Ham Potato Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Soup is one of those comfort foods that never goes out of style. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or you’re just craving something hearty and warming, a bowl of soup can be both satisfying and nourishing. One such soup that always hits the spot is Ham Potato Soup. And the best part? You can make it in the slow cooker, which means minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor.

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or for when you’re looking for something simple yet comforting. The slow cooker does all the work, so all you have to do is throw in the ingredients and let it simmer. In just a few hours, you’ll have a delicious, creamy, and hearty soup filled with tender potatoes, savory ham, and rich flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious soup in your own kitchen!

Ham Potato Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

This recipe makes a big batch, so it’s great for feeding a crowd or for having leftovers. The combination of tender potatoes, salty ham, and a creamy broth is simply irresistible. Here’s how you can make this comforting soup:

Ingredients Needed

• 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 cups cooked ham (cut into cubes or small pieces)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)
• 1/2 cup milk (to balance the creaminess)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds a nice depth)
• 1 bay leaf (for flavor)
• Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. You want them to cook evenly, so try to make them all about the same size.
   • Cut the ham into small cubes, ensuring they’ll be easy to bite into when you’re eating the soup.
   • Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and prepare any optional garnish (like green onions or cheese).

2. Layer The Ingredients In The Slow Cooker

   • Start by adding the diced potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, layer on the ham, followed by the onion and garlic.
   • Add the bay leaf and thyme, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything to combine.

3. Set The Slow Cooker

   • Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and easily break apart when pressed with a spoon.

4. Finishing Touches

   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, milk, and butter to make the soup creamy and rich.
   • If you prefer a smoother soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher to thicken the broth, or use an immersion blender for a more even texture.

5. Garnish And Serve

   • Once the soup is done, serve it up hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions or parsley for a fresh, herby contrast to the rich soup.

Ingredient Insights

• Potatoes: Potatoes are the heart of this soup, giving it that starchy creaminess. Russet potatoes work well because they break down and thicken the soup, but Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a creamier texture.
• Ham: You want to use cooked ham for this recipe. Leftover ham from a holiday dinner is perfect because it’s already full of flavor. You can also use a ham steak or even a deli ham, but make sure to cut it into small pieces to distribute evenly throughout the soup.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: The combination of these two ingredients helps create a smooth, velvety base for the soup without being too rich or heavy. Adjust the ratio based on how creamy you want it.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is essential for flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version or want a lighter taste. Homemade stock will bring an even richer depth to the soup.
• Herbs and Spices: Thyme and bay leaves add aromatic depth, while smoked paprika gives the soup a subtle, smoky flavor that complements the ham.

Expert Tips

• Make It Even Creamier: If you want to make this soup extra creamy, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese toward the end of cooking. This will give the soup a tangy richness.
• Thicken It More: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or even blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender. This will give the soup a smooth, creamy texture while still keeping some chunky bits of potato for texture.
• Ham Alternatives: If you don’t have leftover ham, use a ham steak or even bacon! Just cook the bacon first and crumble it into the soup before serving.
• Freezing: Ham potato soup freezes beautifully! If you plan to make a big batch and save some for later, just let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add in some roasted vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added flavor.
• Spicy Ham Potato Soup: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. The spicy kick will balance perfectly with the creamy base.
• Loaded Ham Potato Soup: For an extra indulgent version, top your soup with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream. You can also add in some sautéed mushrooms or corn for more texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: If you need to make the soup dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free milk (like almond milk), and omit the cheese and sour cream.

Final Words

This ham potato soup is the ultimate slow-cooker meal: easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly comforting. The combination of potatoes, ham, and creamy broth creates a dish that feels hearty and satisfying, yet not overly complicated to prepare. Plus, it’s flexible-you can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it’s perfect for making ahead of time.