Hearty Ham and Potato Soup: Comfort in a Bowl (Quick & Easy Family Dinner)

Hearty Ham and Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of ham and potato soup on a chilly evening. This homemade recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy comfort food that your whole family will request again and again. Perfect for using up leftover holiday ham, this hearty soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a silky broth that will warm you from the inside out.

Why This Ham and Potato Soup Recipe Works

This soul-warming soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and creamy. The starchy potatoes naturally thicken the broth while chunks of savory ham add protein and depth of flavor. It’s economical, easy to prepare, and makes excellent leftovers – the flavor actually improves overnight!

With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this homemade potato soup with ham is quick enough for weeknights but special enough for weekend gatherings. At just 236 calories per serving, it’s a relatively light meal that still satisfies completely.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Vegetable peeler
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Potato masher (optional, for creamier texture)

Ingredients for the Best Ham and Potato Soup

• 3 ½ cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 medium russet potatoes)
• 1 cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups diced ham (leftover holiday ham works perfectly)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and ham. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the vegetables are covered. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the roux. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour the milk mixture into the stockpot with the vegetables and ham. Add the dried parsley and thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that ham can be salty, so adjust accordingly.
7. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Potato and Ham Soup

• Potato choice matters: Russet potatoes work best in this soup as they break down slightly, naturally thickening the broth.
• Dice uniformly: Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Leftover ham magic: This recipe shines with leftover holiday ham, making it perfect for post-Easter or Christmas meals.
• Make it creamier: For an even more luxurious texture, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• Texture control: For a chunkier soup, leave as is. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.

Variations on Classic Ham and Potato Soup

• Loaded Potato Style: Top with crispy bacon bits, extra cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Add More Veggies: Corn, peas, or leeks make excellent additions.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk and skip the cheese garnish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herb Garden Blend: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This potato ham soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin the soup as it tends to thicken in the refrigerator.

Unfortunately, potato soups generally don’t freeze well as potatoes can become grainy when thawed, but this recipe rarely has leftovers that last that long anyway!

Nutritional Information

What to Serve with Ham and Potato Soup

This hearty soup works beautifully as a complete meal, but here are some excellent pairings to round out your dinner:

• Crusty artisan bread or homemade rolls for dipping
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Warm, buttery cornbread muffins
• Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic soup-and-sandwich combo
• Roasted brussels sprouts or green beans for added vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Potato Soup

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add all the vegetables, ham, and broth to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, prepare the roux on the stovetop and stir it into the slow cooker.

What’s the best ham to use?

Leftover baked ham gives the best flavor, but ham steaks or even good-quality deli ham will work in a pinch.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?

Mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon, or make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in while the soup is simmering.

Can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-sodium broth, reduced-fat milk, and increase the proportion of vegetables to ham. You can also use half and half instead of the roux for a lighter thickening method.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold winter night or use up leftover holiday ham, this ham and potato soup recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful. Hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes