This cozy ham and potato soup is all about comfort! It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with tender potatoes and savory ham pieces that warm you right up.
Honestly, it feels like a big hug in a bowl. I love serving it with some crusty bread on the side—perfect for dipping! Seriously, who can resist a delicious soup like this?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet are great choices for this soup. Their creamy texture works well when cooked. If you’re in a pinch, sweet potatoes or red potatoes can be excellent substitutes and add a different flavor!
Ham: Cooked ham is perfect for this recipe, but if you don’t have any, cooked turkey or chicken could be alternatives. Leftover ham from holiday meals is a great way to use what you have!
Chicken Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian option, just use vegetable broth instead. This will still give the soup a nice flavor base without the meat.
Milk/Cream: Whole milk provides a nice creaminess, but if you want to lighten it up, go for skim milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
How Do I Make a Rich and Creamy Soup Without Lumps?
A key part of achieving a smooth texture in your ham and potato soup is making a roux properly. Here’s how:
- After cooking the vegetables, sprinkle the flour evenly on top while stirring constantly. This prevents clumping.
- Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking. This helps create a uniform mixture—no lumps!
- Always add the liquid slowly, allowing it to combine well with the roux. This makes your soup creamy and smooth.
Taking time with this step is worth it for a deliciously velvety soup texture!
Ham & Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
- Sour cream or a dollop of cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time. So in just about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, warm soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots and cook until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir everything around occasionally so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot!
2. Add Garlic and Flour:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s nice and fragrant—just don’t let it burn! Then, sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables, stirring constantly to make a roux. Allow this to cook for about 2 minutes until it’s well combined.
3. Whisk in the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. After that, add the diced potatoes and the dried thyme (if you’re using it). Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, around 15-20 minutes.
4. Add Ham and Peas:
After the potatoes are tender, add the cooked ham and frozen peas to the pot. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes—this will warm the ham and thaw the peas.
5. Thickening and Seasoning:
Now, stir in the milk or cream, allowing it to warm through, but be careful not to let it boil. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preferences.
6. Serving the Soup:
Once everything is combined and heated, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with chopped chives or green onions, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or cream if you like. Now you’re all set!
Enjoy your comforting Ham & Potato Soup! It’s a perfect dish for any chilly day!
Can I Use Leftover Ham for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham works perfectly in this soup. Just ensure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces. The flavors from the ham will enhance the soup’s taste beautifully!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You could also use water, but be aware that it will be less flavorful. Adding a bit of extra seasoning can help enhance the taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the consistency when reheating!
Can I Freeze Ham & Potato Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
