Every winter, when the leftover holiday ham sits in the fridge, I always find myself reaching for my stockpot. There’s something deeply comforting about turning odds and ends into a steaming pot of ham and potato soup. The aroma of simmering ham mingling with tender potatoes, onions, and a creamy broth instantly reminds me of family dinners where soup was the centerpiece of warmth and conversation. This recipe not only makes the most of leftover ham but also guarantees a bowl of hearty comfort that you’ll want on repeat all season long.
Why This Ham and Potato Soup Works
Ham and potatoes are a classic pairing for a reason. The saltiness of the ham balances the mild, starchy comfort of potatoes. When combined with onions, celery, garlic, and a roux-based broth enriched with milk or cream, the result is a creamy ham and potato soup that’s satisfying without being heavy. Using ham bone or leftover chunks gives the broth depth, while diced vegetables add texture and nutrition. Potatoes release natural starch, helping the soup thicken into a velvety consistency.
Ingredients & Quality Tips
The secret to a great ham potato soup lies in simple ingredients prepared well. Here’s a breakdown:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ham | 2 cups diced | Use leftover ham or ham bone for depth. |
| Potatoes | 4 medium | Russet for thickening, Yukon Gold for creaminess. |
| Onion | 1 large | Yellow onions give sweetness. |
| Celery | 2 stalks | Adds balance and aromatics. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Freshly minced for best flavor. |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Base for roux; use unsalted. |
| Flour | 3 tbsp | Thickens the soup. |
| Milk or Cream | 2 cups | For richness; substitute half-and-half for lighter version. |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups | Low sodium works best to control saltiness. |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Adds sweetness and color. |
| Herbs | Thyme, parsley | Fresh herbs brighten the flavor. |
Pro Tip: If your ham is very salty, balance it by using unsalted broth and adding extra potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add potatoes, ham, and thyme.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in milk or cream, adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with parsley or chives before serving.
Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients except milk and flour. Cook on low 6–7 hours. Thicken with a flour slurry and stir in milk at the end.
Instant Pot Version: Sauté aromatics, add remaining ingredients, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release, stir in cream, and serve hot.
Variations & Adaptations
Ham and potato soup is endlessly adaptable:
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup: Add shredded cheddar for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Healthy Ham Potato Soup: Use low-fat milk and reduce butter for a lighter option.
- Ham Bone Potato Soup: Simmer with a ham bone for extra smoky depth.
- Vegetable Boost: Add corn, peas, or green beans for color and texture.
- Smoky Twist: Sprinkle in smoked paprika or add bacon for deeper flavor.
Serving, Toppings & Pairings
Serve ham and potato soup piping hot with toppings that make it extra special:
- Fresh chives or parsley for color
- Crumbled bacon or ham bits for crunch
- Shredded cheddar cheese for indulgence
- Croutons or crusty bread for texture
Perfect pairings include biscuits, cornbread, or a light green salad.
FAQs
My soup is too salty. What can I do?
Add more potatoes or a splash of cream to balance saltiness.
Can I freeze ham and potato soup?
Yes, but omit cream before freezing. Add dairy after reheating.
How do I thicken my soup more?
Use extra roux, cornstarch slurry, or mash some potatoes into the broth.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and almond milk or oat cream.
Nutrition Snapshot
Approximate per 1-cup serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Conclusion
Ham and potato soup is more than just a way to use leftovers it’s a heartwarming dish that brings people together. With its creamy broth, hearty potatoes, and savory ham, it’s the perfect recipe for chilly nights and family dinners. Try one of the variations to make it your own, and don’t forget to serve it with crusty bread. For more hearty soup recipes and cozy meal ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest you’ll always have comfort food inspiration ready.
Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large Dutch oven, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
- Add diced potatoes and pour in chicken stock until just covering the potatoes.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and mashable.
- Stir in whole milk and grated cheddar cheese. Cook gently until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
- Fold in diced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions and cracked pepper. Pairs well with crusty bread or biscuits.
