I adore cozy meals that warm my heart and fill my belly. One of my all-time favorites is my creamy ham and potato soup recipe. This dish takes me back to my childhood when my mom would whip it up on chilly evenings. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a rich, creamy broth creates a comforting bowl of goodness that I can’t resist.
Ingredients for Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients needed for this delightful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
Servings: 6-8
Soup Ingredients:
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium-sized)
- 1 cup diced ham (smoked or cooked)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Making this soup is quite simple, and the steps are easy to follow. Here’s how I do it:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. I like to dice them into small cubes for even cooking. Also, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smoother.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma of sautéed onion and garlic is simply irresistible.
3. Add the Potatoes and Ham
Next, toss in the diced potatoes and ham. Stir everything together to combine. The ham adds a nice smoky flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
4. Pour in the Chicken Broth
Now, it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour it into the pot and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up all the flavors.
5. Blend for Creaminess
After the potatoes are cooked through, I like to use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly. This step is optional, but it gives the soup a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks of potato for a hearty bite. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some of the soup to a traditional blender and pulse it. Just remember to let it cool a bit first.
6. Add the Cream
Once you achieve your desired consistency, stir in the heavy cream. This is where the soup gets its rich and creamy goodness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works just as well.
7. Season to Taste
At this stage, add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt can really enhance the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
8. Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover like me, this is the moment to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully into the soup, adding even more flavor and creaminess.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. The soup is best enjoyed warm, and I often serve it with crusty bread on the side.
Tips for Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Leftover Ham: This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover holiday ham. It adds great flavor and makes the soup even more special.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They hold their shape well and create a creamy texture.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork after cooking. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or cream.
- Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Variations for Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
I love experimenting with this recipe. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, celery, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or chives can elevate the flavor. Add them in during the simmering stage.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda or Monterey Jack can give a unique twist.
Serving Ideas for Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
While this soup is delicious on its own, I like to serve it with a few sides for a complete meal:
- Crusty Bread: A nice loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy goodness.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: For a fun twist, serve the soup alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
How to Store Leftover Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is easy:
- Refrigerate: Place the soup in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one serving of creamy ham and potato soup:
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
This creamy ham and potato soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it to guests, it never fails to impress. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do.