Name: Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 onion (finely chopped); 1 medium carrot (diced); 2 celery ribs (diced); 3 cups potatoes (peeled and diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups cooked ham (diced); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup water; salt and black pepper (to taste)

This easy one-pot potato soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. The best part? You only need one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Just imagine a steaming bowl of rich and creamy ham and potato soup, ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for making it ahead of time using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Trust me when I tell you this recipe is a dinner winner, especially if you have a hungry crowd to feed. The creamy texture and tasty flavors make it a hit for kids and grown-ups. Even the picky eaters will ask for more of this creamy soup recipe. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy a bowlful of pure comfort!

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Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Soup

Simple ingredients. This creamy ham and potato soup recipe is made with basic pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen.
It uses hearty ingredients. Packed with chunks of tender ham and wholesome potatoes, this soup is a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. It’s a bowlful of goodness that fills you up without any complicated steps.
One-pot recipe. Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes! Our Creamy Ham and Potato Soup is a one-pot recipe, minimizing the cleanup and leaving more time to savor the deliciousness.
You can make it ahead of time: If you’re a fan of meal prepping, this nutritious soup is a game-changer.
It’s super easy to make. Making this delicious soup is a breeze. You will need just a few minutes of prep, then let everything simmer until it’s ready.
Budget-friendly. Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, this creamy soup recipe proves that delicious meals don’t have to be made with expensive ingredients.
Versatile recipe. The versatility of this soup recipe allows you to use ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Customizable. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your taste, whether you prefer a vegetarian version, a meaty twist, or a distinctive flavor profile.

How To Make Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Preparing and Sautéing the Vegetables

Start your creamy ham and potato soup by preparing the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into even, small pieces. This uniform size ensures that they cook evenly and at the same pace, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add these chopped vegetables. Cooking them for about 4-5 minutes is key; you want them softened but not browned.

Adding a bay leaf or some fresh thyme during this stage can also add a delightful aromatic twist to your soup.

Adding Ham, Potatoes, and Thickening the Soup

Once your vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to add the ham and potatoes. If your ham is already quite salty, remember to adjust the amount of added salt later on.

Different types of potatoes can alter the texture of your soup – Russets will make it thicker, while Yukon Golds add a buttery texture.

After adding the ham and potatoes, stir in the garlic and let it sauté until it becomes fragrant. This is where the soup starts to get its depth of flavor.

The next step is crucial: gradually mixing in the flour. This helps thicken the soup without creating lumps. Sprinkle the flour evenly and stir continuously.

This ensures that the flour evenly coats the ingredients and loses its raw taste.

If catering to gluten sensitivities, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.

Cooking with Liquids and Final Seasoning

After your flour is well mixed, stir in the chicken stock and bouillon. Adding the stock gradually while stirring well helps to create a smooth, thickened base for your soup. Homemade chicken stock can be a great choice here for an even richer flavor. Once everything is well-mixed, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take around 10-12 minutes.

As the potatoes soften, reduce the heat and stir in the cream. It’s important to keep the soup at a gentle simmer at this point to prevent the cream from curdling. For a lighter version of the soup, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead of heavy cream. Continuously stirring at this stage helps avoid lumps and ensures a creamy texture.

Finally, taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Letting the soup sit for a bit after cooking (while keeping it warm) allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.

Essential Tips For Success

Choose Quality Ham: Use good-quality ham to enhance the soup’s flavor. Smoked ham or leftover ham from a holiday meal can add a smoky flavor to the soup.
Select the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal for achieving a creamier texture in the soup.
Uniform Potato Pieces: Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing some pieces from being too hard or too soft.
Achieving a Creamy Texture: If you’re using heavy cream or milk, add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent curdling. Heat it gently and incorporate it gradually to maintain a smooth texture.
Cooking Potatoes Perfectly: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes. They should be tender but still retain some structure, avoiding a mushy texture.
Adjusting Consistency: Modify the liquid content to achieve your desired consistency. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Recipe Variations

You can add various ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of this creamy ham and potato soup. Here are some suggestions:

Vegetables: Feel free to add sweet corn kernels for a burst of sweetness or fresh or frozen peas for extra color and sweetness, or you can also stir in fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition and a vibrant color.
Cheese: Add some Swiss cheese or grated parmesan into the soup for a nutty flavor and a savory kick.
Cream Cheese: Adding a dollop of cream cheese makes the soup extra creamy and indulgent.
Herbs and Spices: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. A pinch of nutmeg or paprika can also elevate the flavor profile.
Crumbled Bacon: Top the soup with crumbled bacon for an added smoky crunch, which complements the ham beautifully.
Hot Sauce: e: For a spicy twist, a dash of hot sauce can bring a welcome heat to the soup, catering to those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.

How To Serve

Here are some interesting ideas to enjoy this potato soup to complete its rich and comforting flavors:

Crusty Bread or Breadsticks: Serve slices of crusty baguette, artisan bread, or warm breadsticks on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Garlic Bread: Make garlic bread or garlic knots for a flavorful addition. The garlic notes can enhance the overall experience.
Side Salad: A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple balsamic dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Pickles: Serving pickles or pickled vegetables like cucumbers or pickled red onions alongside the soup adds a tangy and crunchy element, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the soup for added creaminess and a touch of tang.
Crispy Bacon Bits: Crumble crispy bacon on top of the soup for an extra layer of smokiness and crunch.

Storing Ideas

Before storing the leftovers from this creamy soup, we have to pay attention to a few things to make everything perfect:

Cool to Room Temperature: Cool the creamy ham and potato soup leftovers before storing them.
Choose the Right Container: store this soup in a large, lidded container or divide it into smaller individual portions in separate containers.
Fridge: Transfer the leftovers to the airtight container and store them in the fridge for about 5 days.
Freezer: If you have a large batch, transfer the soup into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Troubleshooting

Soup is Too Thin: Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for a longer time to help reduce and thicken the liquid. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup, then let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Soup is Too Thick: Add more broth, water, or milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly after adding more liquid.
Potatoes are Overcooked: To prevent overcooking, add the potatoes later in the cooking process or cut them into larger chunks.
Separation of Cream or Milk: If the cream or milk has separated, try stirring the soup gently. To prevent separation, add the dairy gradually, and make sure not to boil the soup once the dairy is added.
Burnt Bits on the Bottom of the Pot: Scrape off the burnt bits gently without disturbing the rest of the soup. Consider transferring the soup to a clean pot, leaving the burnt bits behind.