Easy HAM AND POTATO SOUP: How to Make

Your Ultimate Comfort: The Best Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

Welcome to my ultimate ham and potato soup recipe! This creamy soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, perfect for warming up during chilly winter evenings.¹ In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that will have your family asking for seconds.

My ham and potato soup recipe is more than just a simple dish. It’s a culinary hug that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless cooking experiments, ensuring each spoonful is packed with rich flavor and creamy goodness. What makes this soup special is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this creamy soup fits the bill perfectly. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a smooth broth creates a truly irresistible meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to discover a soup recipe that’s not just delicious, but incredibly easy to prepare. I’ll guide you through each step, sharing my best tips to make this the most comforting ham and potato soup you’ve ever tasted.

Why This Soup Becomes a Family Favorite

When winter’s chill settles in, nothing warms the heart quite like a steaming bowl of winter comfort food. My family’s go-to meal has always been ham and potato soup – a dish that transforms cold evenings into moments of pure culinary comfort. This isn’t just any soup. It’s a family favorite soup that has been passed down through generations, creating memories as rich as its creamy broth.

The ham and potato soup history is deeply rooted in rural American cooking. Farmers and homesteaders created this dish as a practical way to use leftover ham and potatoes from their winter stores. It began as a simple necessity and evolved into a beloved comfort food. Traditional recipes emerged from European immigrants who brought hearty cooking techniques to the United States. They understood the importance of creating filling, nutritious meals that could sustain families through harsh winters. Today, this soup continues to be a cherished recipe that connects generations, proving that some culinary traditions never go out of style.

Essential Ingredients for Ham and Potato Soup

Creating the perfect ham and potato soup starts with selecting the right ham and potato soup ingredients. I’ll share my go-to recipe essentials that transform a simple soup into a comforting meal.

For the best soup recipe essentials, you’ll want to gather these key ingredients:

Diced ham (about 2 cups) – preferably leftover holiday ham or smoked ham²
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (4-5 medium potatoes), peeled and cubed
Chicken broth (4 cups) – low sodium recommended
Butter (4 tablespoons)
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
Whole milk or heavy cream (2 cups)

Additional flavor-boosting ingredients include:

Diced onions
Minced garlic
Salt and black pepper
Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

When selecting ham for the soup, I recommend using leftover holiday ham or purchasing a smoked ham steak. The smoky flavor adds depth to your soup recipe essentials. For potatoes, choose varieties that hold their shape well during cooking, like Russet or Yukon Gold.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Preparing a delicious ham and potato soup requires the right soup making equipment. I’ll walk you through the essential kitchen tools for soup that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Best Pot Options for Soup Making:
- Heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
- Large stainless steel soup pot with tight-fitting lid
Essential Utensils and Tools:
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Immersion blender (optional for creamy soups)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Containers for Leftovers:
- Glass containers with airtight lids (32-64 oz) for long-term storage
- Plastic meal prep containers (16-24 oz) for portion control
- Freezer-safe containers (32 oz) for freezing soup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Learning how to make potato soup with ham is easier than you might think! I’ll walk you through the ham and potato soup instructions that will transform your kitchen into a cozy culinary haven.

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering your chopped ham, diced potatoes, onions, and garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Sauté the Base: In a large pot (like a heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven), melt butter and sauté onions until translucent.³ This step builds a rich flavor foundation for your ham and potato soup.
Add Potatoes and Ham: Introduce your diced potatoes and chopped ham to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and prevent sticking.
Create the Soup Base: Pour in chicken broth and milk. The key to perfect potato soup is maintaining a gentle simmer that allows potatoes to soften without breaking down completely.
Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Final Touches: For extra creaminess, mash some potatoes directly in the soup or add a splash of heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips for the Creamiest Potato Soup Texture

Crafting the perfect creamy potato soup requires some kitchen magic and insider knowledge. Let me share my top creamy potato soup tips that will transform your soup from good to extraordinary.

Choosing the Right Potatoes: I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the ultimate creamy texture. These varieties break down beautifully, releasing their natural starches and creating a rich, velvety base.
Perfect Seasoning Balance: Start with a base of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile dramatically.
Soup Thickening Methods:
- Puree some potatoes directly in the soup (using an immersion blender or by mashing).
- Create a roux with butter and flour.
- Use cornstarch as a quick thickening agent.
- Add cream cheese for extra richness.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

When it comes to soup storage tips, my ham and potato soup can be safely refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container.⁴ I recommend using glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.

Reheating potato soup requires a gentle approach to preserve its creamy texture. I suggest warming the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth can help restore the soup’s original consistency when reheating, ensuring it remains smooth and delicious.

For leftover soup ideas, I love transforming the remaining soup into new meals. Try using it as a base for a pot pie filling, or blend it into a thick sauce for roasted vegetables. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers, making it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Always cool the soup completely before storing, and leave about an inch of space at the top of the container when freezing to allow for expansion. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.

Ham and Potato Soup Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Category: Soup, Main Course, Comfort Food

Method: Simmering, Stove-top

Cuisine: American

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4-5 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4-5 cups)
2 cups diced ham (leftover holiday ham or smoked ham steak)
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Equipment:

Heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk (for thickening)
Immersion blender (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

Sauté Aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Ham and Potatoes: Stir in the diced ham and cubed potatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the ingredients.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ham and potato mixture in the pot. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux.
Add Liquids & Simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and whole milk (or heavy cream), whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
Season & Cook: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Add salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Adjust Creaminess (Optional): For an extra creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend a portion of the soup, or simply mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot with the back of a spoon.
Final Touches & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle hot into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired. Enjoy this delicious comfort food!

Notes:

Potato Choice: Russet potatoes will break down more easily for a thicker, creamier soup. Yukon Gold potatoes will offer a creamier texture while holding their shape a bit better.
Ham: Leftover holiday ham adds great flavor, but any good quality diced ham or smoked ham steak will work well.
Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a little more chicken broth or milk. If you want it thicker, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or mash more potatoes.
Storage: Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.⁵
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating⁶ gently on the stovetop.