Easy Comforting Ham Potato Soup

This easy and comforting ham and potato soup is a warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy weekend lunch. Its creamy texture and flavorful chunks of ham paired with tender potatoes make it a hearty choice that is simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

I first cooked this soup on a cold Sunday afternoon and was amazed at how quickly it came together. Since then, it has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something both nourishing and effortless.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: peeled and diced medium sized for creamy texture and proper cooking speed
• Cooked honey ham: diced medium bringing a smoky sweetness that balances the potatoes
• Celery: finely diced to add subtle crunch and freshness
• Onion: finely diced to infuse a savory depth from the very first bite
• Chicken broth: full bodied and flavorful, choosing a low sodium variety helps control saltiness
• Butter: for creating a rich base and helping to thicken the soup
• All-purpose flour: essential for making the roux that gives the soup its smooth creamy consistency
• Milk: any fat percentage works depending on your preference for richness and calorie content
• Black pepper: freshly ground to season and compliment the savory flavors
• Salt: to taste and bring all flavors together

How to Make It

Sauté the Vegetables:

Cook the onions and celery in butter over medium heat until soft and translucent about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds important flavor layers for the soup base.

Make the Roux:

Add the flour to the melted butter and vegetables stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. This cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the future soup.

Add Broth and Potatoes:

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the diced potatoes and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.

Incorporate Ham and Milk:

Stir in the diced ham and gradually add the milk while stirring. Heat gently until the soup is hot but not boiling to keep the milk from curdling.

Season the Soup:

Add black pepper and salt to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed making sure to balance the saltiness from the ham and broth.

Serve Warm:

Ladle into bowls and enjoy as is or with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor and garnish.

This soup’s heart comes from the cooked honey ham which gives just the right salty sweetness and smoky notes I find absolutely addictive. It reminds me of cozy family Sundays where this soup would warm everyone up after spending time outdoors.

Flavor Boosters

A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper in winter gives the soup a warming kick. During warmer seasons, lightening up the milk to a low fat variety or using broth with extra herbs adds a fresher taste. Adding frozen corn or peas near the end of cooking in spring or summer brings bright pops of color and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables make excellent accompaniments. Warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every delicious drop. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh layer of flavor.

Creative Twists

You can swap russet potatoes for Yukon gold for a slightly buttery texture. Smoked or spiral ham can be used if you prefer a smokier flavor profile. A plant based milk like oat or almond milk works fine if you want to avoid dairy but it will slightly change the creaminess.

This comforting soup balances ease with rich flavor making it a reliable favorite for all seasons.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different type of ham?

Yes, any precooked ham will work well. Smoked or honey ham variations can alter the flavor slightly but still yield delicious results.

→ What type of potatoes are best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal as they break down nicely to thicken the soup while still retaining some texture.

→ How can I make the soup creamier?

Adding more milk or a splash of cream toward the end of cooking enhances creaminess without overpowering flavors.

→ Is it possible to prepare the soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup reheats well and flavors meld beautifully after resting overnight in the refrigerator.

→ Can I substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Vegetable broth works as a good alternative but will slightly change the depth of flavors present in the final dish.