There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially on a chilly evening. And when you think of classic, cozy, and hearty soups, Ham and Potato Soup definitely comes to mind. This dish is like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor-thanks to tender potatoes, savory ham, and a silky broth. What makes this recipe even better is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even on a weeknight when you’re short on time.
But here’s the kicker: It’s a one-pot meal that can satisfy both your hunger and your cravings for something homey and filling. It doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or special equipment, making it an ideal go-to dish when you want something delicious without too much fuss. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover ham or simply want a comforting meal, this ham and potato soup recipe ticks all the boxes.
Easy Ham And Potato Soup Recipe
This simple recipe brings together the humble ingredients of ham, potatoes, onions, and cream to create a dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t take hours to make. The creamy base perfectly complements the tender chunks of ham and soft potatoes. The end result is a soup that’s not only filling but also incredibly satisfying, bursting with rich flavors.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, gather these ingredients. Don’t worry, most of them are kitchen staples, so you may already have most of them on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ham (cubed or shredded) – Leftover ham works great here, but if you don’t have any, you can easily buy deli ham or a ham steak.
- 4-5 medium potatoes (peeled and diced) – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape well after cooking.
- 1 medium onion (diced) – Adds a nice depth of flavor to the base of the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Garlic enhances the savory elements of the soup and pairs wonderfully with ham.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) – This provides the liquid foundation for the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk, for a lighter version) – This adds that luscious, creamy texture we all love in a comforting soup.
- 2 tbsp butter – For sautéing and creating a rich base.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – Gives the soup a mild earthy flavor that complements the potatoes and ham.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste) – Enhances the flavors of the soup.
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste) – Adds a touch of spice without overpowering the soup.
Cooking Instructions
The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward it is. You won’t need to babysit the stove all day, and in under an hour, you’ll have a pot of homemade soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Peel and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cube or shred the ham into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add The Broth And Potatoes
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the diced potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Add The Ham And Cream
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the cubed ham and stir it into the soup.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or milk if you prefer a lighter version). Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme according to your preference.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredient Insights
To get the best possible flavor out of your Ham and Potato Soup, it’s important to understand how each ingredient contributes to the dish:
- Ham: This is the star ingredient that brings in the savory, salty depth. Leftover ham from a holiday dinner or ham steaks work wonderfully in this recipe. The richness of the ham contrasts perfectly with the creamy potatoes.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because they become soft and break down slightly, thickening the soup and adding to its creamy texture. Yukon Golds are another great choice because of their buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- Broth: Chicken broth serves as the liquid foundation for the soup, giving it a savory base that complements the richness of the ham. If you’re using vegetable broth, it’ll still work wonderfully, though the flavor will be slightly milder.
- Cream: Heavy cream is the key to making this soup luxurious and velvety, but if you want a lighter version, you can opt for half-and-half or even milk. Just keep in mind that it won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Expert Tips
To make sure your Ham and Potato Soup comes out just right, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want the potatoes to hold their shape and not turn into mush, so keep an eye on them. Once they’re fork-tender, that’s your cue to add the ham and cream.
- Use leftover ham: This soup is a perfect way to repurpose leftover ham. Not only does it add fantastic flavor, but it saves you time and money!
- Make it ahead of time: This soup actually tastes better the next day! So, if you have time, make it ahead and let the flavors blend overnight.
- Blend for a creamy texture: If you like an extra-smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. Just blend half of it to create a creamy base while leaving the rest chunky for texture.
Recipe Variations
This soup is versatile, and you can easily switch up some of the ingredients or add new ones to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the ham and use smoked paprika or a smoky-flavored vegetable broth to bring in that savory depth. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
- Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy version that will add heat without overpowering the flavors.
- Add vegetables: Carrots, celery, or even corn can be thrown in for extra flavor and texture. Just sauté them with the onions at the start.
Final Words
Ham and Potato Soup is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style. It’s incredibly customizable, incredibly easy, and-most importantly-delicious. Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers or just need something quick, warm, and satisfying, this soup fits the bill perfectly.
It’s also a perfect family-friendly dish, especially for kids who may be picky about their meals. The creamy texture, savory ham, and soft potatoes make it a crowd-pleaser for just about anyone.