Creamy Potato and Ham Soup Recipe

It’s Wednesday. You’re tired. The fridge has that weird leftover ham from Sunday staring you down.

You need a hero. A dinner that feels like a hug but cooks like a sprint. I’ve got you.

This Creamy Potato and Ham Soup is your weeknight victory lap. It’s rich, hearty, and stupidly easy. We’re talking big flavor for almost no effort. Your future self is already thanking you. If you love classic potato soups, you must try this French-style creamy potato and leek soup for another elegant, comforting option.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Soup
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ultimate Guide to Creamy Potato and Ham Soup

Why is this the only guide you need? Three words: flavor, speed, ease.

This isn’t a fussy, simmer-all-day soup. This is a 40-minute miracle. We use one pot. We build flavor fast. The result is a creamy, dreamy bowl of winter comfort food that tastes like you spent hours.

It solves the leftover ham problem. It feeds a crowd. It makes everyone happy. Let’s get that dinner on the table.

The Simple Ingredients

Look at this list. You probably have most of this right now. That’s the beauty of it. No fancy trips to the store.

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 3 large)
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

Grab your big soup pot. This is a one-pot wonder, friends. Follow these steps and you cannot fail.

1. Melt the butter in your large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. It should smell amazing.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This cooks the flour taste out and makes your soup thick and creamy.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring the whole time. This prevents lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the diced potatoes, ham, thyme, and the bay leaf. Give it a good stir. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk. Let it warm through for 3-4 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
7. Take the pot off the heat. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s all melted and smooth.
8. Taste it! Now add salt and pepper. The ham is salty, so taste first. Ladle into bowls and devour.

What to Serve With This Dish

This soup is a full meal. But if you want to round it out, keep it fast.

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly. No-fuss garlic bread is always a win. Just toast some bread, rub it with a garlic clove, and drizzle with olive oil.

For the ultimate cozy move, serve it with crusty bread for dipping. That’s it. Dinner is done.

Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)

Make it work for you! Here are my favorite easy swaps.

No whole milk? Use 2% or even a mix of broth and half-and-half. It will still be creamy. Want more greens? Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end until it wilts.

If you don’t have leftover ham, use thick-cut deli ham from the grocery store. Chop it up. It works great. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra tang. For another incredibly simple recipe that makes the most of ham, check out this creamy 4-ingredient potato & ham soup.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

This soup stores like a dream. Let it cool completely.

Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir it often.

If it gets too thick after chilling, just add a splash of broth or milk when you reheat it. It will smooth right out.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~420
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 1350mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

*Nutrition is an estimate. Values can vary based on your specific ingredients.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the veggies first for best flavor. Then add everything except the milk and cheese to the pot. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. Stir in milk and cheese at the end.

Can I freeze this soup?

I don’t recommend it. Soups with dairy and potatoes can get grainy when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

My soup is too thick. Help!

No problem! Just add more broth or milk, a little at a time, until it’s the perfect consistency for you. Easy fix.

See? I told you it was simple. You just made a restaurant-worthy hearty soup on a random weeknight. That leftover ham is now a superstar. For more easy, cozy comfort, this creamy 4-ingredient potato & ham soup is another fantastic choice when you need dinner fast.

You saved dinner. You saved your sanity. Now go enjoy that bowl of cozy. You earned it.

Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!