When the chill of fall or winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a hearty, flavorful soup to warm you from the inside out. One of the best dishes to serve when you’re craving something filling yet easy to prepare is Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. This dish is a perfect blend of creamy potatoes, savory ham, and aromatic seasonings, all cooked together to perfection in the slow cooker. It’s a family-friendly recipe that requires minimal prep time and makes for a delicious, low-maintenance meal.
What makes this soup stand out is its versatility. Whether you’re using leftovers from a holiday ham or making it from scratch, this soup can be easily adapted to fit your preferences. And the best part? You can set it and forget it, letting your Crock Pot do all the hard work while you go about your day. If you love soups that are rich in flavor but don’t take hours in the kitchen, this Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup is for you.
Crock Pot Ham And Potato Soup Recipe
This Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food, with a creamy, velvety texture and chunks of tender ham and potatoes. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending all day slaving over a stove. The slow cooker does all the magic, infusing each ingredient with depth and flavor.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients that will bring this comforting soup to life:
- Ham (about 2 cups) – You can use leftover ham from a holiday feast or purchase pre-cooked ham from the store. Either works, but make sure to dice it into small cubes for easy consumption in the soup.
- Potatoes (about 4 medium) – Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture. They both absorb the soup’s flavors beautifully while providing a hearty base.
- Carrots (2 large) – These add a touch of natural sweetness and color to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks) – Celery offers a mild crunch and fresh flavor that balances out the richness of the soup.
- Onion (1 medium) – A key aromatic to add depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic elevates the savory profile of the soup.
- Chicken broth (4 cups) – A rich, savory base for the soup. You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – This adds the creaminess that makes the soup rich and indulgent.
- Milk (1 cup) – Balances the richness of the cream and helps create the perfect texture.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
- Thyme and bay leaves (optional) – These herbs can add another layer of flavor but are totally optional.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to bring these ingredients together into a perfectly blended, creamy soup.
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Dice the ham into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
- Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Mince the garlic.
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Layer The Ingredients In The Crock Pot
- Start by adding the cubed potatoes to the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Layer the ham, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic over the potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged.
- If using thyme or bay leaves, toss them in now for that aromatic infusion.
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Set And Forget
- Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the potatoes and vegetables to become tender and for the flavors to meld together.
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Finish The Soup
- About 30 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the heavy cream and milk. This will give the soup its creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Once the soup is ready, remove the thyme sprigs or bay leaves (if used), and ladle the soup into bowls.
- You can garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon for added flavor.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why these ingredients work so well together:
- Ham: The richness of ham provides a savory and salty base that complements the mildness of the potatoes. It’s the star protein of the dish, offering both flavor and heartiness.
- Potatoes: Potatoes act as a thickening agent while absorbing all the flavors from the broth and ham. They offer a comforting, starchy base to the soup.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables bring a slight sweetness and crunch, which contrast beautifully with the creaminess of the soup.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: The combination of cream and milk creates the smooth, velvety texture that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
- Broth: Chicken broth is a flavorful foundation, and it helps build depth in the soup. You can experiment with vegetable broth or even ham broth for a more intense flavor.
- Herbs: Thyme and bay leaves add earthy undertones that elevate the overall flavor profile.
Expert Tips
To ensure that your Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup turns out absolutely perfect, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they may break apart and turn mushy. Make sure to check the texture after the suggested cooking time, and adjust as needed.
- Use leftover ham: This recipe is perfect for repurposing leftover ham from holidays or special occasions. It adds great flavor and helps reduce food waste.
- Adjust consistency: If the soup turns out too thick, you can add extra chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Make it richer: For a truly indulgent soup, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese right before serving.
- Avoid over-salting: Since ham and broth are already salty, be careful when seasoning the soup. Taste it first before adding any extra salt.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham and use a plant-based protein or additional veggies like mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Spicy Twist: Add a little heat by throwing in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. A few dashes of hot sauce can also spice things up.
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup: For extra richness, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese right before serving. This will create a cheese-laden, creamy soup.
- Add Greens: For a touch of freshness, throw in some spinach, kale, or peas near the end of the cooking time. They’ll add color and nutrients without overpowering the flavor.
Final Words
There’s something inherently satisfying about a slow-cooked meal, especially one as comforting and versatile as Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or taking it to a potluck. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-it’s easy, nourishing, and deeply flavorful, making it perfect for any occasion.