Ham and potato soup is one of the most comforting dinners you can make when you need something warm and satisfying. Tender potatoes, savory ham, and a silky, creamy broth come together in a simple one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold evenings, leftover holiday ham, or busy weeknights.
This version is dependable, quick to prepare, and easy to customize — a recipe you’ll reach for any time you’re craving cozy, homemade flavor without a long cooking process.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy, velvety texture
A light roux with milk or cream creates a smooth, comforting broth.
Perfect use for leftover ham
Great after Christmas, Easter, or whenever you bake a ham.
Quick one-pot dinner
Everything cooks in a single pot in under 40 minutes.
Easy to adapt
Add veggies, adjust thickness, or switch the seasoning profile.
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Ingredients
For the Soup
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups diced ham (leftover ham or smoked ham steak)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How to Make Ham and Potato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Before You Begin
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients. Simmer gently during cooking to prevent dairy from scorching and to help the potatoes cook evenly.
1. Sauté Aromatics
Melt butter in a heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic for 30–60 seconds.
2. Add Potatoes & Ham
Mix in potatoes and ham, stirring until everything is coated in butter.
3. Build the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
4. Add Broth & Milk
Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
5. Simmer Until Tender
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft.
6. Adjust Creaminess
Mash some potatoes directly in the pot or blend a small portion for a thicker texture. Add broth to thin if needed.
7. Serve Warm
Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
Variations
Extra creamy – Add cream cheese or extra heavy cream.
Vegetable-packed – Add celery, carrots, corn, peas, or spinach.
Smoky flavor – Stir in smoked paprika or use smoked ham.
Thicker texture – Mash more potatoes or simmer uncovered.
How to Serve
Serve this soup with:
- Warm crusty bread
- Garlic toast
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
It’s a complete comfort meal that works for lunch or dinner.
Food Safety
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Reheat until hot throughout before serving.
Make Ahead
- Soup can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently and add broth if needed to loosen texture.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Refrigerate:
Keep in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freeze:
Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat:
Warm on low heat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Common Mistakes
- Using salty broth + ham together → soup becomes too salty
- Simmering at high heat → milk may scorch or separate
- Overcooking potatoes → they break down too much
- Skipping the flour step → soup stays thin
- Not stirring occasionally → risk of sticking at the bottom
FAQ
1. Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Yes. Leftover ham adds great flavor because it’s already seasoned. Ham steaks or diced smoked ham both work well.
2. What potatoes make the creamiest soup?
Russets break down more and thicken the soup. Yukon Golds stay soft and buttery while holding their shape. Both are excellent options.
3. How do I thicken the soup naturally?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes, simmer uncovered, or blend a small portion with an immersion blender.
4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. The flavor changes slightly but remains delicious.
5. Why does my soup sometimes turn salty?
Ham and broth vary in salt levels. Start with low-sodium broth and add salt only at the end.
6. What vegetables can I add?
Carrots, celery, corn, spinach, peas, and leeks all blend beautifully with this creamy base.
7. How should I reheat leftovers?
Heat gently on the stovetop with added broth or milk. Potatoes absorb liquid as they cool, so thinning the soup is normal.
Conclusion
This ham and potato soup is the perfect blend of comfort, simplicity, and hearty flavor. With everyday ingredients and a 30-minute cook time, it reliably delivers a warm, creamy bowl of homemade goodness. Whether you’re using leftover ham or making it from scratch, this recipe is flexible, affordable, and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy winter meals. Serve it fresh with crusty bread and enjoy a comforting dish that always satisfies.
Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Before You Begin
- Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
- Cook Aromatics
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Ham
- Stir in potatoes and diced ham. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Thickener
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook off raw flour.
- Add Liquids
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly until smooth. Add milk and stir to combine.
- Simmer
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking time may vary depending on potato size and heat level.
- Adjust Texture
- Mash some potatoes directly in the pot or blend a small portion until desired thickness is reached. Add extra broth or milk if soup becomes too thick.
- Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Gentle simmering prevents dairy from scorching or separating.
- Evenly cut potatoes cook at the same rate for better texture.
- Soup thickens as it cools; add liquid if needed before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
About the Author
Isaac shares easy, family-friendly recipes made with simple ingredients, focusing on clear instructions and reliable results for everyday home cooking.
