has been added to maintain its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Potato Soup
What makes this Ham Potato Soup so creamy?
The creaminess in this ham potato soup comes from a few key elements. We use whole milk, which adds a lovely richness. Additionally, the potatoes themselves break down slightly as they cook, releasing starches that naturally thicken the soup. For an even more decadent experience, you could swap some of the milk for heavy cream, turning it into a true ham and potato chowder.
Can I use different types of potatoes in my Ham Potato Soup?
Yes, you absolutely can! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are fantastic for their ability to create a creamy texture, feel free to experiment. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes hold their shape better, which is great if you prefer a soup with more distinct potato chunks. Just be mindful that they might not thicken the broth as much, so you might need a little extra flour or a longer simmer to achieve that perfect chowder consistency.
What kind of ham is best for Ham Potato Soup?
The best ham for this soup is usually leftover baked ham from a holiday meal. It already has a wonderful savory flavor and is tender enough to dice easily. If you don’t have leftover ham, you can buy a pre-cooked ham steak from the grocery store and dice it. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup, as it’s mainly being heated through and flavoring the broth.
How can I make this a cheesy ham potato soup?
Adding cheese is a fantastic way to enhance this already delicious soup! For a cheesy twist, stir in about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated. This transforms it into a delightful cheesy ham potato soup that’s extra comforting and flavorful.
Variations of Ham Potato Soup You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Ham Potato Soup! For a richer, more decadent experience, try swapping half of the whole milk for heavy cream, creating a luxurious cheesy ham potato soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute some of the milk with low-fat milk or even a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk. For a cooking method variation, this soup is also fantastic in a slow cooker; just sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
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Amazing Ham Potato Soup: A Cozy Meal
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A steaming bowl of ham and potato soup is a comforting and hearty dish. The creamy texture of potatoes blends with savory ham for a satisfying meal perfect for cold days or any occasion.
Ingredients
- Diced ham
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Whole milk
- Butter
- All purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and dice potatoes. Set aside in water.
- Dice carrots, celery, and onion.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and melt butter.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for one minute.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring.
- Add potatoes and simmer until tender.
- Stir in diced ham and warm through.
- Pour in milk and simmer until creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cream for part of the milk for a richer soup.
- Use low-fat milk for a lighter version.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley for freshness.
- A pinch of paprika adds smokiness.
- Add corn or peas for extra color and texture.
- Leftover holiday ham works well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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