Growing up, my mom’s homemade ham and potato soup was always the ultimate comfort food. There’s just something so warm and nostalgic about the rich, creamy broth and tender chunks of potato that instantly transport me back to childhood. Whenever the weather started to cool down, I knew it was time for a big bowl of her signature ham and potato soup.
The secret was in her method – she’d start by sautéing onions and celery in butter until they were soft and fragrant, then add in diced ham, potatoes, chicken broth, and a touch of heavy cream. The result was a soup that was hearty and satisfying, but still light enough to enjoy on a chilly evening. I can still picture her standing at the stove, stirring the pot and humming softly to herself as the aroma filled the entire house.
To this day, whenever I make a batch of ham and potato soup, I think of those cozy afternoons spent gathered around the table with my family, slurping up every last spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that just warms you from the inside out, you know? I’m excited to share my own take on this classic recipe – I know it’ll become a go-to in your household just like it is in mine.
Why This Ham and Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect ham and potato soup
What makes this ham and potato soup recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is simmering the potatoes just long enough so they’re tender but still hold their shape, and letting the ham infuse the broth with its savory, smoky goodness. I also like to add a splash of heavy cream at the end, which makes the soup wonderfully rich and creamy without being overly heavy.
Another trick is to start by sautéing the onions and celery in butter – this creates a flavorful base that the rest of the ingredients build upon. Plus, the crispy bits of ham sprinkled on top add a delightful salty crunch. Trust me, one spoonful of this ham and potato soup, and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Unsalted butter
– Onion
– Celery
– Garlic
– Diced ham
– Potatoes
– Chicken broth
– Heavy cream
– Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step ham and potato soup Instructions
Preparing Your ham and potato soup
This ham and potato soup comes together quickly, in about 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife for chopping, and a wooden spoon for stirring. Once you have all your ingredients prepped, the cooking process is a breeze.
1- Start by melting the butter in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
2- Next, mince the garlic and add it to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
3- Toss in the diced ham and let it sizzle in the pot for 2-3 minutes to get a little crispy on the edges.
4- Peel and dice the potatoes, then add them to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
5- Once the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6- Ladle the hot ham and potato soup into bowls and garnish with extra crispy ham bits, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your ham and potato soup turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
– Use a combination of Yukon Gold and russet potatoes for the best texture – the Yukon Golds will get nice and creamy, while the russets will hold their shape.
– For maximum flavor, use a good quality ham with a smoky, salty edge. You can use leftover holiday ham or buy pre-diced ham from the grocery store.
– Be careful not to overcook the potatoes – you want them to be tender but still hold their shape, not falling apart.
– If the soup seems too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken up.
– Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of crispy ham bits, some chopped parsley, or a swirl of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.
Serving and Storing Your ham and potato soup
Perfect Pairings for ham and potato soup
This hearty ham and potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with all sorts of accompaniments. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad, some crusty bread for dipping, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich. It also makes a great starter course before a roast chicken or pork tenderloin dinner.
As for beverages, a crisp lager or a rich, full-bodied red wine would both be excellent choices to sip on while enjoying a bowl of this soup. And don’t forget about the classic pairing of ham and potato soup with a cold, fizzy glass of hard cider – the sweet-tart flavors are a match made in heaven.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this ham and potato soup recipe makes a big batch, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and steaming. If the soup seems a bit thick after freezing, just add a splash of broth or cream to thin it out.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prep all the ingredients in advance – chop the onions, celery and potatoes, and have the ham and broth ready to go. Then when you’re ready to cook, the actual assembly will be a breeze.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for ham and potato soup
Creative ham and potato soup Variations
While this classic ham and potato soup recipe is pretty darn perfect as-is, there are lots of ways you can switch it up and put your own spin on it. For a heartier version, try adding some cooked diced bacon or crumbled sausage. You could also toss in some kale, spinach or other greens for an extra nutrient boost.
In the fall and winter, roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips or turnips would be a delicious addition. And for a little kick, stir in some diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Making ham and potato soup Diet-Friendly
To make this ham and potato soup more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can make. For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower florets or cubed celeriac in place of some of the potatoes. You can also skip the heavy cream and use evaporated milk or unsweetened almond milk instead.
If you’re avoiding dairy altogether, just omit the cream and use a vegan butter or olive oil to sauté the veggies. And for a gluten-free ham and potato soup, simply use gluten-free broth and skip the flour or breadcrumbs. No matter how you customize it, this cozy soup is sure to hit the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover holiday ham in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! In fact, using up that leftover holiday ham is a great way to put a tasty spin on this soup. Just dice up the ham and add it in – no need to cook it separately. The smoky, salty flavor of the holiday ham will infuse the broth beautifully.
Q: How long does the ham and potato soup take to make?
A: This ham and potato soup recipe comes together quite quickly, in about 45 minutes total. The active prep time is only around 15 minutes, with the rest of the time spent simmering the soup on the stove. Just be sure to factor in time for chopping the veggies and dicing the ham.
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, this ham and potato soup is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare the entire batch and then store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop until hot and steaming. You may need to thin it out with a bit of extra broth if it’s gotten too thick.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This ham and potato soup recipe makes a large batch, enough to serve 6-8 people as a main course. If you’re serving it as an appetizer or side dish, it could easily feed 8-10 people. The great thing is that it reheats beautifully, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.
Homemade Ham and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful bowl of homemade ham and potato soup. This hearty and creamy soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, with tender chunks of ham and potatoes in a rich, velvety broth.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup diced cooked ham
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4. Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. 5. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, lightly mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
6. 6. Stir in the diced ham and heavy cream. Season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
7. 7. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
8. 8. Serve the ham and potato soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup. You can also add shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon as toppings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this ham and potato soup recipe becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. The rich, creamy broth, tender chunks of potato, and savory pieces of ham make for the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand all season long.
Once you give this a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. And if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Enjoy your cozy bowl of ham and potato soup!
