Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and incredibly flavorful Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup recipe. Perfectly creamy, hearty, and satisfying, this soup is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes, or a delightful way to utilize leftover holiday ham and potatoes. It’s a family favorite that promises to warm you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings or rainy days.
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to bring comfort and joy. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together, often using simple ingredients you already have in your pantry. Forget complicated steps or lengthy cooking times; this recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal fuss.
Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
Texture: This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup boasts a luxurious, velvety texture that coats your palate with every spoonful. It features tender, melt-in-your-mouth potato chunks and savory pieces of ham, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy base. The consistency is substantial without being overly thick, making it a truly hearty and satisfying meal.
Taste: Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of rich, savory flavors. The soup offers a harmonious blend of creamy, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky ham, and the earthy sweetness of potatoes. Each spoonful delivers a comforting and deeply flavorful experience, making it a go-to dish when you crave warmth and deliciousness.
Ease: Simplicity is key with this recipe, making it incredibly accessible for cooks of all skill levels. With straightforward ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a gourmet-tasting soup. Just a few steps – sautéing your aromatics, simmering the potatoes, and stirring in the rich cheese sauce – and your comforting soup is ready to enjoy in hardly any time at all.
Why I love it: I adore Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup for its unparalleled ability to deliver comforting, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. It’s the quintessential cozy meal, bringing together the satisfying textures of tender potatoes and savory ham in a rich, creamy broth. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone dinner yet feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion that calls for a truly satisfying and flavorful dish.
This cheesy, no-fuss soup is a beloved family recipe you can effortlessly prepare any day of the week. Its adaptability is one of its greatest strengths; while this version details the stovetop method, it can just as easily be made in an Instant Pot for speed or a slow cooker for a hands-off approach, delivering delicious results every time. It’s truly the best kind of versatile comfort food.
- Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients Notes
- Kitchen Equipment
- How To Make Cheesy Ham And Potato Soup
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage
- Substitutions & Variations
- Expert Tips To Make The Best Cheesy Potato and Ham Soup
- Popular Questions
- Should I Cook Potatoes Before Adding Them To Soup?
- What Is The Best Thickener For Ham And Potato Soup?
- Does Sour Cream Make Potato Soup Thicker?
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup to chase away the chill of fall and winter. Its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it the quintessential comfort food that truly satisfies the soul and is a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
- Rich, Creamy, and Flavorful: This isn’t just any potato soup. It’s an exceptionally creamy and cheesy concoction, packed with robust flavors from savory ham and perfectly cooked potatoes. The blend creates an irresistible depth of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe offers an ingenious and delicious solution for using up any leftover holiday ham or extra potatoes. Instead of letting them go to waste, transform them into a spectacular meal that feels brand new, reducing food waste and maximizing flavor.
- Excellent Make-Ahead Meal: One of the best qualities of this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is that its flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight. Preparing it in advance means you’ll have an even more delicious meal ready to reheat, making busy weeknights much simpler and more enjoyable.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, this soup is a cost-effective way to feed a crowd or enjoy several meals throughout the week without breaking the bank.
- Customizable: While delicious as is, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it with additional vegetables, different cheeses, or even other meats to suit your family’s preferences and what you have on hand.
Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Crafting this delightful soup requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. While the full measurements are detailed in the recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a closer look at each component and why it’s important for achieving the perfect Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup.
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are ideal for soups as they break down slightly during cooking, contributing to a wonderfully creamy and thick texture. I always peel mine for a smoother consistency, but you can leave the skins on for added rustic charm and nutrients if preferred.
- Onion: A medium-sized yellow or white onion forms the aromatic base of this soup, infusing it with a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. If you prefer a milder onion taste, a small onion or a couple of shallots can be used instead.
- Cooked Ham: The star of the show! It’s crucial to use pre-cooked ham for this recipe. This is an excellent opportunity to use up leftover holiday ham, or you can buy pre-cooked ham steak or cubed ham from the grocery store. The savory, smoky notes of the ham are essential to the soup’s profile.
- Chicken Broth: This provides the foundational liquid and significant flavor. While homemade chicken stock or broth offers the richest taste, good quality store-bought broth or bouillon granules dissolved in water are perfectly acceptable. Using just water will result in a less flavorful soup, so broth is highly recommended.
- For the Roux (Thickening Agent): The roux is what gives this soup its characteristic creamy thickness.
- Unsalted Butter: The fat component of the roux, providing a rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Combined with butter, it creates a paste that thickens the soup when liquid is added.
- Whole Milk: Added to the roux, it creates a luscious, creamy white sauce that forms the body of the soup.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The “cheesy” in Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup! Sharp cheddar offers a more pronounced flavor, but mild or white cheddar can also be used based on your preference. Shredding your own cheese from a block typically melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shshredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Seasoning:
- Garlic Powder: A staple for adding aromatic depth. Minced fresh garlic can be used instead for an even more potent flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (Optional): Adds a beautiful smoky undertone and a hint of color, complementing the ham perfectly.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and vibrant color as a garnish, adding a pleasant finish to each serving.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to bring this delicious Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup to life:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the potatoes and simmering the entire soup. A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching.
- Saucepan: Used for preparing the roux, a crucial step for achieving the soup’s creamy texture.
- Whisk: For smoothly incorporating the flour and milk into the roux, preventing lumps.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing potatoes, onion, and ham.
How To Make The Best Cheesy Ham And Potato Soup
Creating this comforting soup is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a delicious and creamy soup every time.
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes to Perfection
Begin by combining your peeled and diced Russet potatoes, finely diced onion, and flavorful chicken broth in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. The goal here is to get the potatoes fork-tender, ensuring they’ll easily meld into the creamy soup later. Cooking them thoroughly now is key to a silky smooth texture.
Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Roux
While the potatoes are simmering, prepare the roux in a separate saucepan. A roux is the secret to a thick and luxurious soup base:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, stir in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, resembling a creamy sauce. This process usually takes a few minutes.
- Once your roux is perfectly thickened, carefully stir it directly into the large pot with the tender potatoes and broth. This will immediately begin to thicken your soup base.
Step 3: Finishing and Serving Your Soup
With the base thickened, it’s time to add the final, flavorful components:
- Add the diced cooked ham, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using) to the pot. Stir everything together gently and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it is completely melted and thoroughly incorporated, creating a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy soup. You can reduce the heat to medium-low during this step to prevent the cheese from clumping or sticking to the bottom.
- Before serving, always perform a taste test. Adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or even a bit more cheese if desired, to achieve your perfect flavor profile.
- Ladle the warm Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh sliced green onions and, for an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle with additional shredded cheese or a few more diced ham pieces on top. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some fantastic serving ideas:
- Classic Sides: Serve your hearty soup with a crisp, simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Dill pickles offer a refreshing tang, while corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Bread Pairings: No creamy soup is complete without something delicious to dip!
- Biscuits and Rolls: A warm, flaky 3-ingredient biscuit or a soft, homemade one-hour dinner roll is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Crusty Bread: A thick slice of homemade crusty bread, perhaps toasted, provides a wonderful texture contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Indulgent and flavorful garlic bread makes an excellent partner, adding an extra layer of savory deliciousness.
- Crackers: For a simple crunch, crushed Ritz crackers or oyster crackers are always a popular choice.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond green onions, consider additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, extra shredded cheese, or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage Tips for Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup for days to come. Here’s what you need to know:
Refrigeration: Any leftover ham and potato cheese soup should be transferred to an airtight container once it has completely cooled. This prevents condensation and traps all the moisture, keeping your soup fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.
Reheating: To reheat a single serving, use the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated through. For larger quantities, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened considerably in the fridge, you may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency before reheating.
Freezing (Not Recommended): While technically possible, I do not recommend freezing this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup. Dairy-based soups and potatoes do not freeze well. Upon thawing, the creamy texture can become grainy or separate, and the potatoes may turn mushy and mealy. For the best experience, enjoy this soup fresh or refrigerated.
Substitutions & Variations for Your Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
One of the joys of cooking is customization! This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or what you have available. Here are some fantastic ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Ham Alternatives:
- Leftover Ham: Excellent for using up holiday ham.
- Ham Bone: If you have a ham bone, simmer it in the broth for extra depth of flavor before adding other ingredients (remove before serving).
- Ham Steak or Cubed Ham: Readily available and convenient.
- Bacon: Substitute ham entirely with crispy crumbled bacon, or use both for an extra smoky punch! The rendered bacon fat can be used to sauté the onions, adding incredible flavor.
- Other Meats: For a different twist, try cooked chicken (shredded or diced), Italian sausage, or even smoked sausage. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely and focus on a rich vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian potato cheese soup.
- Sautéed Ham: For a delightful texture, sauté some of that leftover Christmas ham in a little olive oil or bacon grease until slightly crispy on the edges before adding it to the soup. This adds a lovely caramelized flavor.
- Cheese Choices:
- Sharp Cheddar: For a bolder, more intense cheese flavor.
- Mild Cheddar: If you prefer a more subtle cheese taste.
- White Cheddar: For a visually different, yet equally delicious, creamy white soup.
- Velveeta: While not a personal preference for its processed nature, it melts incredibly smoothly for an ultra-creamy, almost silky texture. Regular block cheese is generally preferred for flavor.
- Other Cheeses: Experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
- Boost with More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding extra vegetables. As a general rule of thumb, add them during the last 30-60 minutes of cook time, or sauté them with the onions if they require longer cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Adds a sweet crunch.
- Leafy Greens: Stir in chopped fresh kale or spinach during the last few minutes until wilted.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli florets complement cheesy flavors beautifully.
- Sweet Veggies: Fresh or frozen corn and peas add sweetness and color.
- Root Vegetables: Diced celery and carrots can be sautéed with the onion for a classic mirepoix base.
- Potato Varieties:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Offer a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, with a thinner skin that can be left on if desired.
- Red Potatoes: Hold their shape well and have a delicate skin, adding visual appeal.
- Achieve Extra Creaminess: For an even more luxurious soup:
- Sour Cream or Heavy Cream: Stir in a splash at the very end for added richness and a tangy note.
- Cream Cheese: A block of cream cheese melted into the soup creates an incredibly smooth and decadent texture.
- Cheese Blend: Use a combination of shredded cheeses for complex creaminess.
Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Mastering this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you achieve the perfect creamy texture and rich flavor every time:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are excellent for creamy soups because their high starch content helps thicken the soup as they break down. If you prefer a soup with more distinct potato chunks, Yukon Gold or Red potatoes will hold their shape better.
- Prevent Lumpy Roux: When making the roux, ensure your butter is fully melted and hot before adding the flour. Whisk continuously and gradually add the milk to create a smooth, lump-free base for your soup. Starting with warm milk can also help prevent lumps.
- Gradual Cheese Addition: To avoid a greasy or clumpy soup, add the shredded cheese gradually, stirring constantly until each batch is fully melted before adding more. Ensure the heat is reduced to low or medium-low when adding the cheese; high heat can cause dairy to separate.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until they are just fork-tender. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy, while undercooked ones will be too firm. This sweet spot ensures a pleasant texture.
- Seasoning in Layers: Taste and adjust seasonings multiple times throughout the cooking process. Ham can be salty, so be mindful of adding extra salt until the very end. A pinch of black pepper, a touch more garlic powder, or a hint of smoked paprika can make a big difference.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick for your liking, slowly stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, you can mash a portion of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with a potato masher, or create a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and whisk it in, simmering for a few minutes until thickened.
- Make It Ahead for Deeper Flavor: This soup truly benefits from sitting overnight. The flavors meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious meal the next day. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin it out.
- Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Slow Cooker Method: For a truly hands-off approach, combine all ingredients (except the milk, flour, and cheese for the roux) in a crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender. Prepare the roux separately on the stovetop and stir it into the slow cooker along with the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This is an excellent method for developing deep flavors.
- Instant Pot Method: For a super-fast meal, you can often make this soup in about 10-15 minutes using the Instant Pot’s soup setting. Sauté onions and ham, add potatoes and broth, pressure cook until tender, then stir in the roux ingredients and cheese.
