Soul-Warming Hearty Ham and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cold winter nights call for a comforting ham and potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with robust flavors and tender chunks of savory ham, this hearty recipe delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

The creamy broth blends perfectly with soft potato pieces, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Crisp bacon bits and fresh herbs add delightful layers of texture and depth to this classic soup.

Each serving promises rich, stick-to-your-ribs goodness that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Ladle this delicious soup into bowls and watch as smiles spread around the table.

One spoonful and you’ll understand why this soup is a winter essential.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 6

Ham and Potato Soup Ingredient Breakdown

• Potatoes: Hearty base that provides creamy texture and filling substance, choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for best results.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, select fresh, firm carrots with bright orange hue.
• Celery: Delivers subtle aromatic flavor and crisp texture, pick stalks that are firm and bright green.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile, opt for sweet yellow onions for balanced taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich liquid base, use low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for roux, select unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Flour: Essential for creating smooth, thick soup consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps bind ingredients, whole milk recommended for fuller flavor.

• Ham: Introduces smoky, salty protein element, choose fully cooked diced ham for convenience.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances depth of flavor without fresh garlic's intensity.
• Thyme: Contributes earthy, subtle herb notes that complement ham beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste, adjust according to personal preference.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy finish, shred freshly for maximum flavor.
• Parsley: Provides fresh, bright finishing touch, chop finely for even distribution.

Tools to Make Ham and Potato Soup Easy

• Large pot: Essential for cooking and combining vegetables and broth.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy roux.
• Whisk: Crucial for mixing flour, butter, and milk smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting board: Needed for dicing ham and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable and ham chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help measure ingredients accurately.
• Ladle: Used for serving the soup into bowls.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring soup while cooking.

Cook Ham and Potato Soup with Heart

• Prep Veggie Base

Toss potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions into a large pot. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables and bring to a rolling boil. Lower heat and let everything simmer until potatoes turn fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

• Whip Up Creamy Roux

Melt butter in a small pan and sprinkle flour into the melted goodness. Whisk continuously until the mixture turns golden and starts dancing with tiny bubbles, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

• Blend Creamy

Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking like crazy to prevent any lumpy surprises. Cook until the mixture thickens and looks silky smooth. Pour this luxurious blend into the vegetable pot and stir until everything merges beautifully.

• Add Hearty Ham

Toss diced ham into the pot along with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer and mingle for 10 minutes, creating a rich and comforting soup that’ll warm your soul.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar and fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. Grab a slice of crusty bread and dive in!

Rich Soup Tips for Ham and Potato Flavor

• Soup Perfection
• Dice potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Sauté onions and garlic briefly before adding broth to intensify the soup's depth and richness.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and use plant-based ham alternatives or extra vegetables for protein.
• For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes directly in the pot or add extra roux; for a lighter version, reduce the flour and butter ratio.
• Store soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and reheat gently to maintain creamy consistency without separating ingredients.

Serve Ham and Potato Soup with Comfort in Mind

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty baguette or hearty sourdough to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or crumbled bacon bits on top for an indulgent twist that adds crunch and extra richness to each spoonful.
• Salad Side Kick: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture.
• Winter Comfort Combo: Serve alongside a small side of roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots to create a complete, warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Store Ham and Potato Soup for Later Warm-Ups

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste retention when properly sealed.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm on stovetop. Stir occasionally and add splash of chicken broth if soup appears too thick, restoring original creamy consistency.
• Double the recipe and store extra portions for busy weeknights. Label containers with date and contents, making meal planning effortless and convenient for quick, delicious dinners.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ham for this soup?

Yes, you can use various ham types like smoked ham, honey ham, or leftover holiday ham. Just ensure the ham is diced into small, uniform pieces for even distribution.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Consider using low-fat milk, reducing butter quantity, adding more vegetables like spinach or kale, and using low-sodium chicken broth to decrease calories and salt content.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

No problem! You can substitute dried thyme (use about 1/3 of the fresh amount) or replace it with dried herbs like rosemary or oregano for a similar flavor profile.

Hearty Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Rich ham and potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, warming souls with each spoonful you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Combine diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in a large pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Roux Creation: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Toast the mixture until golden and bubbling, developing a rich flavor base for the soup, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Sauce Development: Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, velvety texture. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens, typically 3-5 minutes.
4. Soup Integration: Merge the creamy sauce with the simmered vegetables and broth, stirring thoroughly to create a unified, luxurious soup foundation.
5. Final Flavor Infusion: Add diced ham, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the soup. Allow ingredients to meld during a final 10-minute simmer, intensifying the flavor profile and achieving a hearty consistency.
6. Serving Suggestion: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Prevent Potato Mushiness: Cook potatoes just until fork-tender to maintain their structural integrity and avoid turning them into a mushy texture.
• Master the Roux Technique: Continuously whisk butter and flour to prevent burning, achieving a golden color for maximum flavor development without bitterness.
• Smooth Sauce Strategy: Add milk slowly and whisk constantly to eliminate potential lumps, creating a silky, uniform sauce base.
• Ham Selection Matters: Use high-quality, lean ham with minimal fat for a cleaner taste and better overall soup texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg