Ham and Potato Soup

There's something magical about a bowl of creamy ham and potato soup that instantly transports you to your grandmother's kitchen on a chilly winter day. This isn't just any ordinary soup – it's the kind of soul-warming comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. With tender chunks of smoky ham, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth that coats your spoon, this ham and potato soup recipe delivers everything you crave in a hearty meal.

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. In just 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality soup using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The secret lies in the technique – partially mashing the potatoes creates that ideal creamy texture while leaving satisfying chunks throughout. Whether you're feeding a crowd of eight or meal prepping for the week, this ham and potato soup will quickly become your go-to comfort food recipe.

This isn't just soup; it's a warm hug in a bowl that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The smoky ham adds depth and richness, while the creamy broth creates the perfect canvas for all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Why This Is the Best Ham and Potato Soup

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work required, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend cooking
• Perfect Texture Balance: The partially mashed potatoes create a naturally thick, creamy consistency without needing flour or heavy thickening agents
• Rich, Complex Flavor: The combination of smoky diced ham, savory chicken broth, and sharp cheddar cheese creates layers of delicious taste in every spoonful
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe generously serves eight people, making it ideal for family gatherings, potluck dinners, or meal prep sessions
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Unlike many cream soups that rely on flour-based roux, this recipe gets its thickness from the potatoes themselves

Key Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

The beauty of this ham and potato soup lies in its flexibility. Russet potatoes work wonderfully because they break down slightly during cooking, naturally thickening the soup. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent alternative if you prefer more distinct potato chunks with a buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't provide the same creamy texture.

For the ham, leftover holiday ham works perfectly, but deli ham, ham steak, or even bacon can be substituted. If using bacon, cook it first and reserve some of the fat to sauté any additional vegetables. The chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or try ham bone broth if you have it available for extra richness.

When it comes to the cream and cheese, heavy cream provides the richest texture, but half-and-half or even whole milk can work in a pinch. The sharp cheddar cheese is crucial for flavor – avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn't melt as smoothly. Gruyere, white cheddar, or a blend of cheeses can create interesting flavor variations.

Delicious Variations to Try

Loaded Baked Potato Soup Style: Add crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to each bowl. Include some roasted garlic for extra depth.

Southwest Ham and Potato Soup: Incorporate diced jalapeños, corn kernels, and a touch of cumin. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and garnish with cilantro and avocado.

Herb Garden Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage during the cooking process. Finish with fresh chives and parsley for a bright, aromatic twist.

Vegetable-Packed Option: Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions before adding the potatoes. This creates a more substantial, nutritionally complete meal.

Smoky Paprika Version: Add smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for an intensely smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the ham.

Making It Vegetarian

Transform this into a satisfying vegetarian potato soup by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers for umami depth. Consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast along with the cheese for extra savory flavor. Smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help replicate some of that smoky depth typically provided by the ham.

Garnish and Serving Suggestions

Elevate your ham and potato soup with thoughtful garnishes and sides. Classic toppings include additional shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. For crunch, add homemade croutons or oyster crackers.

Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread, warm dinner rolls, or grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food experience. A simple side salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup and adds fresh contrast to the meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This ham and potato soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the texture is definitely best when fresh. As it sits, the soup will naturally thicken, so when reheating, gradually add additional chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

For make-ahead preparation, you can prep all ingredients the night before and store them separately. The soup can also be frozen for up to three months, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. When freezing, leave out the cream and cheese, then add them when reheating for the best results.