There are few things more comforting than a warm bowl of rich, hearty soup on a chilly day. This Creamy Potato and Ham Soup is the absolute pinnacle of comfort food. It’s thick, satisfying, and packed with flavor from smoky ham, tender potatoes, and a velvety smooth broth. Forget the canned stuff; this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers a truly restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that will leave you feeling warm, happy, and completely satisfied.
Why This Is The Best Creamy Potato and Ham Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a guide to creating the most luxurious and flavorful Creamy Potato and Ham Soup you’ve ever tasted. What sets it apart is the perfect balance of textures and a few key techniques that create an unbelievably creamy base without being too heavy. We also focus on building layers of flavor at every step, from sautéing the aromatics to simmering the potatoes until they are perfectly tender.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best. They break down beautifully to help thicken the soup naturally.
- Ham: This is a fantastic recipe for using leftover cooked ham. A smoked, diced ham steak also works wonderfully.
- Aromatics: A classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery forms the flavorful base of our soup. Don’t forget the garlic!
- Chicken Broth: A quality chicken broth adds depth. Use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to the ultra-creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half.
- Butter & Flour: To create a simple roux that gives the soup its body and thickness.
- Seasonings: Thyme, black pepper, and a little salt are all you need to let the main ingredients shine.
How to Make Creamy Potato and Ham Soup Step-by-Step
Making this hearty soup is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously for about one minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and will help thicken the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the diced potatoes and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Aim to blend about half of it, leaving plenty of chunky potatoes for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer about 3 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the diced ham and heavy cream. Let the soup heat through for another 5 minutes, but do not let it boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley.
Tips for the Creamiest Soup Imaginable
Want to take your soup from great to absolutely divine? Here are a few pro tips for achieving that perfect, velvety texture.
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which breaks down during cooking and naturally thickens the soup. Yukon Golds offer a creamier, buttery texture.
- Don’t Boil the Cream: When you add the heavy cream at the end, keep the heat low. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle.
- Add a Little Cheese: For an extra decadent, cheesy potato ham soup, stir in a cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese along with the cream until it’s melted and smooth. For another cheesy delight, try these Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to make it your own! Here are a few ideas:
- Slow Cooker Version: Sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything except the flour, butter, and cream to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Make a roux in a separate pan, stir in some of the hot soup broth to temper it, then add it back to the crockpot along with the cream and ham for the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you love slow cooker meals, you must try this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.
- Add Corn or Peas: Stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas along with the ham for a pop of sweetness and color.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
What to Serve With Your Soup
This Creamy Potato and Ham Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few classic sides. A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the soup. For a truly epic meal, serve it alongside a delicious Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it cools. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it back to your desired consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream and potatoes can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We don’t recommend freezing this soup. Dairy-based soups like this one can separate and become grainy when thawed, and the texture of the potatoes can become mealy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Yes! Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery first, then add them and all other ingredients (except the flour, butter, and cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Make a roux with the butter and flour on the stovetop, temper it with some soup liquid, then stir it and the cream into the slow cooker for the final 30 minutes.
To thicken your soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup, which releases the starches from the potatoes. You can also make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it in at the end, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Stored in an airtight container, this soup will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The soup will thicken upon cooling.
The best potatoes are starchy ones like Russets or buttery ones like Yukon Golds. Russets break down more, which helps to naturally thicken the soup, while Yukon Golds hold their shape a bit better and have a creamy texture.
The Ultimate Creamy Potato and Ham Soup Recipe
Creamy Potato and Ham Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Food)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency, leaving some chunks of potato for texture.
- Stir in the diced ham and heavy cream. Warm through for 5 minutes over low heat (do not boil). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives.
Notes
For an extra rich flavor, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese at the end until melted.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
We hope you love this Creamy Potato and Ham Soup recipe as much as we do! It’s a true bowl of comfort that we find ourselves coming back to again and again. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
