Ham and Potato Soup

Warm up with this Creamy Ham and Potato Soup, a perfect comfort food for chilly nights! Packed with tender potatoes and smoky ham in a rich, velvety broth, this recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s also easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free options, making it a crowd-pleaser for any diet. Dive into a bowl of this cozy, homemade soup that’s bound to be a hit with the whole family!

Rich, Comforting Flavor with Simple Ingredients – This Ham and Potato Soup recipe is packed with layers of flavor from smoked ham, garlic, and hearty potatoes, yet uses everyday ingredients found in most kitchens. Perfect for cozy nights, it’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Customizable to Any Diet – This potato soup recipe can be easily adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets by swapping out a few ingredients without compromising on the creamy texture or hearty flavor that makes it so popular.

FAQs

How do you make creamy ham and potato soup from scratch?
Start by sautéing carrots, celery, onions, and ham in butter. Sprinkle flour over the mixture to create a roux, then gradually add chicken broth to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes and simmer until tender. Finish with heavy cream and garnish with chives for extra flavor and creaminess.
What’s the best way to thicken ham and potato soup?
You can thicken the soup by adding a roux (butter and flour mixture) at the beginning, or by mashing a portion of the potatoes toward the end of cooking. This keeps some chunks intact but creates a creamier texture.
Can I make ham and potato soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except the flour and cream to the slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Near the end, thicken the soup by stirring in a cornstarch slurry or some mashed potatoes, and finish with cream.
What potatoes are best for ham and potato soup?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. They’re starchy, which helps create a thick, creamy consistency, and they break down just enough to keep a nice texture.
How do I make ham and potato soup without cream?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or omit it entirely if you prefer a broth-based soup. Adding a bit of extra mashed potato can help maintain a creamy texture.
How long does it take to make ham and potato soup?
The soup takes about 50 minutes total—15 minutes of prep and around 35 minutes to cook, depending on the size of your diced potatoes.
Can I freeze ham and potato soup?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, as potatoes can get mushy after freezing. Let the soup cool, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove, stirring well.
How do I add flavor to ham and potato soup?
Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Use smoked ham for a richer flavor, and finish with fresh chives or herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
What can I serve with ham and potato soup?
Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or a side salad. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions also complement this soup well.
Can I use leftover ham in ham and potato soup?
Absolutely! Leftover ham adds a lot of flavor to the soup. Just be mindful of saltiness since cured or smoked ham can add extra salt.
How do I keep potatoes from getting mushy in soup?
Don’t overcook the potatoes—cut them into even, ½-inch cubes and cook until just tender. Yukon Gold potatoes also hold their shape well if you prefer a chunkier texture.
How many calories are in ham and potato soup?
A typical serving of ham and potato soup contains around 280 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size.
Is ham and potato soup gluten-free?
Traditional recipes are not, due to the flour used as a thickener. To make it gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
What herbs go well with ham and potato soup?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley are perfect. Chives add a nice finishing touch, and a little dried oregano or marjoram can enhance the soup’s flavor.
Can I make ham and potato soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or a dairy-free creamer. This keeps it creamy without the dairy.

Make it

Ham and Potato Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal

Ingredients

2 carrots, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups smoked ham, cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
½ cup heavy cream
Fresh chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Cube the smoked ham and mince the garlic.
Sauté the Vegetables and Ham: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the cubed ham and garlic, stirring for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and ham, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes. The flour will thicken the base and remove any raw taste.
Add Broth and Water Gradually: Pour in a splash of chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, then add the remaining broth and water. Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
Add the Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes and add them to the pot. Let the soup simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Check for saltiness, adjusting as needed (ham can add natural salt).
Season and Mash: Add black pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Lightly mash a portion of the potatoes to thicken the soup, keeping some chunks for texture.
Finish with Cream and Garnish: Stir in the heavy cream, and once it’s warmed through, remove the soup from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped chives.
Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite crackers for a delicious, hearty meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 850mg

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