Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Ham and Potato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Cozy winter nights invite a steaming bowl of hearty ham and potato soup that promises warmth and comfort.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe whispers memories of kitchen gatherings.

Chunks of tender ham mingle with creamy potatoes, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Fragrant herbs dance through the broth, infusing each spoonful with richness.

Subtle seasonings transform simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal.

Practical and quick to prepare, this soup becomes a weeknight hero for hungry families.

Come explore a classic recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Ham And Potato Soup Combines Familiar Ingredients For Total Warmth

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty soup that wraps you in cozy goodness with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepares in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable ingredients like potatoes and ham, creating a delicious dinner without breaking the bank.
  • Family-Friendly Classic: Universally appealing recipe that kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

What’s Used In Ham And Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes, Ham: Hearty base of the soup, potatoes provide creamy texture and ham adds rich, savory flavor. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better consistency. Fresh, lean ham works best.
  • Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base that enhances overall soup flavor. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of salt content.
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux for thickening the soup and adding richness. Unsalted butter preferred for precise seasoning.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the soup. Whole milk provides the best flavor and consistency.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and basic seasoning. Fresh onion adds sweetness and aromatic quality. Freshly ground black pepper recommended for more robust taste.

How To Cook Ham And Potato Soup

Step 1: Boil Hearty Base

In a roomy cooking pot, toss in diced potatoes, chopped ham, minced onion, and chicken broth.

Crank up the heat until the liquid bubbles, then lower the temperature and let everything simmer gently.

Cook until the potatoes become soft and tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Roux

Grab a separate saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, stirring constantly to create a smooth, golden mixture.

Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a thick, velvety consistency.

Step 3: Blend and Thicken Soup

Pour the creamy roux into the potato and ham mixture.

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the soup becomes luxuriously thick and incredibly creamy.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper until it reaches your perfect flavor profile.

Ladle the steaming, comforting soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness of this classic ham and potato soup!

Ham And Potato Soup Built With Pro Know-How

  • Choose lean, low-sodium ham to control salt content and create a healthier soup option for those watching sodium intake.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding more milk for a thinner texture or extra flour for a thicker, more hearty soup base.
  • Temper milk slowly and stir constantly when adding to hot broth to avoid unwanted separation or lumpy texture.
  • Roast onions before adding to the soup for a caramelized, richer taste that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Replace ham with smoked tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth to create a delicious plant-based alternative.

Ham And Potato Soup Store For Cozy Nights

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
  • Add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to restore original consistency and prevent ingredients from separating.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and store up to 2 months for later enjoyment.

Soup Pairings for Ham Potato Soup

  • Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, creamy soup's savory ham and potato flavors.
  • Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or french baguette to soak up the soup's delicious broth and add textural contrast.
  • Complement with Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's heaviness and provide fresh, zesty notes.
  • Enhance with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle aged cheddar on top of the soup to intensify the creamy texture and add a sharp, salty kick.

Ham and Potato Soup Options

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or plant-based bacon alternatives, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the recipe.
  • Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and select lean ham or turkey ham to create a heart-friendly soup with less sodium.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream, using olive oil instead of butter to create a creamy soup suitable for dairy-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or ham steak. Just ensure the ham is chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour for the roux. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup reheats well. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

  • How can I make the soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or frozen mixed vegetables during the initial simmering stage to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor.

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Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Ham and Potato Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty ham and potato soup brings comfort on chilly days, blending smoky meat with creamy potatoes. Rich flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 cups (112 cups) ham, cooked and diced

Vegetables:

  • 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Dice the ham and potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  2. Place the chopped vegetables and ham into a spacious stockpot, then pour chicken broth over the ingredients to fully submerge them.
  3. Heat the mixture on high until it reaches a vigorous boil, then reduce the temperature to allow a gentle simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. While the potatoes are softening, create a velvety base by melting butter in a separate skillet over medium heat.
  5. Gradually sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a smooth, golden roux without any lumps.
  6. Slowly stream milk into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and create a silky, thickened sauce.
  7. Carefully incorporate the creamy sauce into the simmering potato and ham mixture, gently folding to distribute the thickener evenly.
  8. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and develop a rich, luxurious consistency.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.
  10. Ladle the hot, creamy soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a generous mix of potatoes, ham, and smooth broth.

Notes

  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamier, thicker soup consistency.
  • Dice ham and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor in every spoonful.
  • For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with skim milk or use low-fat butter alternative.
  • If avoiding gluten, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend as a thickening agent.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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