Need a comforting meal fix. This easy homemade ham and potato soup is a quick weeknight dinner solution made with tender potatoes and savory ham. Save for later

Ham and Potato Soup

Introduction

Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that combines the richness of ham with the tender sweetness of potatoes, all wrapped up in a deliciously creamy broth. This Ham and Potato Soup is not just a meal, it’s an experience that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both flavorful and creative. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ham, potatoes, and vegetables creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s easy to achieve with commonly found ingredients.
Ease of preparation: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and effort, making it perfect for busy days.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a soup that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great option for serving to guests or family.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this Ham and Potato Soup include diced ham, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, chicken broth, and heavy cream. For the ham, you can use leftover ham from a roast or buy diced ham from the grocery store. The potatoes should be high in starch, like Russet potatoes, to help thicken the soup. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. Practical substitutions can also be made for the vegetables, such as using leeks instead of onions or adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by chopping the onions, carrots, and celery. These aromatics form the base flavor of the soup, so it’s essential to sauté them until they’re tender and lightly browned. Peel and dice the potatoes into large chunks, and set them aside.
Step 2: In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.
Step 4: Finally, stir in the heavy cream, and season the soup with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Handy Tips

When sautéing the aromatics, make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Avoid over-pureeing the soup, as it can become too thin and lose its creamy texture. Instead, aim for a balance between smooth and chunky.
If using leftover ham, be mindful of its saltiness and adjust the seasoning of the soup accordingly to avoid it becoming too salty.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when simmering the potatoes and soup broth. The ideal temperature is a gentle simmer, around 180°F to 190°F, which helps to cook the potatoes evenly and prevents the soup from boiling over. Timing is also important, as overcooking can result in mushy potatoes and a thick, unappetizing soup. Keep an eye on the soup after 15 minutes of simmering, and check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing them with a fork.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this soup is key to its appeal, with a balance between the creamy broth, tender potatoes, and crunchy vegetables. To achieve the right crunch factor, don’t overcook the vegetables, and consider adding some crunchy toppings like croutons, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. The potatoes should be cooked until they’re tender but still retain some firmness, adding a satisfying bite to the soup.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For an extra rich and creamy soup, add a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter to the pot when you’re sautéing the aromatics. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
Use a mixture of high-starch and waxy potatoes for the best texture. The Russet potatoes will add body and thickness, while the waxy potatoes will retain their shape and provide a nice contrast.
Don’t discard the potato peels! You can use them to make a delicious potato skin crouton to top your soup. Simply slice the peels thin, toss with oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until crispy.

Storage Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to heat it gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating or the soup from becoming too thick.
Use airtight containers to store the soup, and consider portioning it out into individual servings for easy lunches or dinners.
When freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup without the cream, and then stir it in when you’re reheating. This will help maintain the creamy texture and prevent it from becoming too watery.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Ham and Potato Soup makes a wonderful gift, especially during the colder months. Consider packaging it in a decorative jar or container, topped with a layer of cream and a sprinkle of chopped herbs. You can also add a side of crusty bread or a bag of croutons for a complete gift. For a more rustic presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl, garnished with a sprig of rosemary or a pat of butter.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or use dried thyme for a more herbaceous note.
🌟 Creative toppings: Try adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a handful of crispy bacon bits to give the soup a boost of flavor and texture.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Use diced chicken or bacon instead of ham, or add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to the pot.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the soup becomes too thick, try adding a bit more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free chicken broth and be mindful of the ingredients in the ham.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the soup is underseasoned, add more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, this soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or future meals. Simply freeze it without the cream, and then stir it in when you’re reheating.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe can be easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth and being mindful of the ingredients in the ham. Always check the labels to ensure that the ingredients you’re using are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, especially when simmering the potatoes.

Conclusion

This Ham and Potato Soup is a true comfort food classic, and with these simple steps and tips, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, homemade bowl in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the recipe your own, and consider sharing it with friends and family as a thoughtful gift. With its rich, creamy broth and tender potatoes, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, and a favorite among anyone who tries it. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness of this Ham and Potato Soup!

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe