There’s something special about a warm bowl of ham potato soup on a chilly day. It’s easy to make, full of comforting flavors, and perfect for using leftover ham. This soup brings together simple ingredients to create a delicious meal that fills you up and feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love Ham Potato Soup
Ham potato soup has a special place in the hearts of many, and for good reason. Here’s why it’s such a beloved dish:
Satisfying and filling: The combination of tender potatoes and savory ham makes for a soup that’s both hearty and nourishing. It keeps you full longer, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Economical and resourceful: If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal or any other occasion, this soup lets you stretch those leftovers into several meals without extra cost.
Easy to make: You don’t need fancy skills or rare ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and some patience are all it takes to create a dish that tastes like it took hours.
Versatile: From creamy to chunky, spicy to mild, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.
Nostalgic comfort food: There’s something deeply satisfying about a homemade soup that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings.
Food trends consistently show that comfort foods like ham potato soup see a surge in popularity as temperatures drop — and it’s no surprise. This dish combines tradition, taste, and ease in one pot.
Ingredients
Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this ham potato soup because they break down nicely and create a creamy texture while still holding some chunks.
Onion – Fresh onion adds subtle sweetness and aroma to the ham potato soup base. Finely chop for even cooking. Avoid pre-chopped or dried onion flakes for the best flavor and texture.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory notes of the ham potato soup. Using fresh garlic is important; garlic powder won’t provide the same depth or freshness.
Chicken Broth – The chicken broth is the liquid foundation of this ham potato soup. Homemade broth is best for flavor, but good-quality store-bought broth works well too. Low-sodium broth is preferred to control the saltiness.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and a velvety texture to the ham potato soup. Whole milk can be used as a lighter alternative but will slightly reduce creaminess.
Butter – Unsalted butter adds flavor and smoothness to the ham potato soup. If using salted butter, reduce added salt in the recipe to balance flavors.
How to Make Ham Potato Soup
Follow these clear steps to make a delicious and comforting ham potato soup from scratch:
Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant—about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base your soup needs.
Add the Ham
Toss in your diced ham and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This warms the ham through and releases some of its smoky aroma.
Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, add the cubed potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat and bring everything to a boil.
Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let your soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Slightly Mash the Potatoes
To get that perfect creamy yet chunky texture, use a potato masher or an immersion blender. Be careful not to over-blend—some potato chunks make the soup hearty and satisfying.
Stir in the Cream
Slowly add your heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly. Heat gently, but avoid boiling after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
Season and Serve
Taste your soup and add salt and black pepper to suit your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
Expert Tips
Here are some pro tips that will help you make your ham potato soup even better:
Choose your ham wisely: Leftover baked ham or smoked ham hocks add the best flavor. Avoid lean deli ham as it lacks richness.
Don’t over-blend: Keeping some potato chunks adds great texture contrast.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor complexity.
Homemade broth makes a difference: If time allows, make your own chicken broth for a fuller taste.
Use a slow cooker: For hands-off cooking, combine all ingredients (except cream) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in cream before serving.
Storing leftovers: Let soup cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to customize your soup to match your mood or pantry supplies. Here are some tasty twists:
Cheesy Ham Potato Soup: Add 1 to 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese when stirring in the cream. Top with extra cheese before serving.
Vegetable-Packed: Toss in diced carrots, celery, or corn along with the potatoes for extra nutrients and color.
Low-Fat Version: Use milk instead of cream and reduce butter to 1 tablespoon. Skip cheese toppings.
Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients except cream and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cream before serving.
How to Serve Ham Potato Soup
Serving ham potato soup is as much about the extras as the soup itself. Consider these ideas for a complete meal:
Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls to soak up every drop.
Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the soup.
Toppings: Enhance with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs.
Meal prep: This soup freezes well, so make a big batch and enjoy it on busy days.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ham Potato Soup
What is the best type of ham to use for ham potato soup?
For the richest flavor, use leftover baked ham or smoked ham hocks. These provide a smoky, savory depth. Avoid deli ham, which can be too lean and lack flavor.
How can I make ham potato soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, use more potatoes or mash a portion of the potatoes thoroughly. You can also add a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stirring it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is ham potato soup healthy?
This soup provides protein from ham and fiber plus vitamins from potatoes. To lighten it up, use low-fat milk instead of cream and add extra vegetables for nutrients.
Can I make ham potato soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap cream for coconut or almond milk to keep it creamy while making it suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.
Ham Potato Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Potato Masher
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham preferably leftover or smoked ham for more flavor
- 4 large potatoes peeled and cubed (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter version
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add diced ham and cook for 3-4 minutes to warm and release aroma.
- Add cubed potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream or milk. Heat gently without boiling.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.