Ham Cheese Soup Recipe

Imagine a warm, creamy bowl of soup that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of melting cheese, smoky ham, and fresh herbs. That’s exactly what Ham and Cheese Soup offers-comfort in a bowl. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, especially on cold evenings when all you want is something hearty and satisfying.

What makes this soup so delightful is the way it strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and creamy texture, with the hearty goodness of ham providing a savory contrast to the lusciousness of melted cheese. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but elevated enough for a cozy dinner with friends or family. Let’s dive into this incredible dish and see just how easy it is to prepare.

Ham Cheese Soup Recipe

This Ham and Cheese Soup combines tender chunks of ham with creamy cheese and vegetables in a rich broth, all simmered together into a velvety consistency. The result is a flavorful, satisfying dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need for this delightful soup:

• 1 lb cooked ham, diced (leftover ham works wonders)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold works best)
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is surprisingly easy and only takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Follow these steps for a creamy, flavorful bowl of ham and cheese goodness:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing the ham, onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. This will help them cook evenly and ensure a nice texture in the soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.
3. Add the Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Incorporate the Ham: Add the diced ham to the pot and stir well. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Creamy Base: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken the broth.
6. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. This will give the soup that smooth, cheesy richness you crave.
7. Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If it needs more salt, pepper, or a bit more Dijon for tang, go ahead and add it.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

To really understand what makes this soup so satisfying, let’s break down the ingredients:

• Ham: The star of the dish, ham brings a salty, savory element that perfectly complements the creamy cheese. Using leftover ham from a holiday meal or roast is an easy and efficient way to repurpose ingredients into a delicious soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for this soup because of its bold, tangy flavor. It melts well, creating a creamy consistency without overpowering the other flavors. A good sharp cheddar will give the soup that delightful “cheese pull” effect.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add heartiness to the soup, giving it that comforting, filling texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they break down slightly and create a velvety base, thickening the soup naturally without the need for a roux.
• Carrots & Celery: These vegetables bring sweetness and crunch, creating a balanced contrast to the creamy soup. They also add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: The key to a luxurious, silky texture. It provides the richness needed to complement the other ingredients and creates a smooth, velvety finish.

Expert Tips

To make your Ham and Cheese Soup even more irresistible, try these pro tips:

• Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this is the perfect way to use it up. It adds extra flavor and texture to the soup. You can also freeze leftover ham to use later.
• Shred the Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts. Shredding cheese from a block ensures a smoother, creamier texture.
• Don’t Skip the Mustard: A little Dijon mustard might seem like an odd addition, but it brings a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham. It balances the soup and prevents it from feeling too heavy.
• Customize the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for additional flavor dimensions.
• Make it Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’ve cooked or add a little extra cream.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this soup to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Add More Veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to throw in peas, corn, or even spinach for added color and nutrition.
• Swap the Ham: If you’re not a fan of ham, you could substitute it with bacon for a smoky flavor, or even shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Go Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but make sure the broth and cheese are free from any gluten-containing additives.
• Make It Spicy: Add a little kick by incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’s a great way to elevate the flavor profile if you like heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham entirely and load up on extra veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully plant-based version.

Final Words

Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this Ham and Cheese Soup is sure to become a household favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that only gets better when you make it again, as the flavors continue to meld together.