Creamy Ham Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly or you’re simply craving a hearty, comforting bowl of something satisfying, nothing beats the rich and velvety texture of a creamy soup. And what better way to elevate that soup than with the delicious, savory goodness of ham? Creamy ham soup is a perfect dish to add warmth and comfort to your meal routine. It’s not only indulgent but also packed with flavor, thanks to the salty, smoky ham paired with a creamy base that coats your spoon and fills your bowl.

This recipe takes the best parts of a creamy soup and adds in the savory richness of ham, vegetables, and a touch of herbs and spices. The great thing about this soup is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences, making it a family favorite that’s easy to whip up on a cold day or as a cozy meal after a long week.

Let’s dive right into how to make this velvety, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying creamy ham soup. It’s as easy to make as it is delicious, and you’ll find yourself going back for seconds, or maybe thirds!

Ingredients Needed

To make this creamy ham soup, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors:

Ham (cubed) – You can use leftover ham from a holiday meal or buy a ham steak for this recipe.
Potatoes – Yukon Gold or russet potatoes are perfect for this soup, providing creaminess without being overly starchy.
Carrots – They add a natural sweetness and a nice bit of texture.
Onion – A classic base for any soup, adding depth and savory undertones.
Celery – For a bit of crunch and fresh flavor.
Garlic – Aromatic and essential for building that foundation of taste.
Chicken Broth – The liquid base for the soup, making it savory and satisfying.
Heavy Cream – For that rich, silky texture that’s the hallmark of creamy soups.
Butter – Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a smooth, rich flavor.
Flour – To help thicken the soup and give it that perfect creamy consistency.
Thyme – A classic herb that adds a wonderful earthiness to balance the richness of the soup.
Salt and Pepper – For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Parsley (optional) – Freshly chopped parsley for garnish, adding a burst of color and freshness.

Cooking Instructions

Making this creamy ham soup is straightforward and simple, perfect for a beginner or experienced home cook alike. Here’s how you can make this comforting dish:

Prepare the vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes and carrots. Chop the celery and onion. Mince the garlic.
Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
Add the garlic: Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Make a roux: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Then, add the cubed potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add the ham: Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the cubed ham. Allow it to heat through, about 5 minutes.
Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly and let the flavors meld together.
Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Ham: The key ingredient in this recipe, ham adds a smoky, salty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the soup. If you’re using leftover ham from a holiday meal, it’s a great way to use up what’s left, giving it a second life in a delicious and comforting way.
Potatoes: Potatoes provide a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. They break down slightly during cooking, helping to thicken the soup naturally. If you prefer a chunkier soup, feel free to leave some potato pieces larger.
Heavy Cream: The star of the creamy aspect of the soup, heavy cream gives the soup that rich, luscious texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though it won’t give you the same level of creaminess.
Thyme: This herb adds an earthy, slightly lemony flavor to balance out the richness of the soup. It’s a subtle, yet essential, addition that makes the soup feel more complex.

Expert Tips

For a thicker soup: If you like your soup extra creamy and thick, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or by transferring some of the soup to a blender and pureeing it before returning it to the pot. This will create a creamy texture with some potato chunks left for texture.
Use a ham bone for more flavor: If you have a leftover ham bone with some meat on it, add it to the soup while it simmers. The bone will infuse the broth with even more depth and flavor, and you can remove it before serving.
Don’t skip the roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential for thickening the soup and achieving that velvety texture. Be sure to cook it long enough so it doesn’t taste like raw flour.
Stir occasionally: As the soup simmers, give it an occasional stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot, especially after adding the cream.
Let it rest: Creamy soups often taste even better the next day. If you have time, let the soup rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors fully develop.

Recipe Variations

While this creamy ham soup is already a delicious and satisfying recipe, there are plenty of ways you can mix things up to match your preferences or to use what you have on hand:

Swap the ham for bacon: If you don’t have ham or prefer bacon, you can fry up some crispy bacon pieces and add them to the soup. Bacon will add a nice crunch and even more smoky flavor.
Add greens: Stir in some spinach or kale for a burst of color and nutrition. The greens will wilt nicely into the soup, adding a mild earthy flavor.
Make it spicy: For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
Use different veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like leeks, corn, or peas. These can add additional layers of flavor and texture to your soup.
Use coconut milk: If you’re aiming for a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. The coconut milk will provide a slightly different flavor but will keep the soup creamy and rich.

Final Words

Creamy ham soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a combination of savory ham, creamy texture, and satisfying vegetables. It’s perfect for a cold evening, a hearty lunch, or any time you need a bowl of something warming and filling. Plus, it’s flexible enough to work with different ingredients, so you can make it your own based on what’s in your pantry or fridge.

This recipe is not only simple and delicious but also a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal. It’s guaranteed to become a go-to in your recipe rotation, whether you’re cooking for your family or for a crowd.

Creamy Ham Soup Recipe