Cozy Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy-ham-and-potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a rich landscape of flavors.

Chunks of salty ham dance with tender potato pieces in a velvety broth.

Memories of cozy kitchen moments drift through each spoonful.

Seasonal ingredients bring depth and warmth to this classic recipe.

Simplicity defines this dish, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

Dive into a meal that feels like a culinary hug waiting to embrace you.

Why Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Feels Like Cozy Comfort

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal culinary expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Hearty ham and potato soup delivers warm, satisfying flavors that instantly soothe and comfort, making it a go-to meal for chilly days.
• Quick and Nourishing Meal: Designed for busy households, this soup comes together rapidly with simple ingredients, providing a nutritious solution for hectic schedules.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, the soup guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.

What Goes In Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide a hearty and creamy texture to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup's liquid base.

• Ham: A savory meat that adds richness and depth to the soup's overall flavor profile.

• Onions, Garlic: Vegetables that create a robust and fragrant base for the soup.
• Thyme: A herb that contributes an earthy and subtle flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's taste.

• Butter: A fat that provides a golden foundation and rich flavor for sautéing.
• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and velvety soup texture.
• Heavy Cream: An ingredient that adds luxurious richness and silky smoothness to the soup.

How To Make Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Potato Cubes

Chop potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.

Step 2: Chop Aromatics

Finely dice onions and mince garlic to unlock their deep, rich flavors that will form the soup’s flavor foundation.

Step 3: Cut Ham

Slice ham into small, delectable pieces that will distribute perfectly in every spoonful of the soup.

Step 4: Create Buttery Base

• Butter

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden, delicious starting point for the soup.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Cook onions until they become translucent and soft, then add garlic and continue cooking for another minute to release their aromatic essence.

Step 6: Build Thickening Roux

• Flour

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth base that will give the soup its creamy consistency.

Step 7: Add Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth

Pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps and ensure a silky smooth texture.

Step 8: Introduce Potatoes and Seasonings

• Potatoes
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Add potatoes along with thyme, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 9: Simmer and Soften

Reduce heat and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 10: Warm the Ham

Stir in diced ham and allow it to heat through for 2-3 minutes, infusing the soup with savory flavor.

Step 11: Create Creamy Finish

• Heavy cream

Gently pour in heavy cream, stirring to create a luxurious, velvety texture that makes the soup irresistibly smooth.

Step 12: Perfect the Flavor

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.

Step 13: Rest and Settle

Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes, allowing all the delicious flavors to blend together harmoniously.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh herbs or add a crack of black pepper on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

• Slice Potatoes Precisely: Cut cubes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and perfect soup texture throughout.
• Sauté with Care: Cook onions and garlic slowly to develop deep, rich flavor foundations without burning.
• Thicken Smartly: Whisk flour carefully into the base to create a smooth roux without lumps, ensuring silky soup consistency.
• Simmer Gently: Let potatoes cook slowly to absorb broth flavors and become perfectly tender without falling apart.
• Add Cream Carefully: Stir heavy cream gently at the end to create luxurious smoothness without curdling or separating.

Tasty Ideas For Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms for a plant-based protein option that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch to thicken the soup while keeping it safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Fat Alternative: Use turkey ham instead of regular ham, swap heavy cream for milk or Greek yogurt, and reduce butter quantity to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, sprinkle cumin, and top with jalapeños to transform the classic soup into a zesty, southwestern-inspired meal.

Perfect Pairings For Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the soup's creamy richness, balancing its hearty flavors with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Rustic Bread: Serve a crusty sourdough or hearty whole grain bread alongside the soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up the velvety broth.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a simple green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, dressed in a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich soup.
• Enhance with Sparkling Cider: A chilled, slightly sweet hard apple cider offers a crisp, effervescent complement that echoes the ham's smoky undertones and the soup's creamy texture.

How To Keep Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Fresh

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and dry before transferring the soup.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream to prevent separation.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency. Warm until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl.

FAQs About Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

• Why do I need to dice potatoes uniformly?

Uniform potato cubes ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or mushy while others are overcooked.

• How can I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the flour and broth gradually and continuously to create a smooth base, avoiding clumps in your final soup.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works perfectly as a substitute, using about one-third the amount of fresh herbs for the same flavor intensity.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup reheats well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend.

Creamy-Ham-And-Potato-Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy-ham-and-potato-soup brings warmth to cold evenings with its rich, velvety texture. Hearty chunks of ham and tender potatoes combine in a silky broth that feels like a culinary hug, inviting you to savor each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes
• 1 lb ham
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Liquid and Thickening Agents:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Peel and dice potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup.
2. Finely chop onions and mince garlic to release their aromatic flavors and create a robust base for the soup.
3. Cut ham into small, bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly and provide hearty protein in each spoonful.
4. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for sautéing aromatics.
5. Sauté onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Sprinkle flour over the aromatic mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that will help thicken the soup.
7. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
8. Add diced potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
9. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Stir in diced ham and let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
11. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate and create a luxurious, velvety texture.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a balanced and rich flavor profile.
13. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
14. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or cracked black pepper.

Notes

• Dice potatoes precisely to ensure uniform cooking and create a consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Chop ham into small, even pieces to distribute protein evenly and enhance each spoonful’s heartiness.
• Use fresh thyme for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Experiment with low-fat alternatives like milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup that still maintains creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg