Creamy Ham Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty meal. This thick and creamy dish is filled with savory chunks of ham and tender potatoes, making it a delightful option for using up leftover holiday ham. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ham Potato Soup
There’s a lot to love about this Creamy Ham Potato Soup! Here are some reasons to make it:
- Quick and easy to prepare, taking only 30 minutes.
- Use of leftover ham makes it budget-friendly.
- It’s a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup.
- Rich and creamy texture that is utterly satisfying.
- Versatile; you can add vegetables or adjust seasonings as desired.
- Perfect for meal prep; it stores well and reheats beautifully.
- This comforting soup is gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
- It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Creamy Ham Potato Soup
Gather these items:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced small, about 2/3 cup)
- 1 stalk celery (diced small)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (reduced sodium recommended)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked ham (diced small)
- Ham bone (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon (or your favorite bouillon)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, plus more for garnishing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or to taste, for garnishing)
How to Make Creamy Ham Potato Soup Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Add the butter, onions, celery to a large Dutch oven and sauté over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 2: Add the garlic and potatoes, sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Keep potato pieces no bigger than 1/2-inch dice.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over top and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring nearly continuously to develop a roux.
- Step 4: Add broth, milk, diced ham, optional ham bone, bouillon, salt, pepper, and optional parsley. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the ham bone if used. Turn heat to low, add cheese, and stir to combine until melted, about 1 minute.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust flavors as necessary, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Step 7: Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Ham Potato Soup
Keep these in mind:
- Simmer until potatoes are tender for the best texture.
- Use a potato masher to thicken the soup if desired.
- Add additional broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- For a low-fat creamy ham potato soup, consider using skim milk instead of whole milk.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Ham Potato Soup
This comforting ham potato soup recipe can be served in various delightful ways:
- Top it with extra cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or biscuits for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Ham Potato Soup
To store leftover homemade ham and potato soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Ham Potato Soup
What is creamy ham potato soup?
Creamy Ham Potato Soup is a rich and hearty dish made with diced ham, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth. It’s a beloved comfort food that combines savory flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for chilly days.
Can I make creamy ham potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare easy creamy ham potato soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy ham potato soup?
To avoid mistakes, ensure that potatoes are cut into small, even pieces for uniform cooking. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the soup, as it can become too thick. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Variations of Creamy Ham Potato Soup You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations to consider:
- For a gluten-free creamy ham potato soup, substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener.
- Add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
- Try a slow cooker creamy ham potato soup version for an easy, hands-off meal.
- Incorporate different cheeses like Gruyère or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Grilled Cheese Patty Melts or Baked Pears with Feta and Honey.
For more tips on meal prep, consider checking out Creamy Parmesan Italian Beef for a hearty meal option.
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Delicious Creamy Ham Potato Soup for Comforting Meals
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Thick and Creamy Ham and Potato Soup is hearty and filling with savory ham and potatoes in every bite. Perfect for using leftover holiday ham.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced small, about 2/3 cup)
- 1 stalk celery (diced small)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (reduced sodium recommended)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked ham (diced small)
- Ham bone (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon (or your favorite bouillon)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, plus more for garnishing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or to taste, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Add the butter, onions, celery to a large Dutch oven and sauté over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the garlic and potatoes, sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Keep potato pieces no bigger than 1/2-inch dice.
- Sprinkle the flour over top and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring nearly continuously to develop a roux.
- Add broth, milk, diced ham, optional ham bone, bouillon, salt, pepper, and optional parsley. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the ham bone if used. Turn heat to low, add cheese, and stir to combine until melted, about 1 minute.
- Taste and adjust flavors as necessary, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Simmer until potatoes are tender for the best texture.
- Use a potato masher to thicken the soup if desired.
- Add additional broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 352 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg