Introduction

This Creamiest Ham Potato Soup Recipe delivers rich, comforting flavor in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for using leftover ham and transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, satisfying meal. For another potato favorite, try this Cheesy Taco Potatoes Recipe. Both dishes are quick, family-friendly, and guaranteed to become weeknight staples.

Ingredients

This comforting Creamy Ham Potato Soup combines tender potatoes and savory ham in a rich, velvety broth that’s both hearty and satisfying.

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 350g cubed ham
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Creamy Ham Potato Soup recipe is ready in about 20% less time than many similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Dice one large onion, mince three cloves of garlic, and cube two pounds of potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Chop one and a half cups of cooked ham into small cubes. Having all ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3 — Cook the Ham and Potatoes

Add the chopped ham and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes to lightly brown the ham and coat the potatoes in the butter and aromatics. This step helps develop deeper flavor in your Creamy Ham Potato Soup.

Step 4 — Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in four cups of chicken broth and one cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5 — Create the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together one cup of heavy cream and three tablespoons of all-purpose flour until no lumps remain. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly to prevent clumping.

Step 6 — Thicken the Soup

Continue to simmer the soup for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. The soup should coat the back of a spoon when it’s properly thickened.

Step 7 — Season and Adjust

Season with one teaspoon of black pepper and taste before adding salt, as the ham and broth may already be salty. Add fresh thyme or parsley if desired. For extra creaminess, stir in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 8 — Final Simmer and Serve

Let the soup simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together. Serve your Creamy Ham Potato Soup hot, garnished with additional ham, cheese, or fresh herbs as desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	14g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey ham — Leaner protein with similar smoky flavor, reducing fat content.
• Cauliflower florets — Lower-carb potato substitute that absorbs the creamy broth beautifully.
• Unsweetened almond milk + cornstarch — Dairy-free way to maintain creaminess without heavy cream.
• Chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium) — Controls salt intake while building savory depth.
• Sweet potatoes — Higher fiber alternative to white potatoes with natural sweetness.
• Greek yogurt swirl — Adds protein-rich tang instead of sour cream for finishing.
• Gluten-free flour blend — Thickens the soup safely for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Lean ground chicken sausage — Provides hearty, spiced protein with less fat than traditional ham.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Creamy Ham Potato Soup with a crusty baguette or warm cornbread for a comforting meal.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or using up leftover holiday ham.
• Garnish with fresh chives, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
• For a heartier meal, add a side of steamed vegetables or garlic breadsticks.
• Ideal for potlucks and casual gatherings—it’s easy to transport and serve from a slow cooker.

This Creamy Ham Potato Soup is versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for entertaining. Its creamy texture and savory ham flavor make it a crowd-pleaser year-round.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using waxy potatoes that don’t break down. Fix: Opt for starchy Russets or Yukon Golds for a naturally thicker, creamier texture.
• Mistake: Adding dairy too early, causing it to curdle. Fix: Stir in cream or milk off the heat at the very end of cooking.
• Mistake: Overcooking the potatoes into mush. Fix: Simmer just until fork-tender to maintain some texture in your Creamy Ham Potato Soup.
• Mistake: Using a bland ham base with insufficient flavor. Fix: Start by sautéing a ham hock or using a smoked, bone-in ham shank for a deeply savory broth.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to sauté aromatics like onions and celery. Fix: Gently cook these first in the pot to build a foundational flavor layer.
• Mistake: Not adjusting salt until the very end. Fix: Taste after adding the ham, as it releases salt, to prevent an overly salty soup.
• Mistake: Rushing the simmer, resulting in underdeveloped flavors. Fix: Let the soup bubble gently for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld.
• Mistake: Using a thin, watery broth as the base. Fix: Choose a rich, low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock to control the salt and enhance creaminess.
• Mistake: Forgetting to reserve some ham and potatoes for garnish. Fix: Set aside a small portion to stir in at the end for appealing texture and visual contrast.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Creamy Ham Potato Soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F.

Always use shallow containers to help your Creamy Ham Potato Soup cool quickly and safely before storing.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ham Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for using up leftover ham. If you love potato soups, try our Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe next. We hope you enjoy this recipe—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

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FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Ham Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if the Creamy Ham Potato Soup has thickened too much.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat canned coconut milk. The texture of your Creamy Ham Potato Soup will still be rich and satisfying.

Can I freeze this soup?

We do not recommend freezing this soup. The dairy and potatoes can separate and become grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy your Creamy Ham Potato Soup fresh or refrigerated for a few days.