- Sauté Aromatics First: If adding more vegetables like celery or carrots, it’s always a good idea to sauté them with the onions at the beginning. This brings out their natural sweetness and helps build a more complex flavor base for your soup.
Popular Questions About Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Should I Cook Potatoes Before Adding Them To Soup?
For this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup recipe, you cook the potatoes directly in the chicken broth, which is a form of pre-cooking them within the soup-making process. This method ensures that the potatoes become perfectly tender and absorb the savory flavors of the broth. If you were to cook them entirely separately beforehand, it would certainly speed up the final assembly of the soup. However, simmering them in the broth means they contribute their starch to the liquid, helping to create a richer body, and all the ingredients cook harmoniously. Since ham, potatoes, and cheese require different cooking times to reach their optimal state, starting with raw diced potatoes in the broth ensures everything finishes at its best.
What Is The Best Thickener For Ham And Potato Soup?
Several excellent options exist for thickening ham and potato soup, each imparting a slightly different texture:
- Classic Roux (Butter and Flour): This is arguably the best and most traditional thickener for a creamy, restaurant-quality soup like ours. It provides a stable, smooth, and rich base without altering the flavor profile significantly.
- Cornstarch Slurry: For a gluten-free option or a quick fix, a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water, whisked until smooth) can be stirred into simmering soup. It thickens quickly but can sometimes give a slightly glossy finish.
- Potato Flakes: Instant potato flakes can be stirred in gradually to absorb liquid and thicken the soup, also adding a bit more potato flavor.
- Mashing Potatoes: A simple and effective method is to use a potato masher to mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot. This releases their starch, naturally thickening the soup and creating a chunkier, heartier texture.
Additionally, creamy soups like this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup will naturally feel thicker after cooling in the refrigerator overnight, as the starches and fats solidify. Always consider this when assessing the initial thickness.
Does Sour Cream Make Potato Soup Thicker?
Adding sour cream, heavy cream, or cream cheese primarily makes potato soup creamier and richer, rather than significantly thicker. While it might add a slight body, these dairy products are typically incorporated for their smooth texture and tangy flavor, enhancing the luxuriousness of the soup. If your goal is primarily to thicken the soup, a roux, cornstarch slurry, or mashing some potatoes will be more effective. Using evaporated milk, on the other hand, will generally result in a thinner, lighter soup, as it has less fat and body than whole milk or cream.
If you adore this easy soup recipe, you’re going to love these other cozy and comforting soup recipes too. Please click each link below to discover more easy, printable recipes that are perfect for any occasion!
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More Great Potato Soup Recipes to Explore
If you love the comforting versatility of potatoes in soup, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic potato soup recipes. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and method, ensuring there’s a potato soup for every craving and occasion:
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Experience all the rich flavors of a fully loaded baked potato transformed into a creamy, hearty soup, complete with bacon, cheese, and chives.
- Slow Cooker Potato Soup: Enjoy the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it meal with this comforting slow cooker recipe, perfect for busy days when you want a warm, homemade dinner waiting for you.
- Instant Pot Potato Soup: Get a delicious, creamy potato soup on the table in a fraction of the time with this quick and efficient Instant Pot version, ideal for last-minute meal planning.
- Idaho Potato Soup: Celebrate the classic potato flavor with this simple yet satisfying recipe, often featuring the iconic Idaho potatoes for a truly authentic taste.
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Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 4 russet potatoes peeled and diced – medium size, for creaminess
- 1 onion diced – medium, yellow or white onion
- 2 cups cooked ham diced – leftover holiday ham or ham steak
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for the roux
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the roux
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly grated melts best
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a smoky flavor
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish: 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
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Cook Potatoes: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the diced potatoes, onion, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Prepare Roux: While potatoes cook, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
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Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk, to form a smooth paste. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
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Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
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Stir the prepared roux directly into the pot with the cooked potatoes and broth. This will immediately begin to thicken your soup base.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced ham, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
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Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. You can turn the heat down to low to prevent clumping.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed with salt and pepper. Serve the Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup warm, garnished generously with fresh sliced green onions and extra cheese, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.