There’s something about a warm bowl of *ham and potato soup* that just wraps you in a cozy hug, don’t you think? Whenever the temperatures drop, I find myself craving this hearty dish. It’s one of those meals that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly afternoon; the aroma of simmering ham and potatoes filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The best part? This soup is super easy to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in no time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too!

Ingredients List

For the *ham and potato soup*, you’ll want to gather these simple, yet essential ingredients to create a rich and hearty dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (I love using Yukon Gold for their creaminess!)
2 cups ham, diced (leftover ham works great here)
4 cups chicken broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought is just fine)
1 cup milk (for that creamy texture)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried, your choice)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (because who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?)

Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start cooking—it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Ham and Potato Soup

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! This step-by-step guide will walk you through each part of making the most delicious *ham and potato soup*. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté but not smoking!
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic begins!
Now, add the cubed potatoes and diced ham to the pot. Stir everything together for just a minute or two to get those flavors mingling.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll want to see those bubbles rising to the surface!
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can poke them with a fork to check!
After the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This is when it starts to look creamy and dreamy!
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot soup, and trust me, that’s the best part!

And there you have it! A warming bowl of *ham and potato soup* ready to be devoured. It’s perfect for chilly nights or simply when you need a little comfort food in your life.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this *ham and potato soup*! Each serving is estimated to have around 350 calories, making it a comforting yet hearty option. You’ll find about 10 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat, and a solid 20 grams of protein—perfect for keeping you satisfied. It also contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, with 5 grams of fiber to boot. And don’t forget the sodium, which comes in at around 800 mg per serving. So, while it’s indulgent, it’s also a balanced meal that warms you up from the inside out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Hearty and filling, making it an ideal comfort food.
Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
The flavors get better as they meld together, making leftovers even tastier.
Customizable with your favorite add-ins like veggies or spices.
Great for warming up on those chilly days when you need a little extra comfort.

Tips for Success

To make your *ham and potato soup* truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always use quality ingredients—fresh potatoes and good-quality ham will elevate the flavors. Don’t skimp on the sautéing time for the onions and garlic; that step builds a delicious base for your soup! If you want extra creaminess, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. Also, feel free to experiment with herbs; a dash of smoked paprika can add a delightful twist. Lastly, let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking; it helps the flavors marry beautifully. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your *ham and potato soup*, I like to keep it simple and cozy! A slice of crusty bread for dipping is a must—it’s like the perfect companion that soaks up all that creamy goodness. You could also serve it alongside a fresh, simple salad for a nice crunch and balance. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try adding some roasted vegetables on the side for extra flavor. Trust me, these pairings will take your soup experience to a whole new level of comfort and satisfaction!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with leftover *ham and potato soup* (which is a win in my book!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty. Simply transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up a bit. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the best *ham and potato soup*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:

Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ham, diced turkey or even cooked sausage can work wonderfully. Just adjust the seasoning to match!

What if I want to make it vegetarian?
No problem! Simply skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more veggies, like carrots or corn, for added flavor.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, definitely! Just sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How can I make it spicier?
If you love a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the pot while it simmers!

What can I substitute for milk?
You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or even sour cream for a rich, creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly!

Ham and Potato Soup: 7 Cozy Reasons to Try It Tonight

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting ham and potato soup.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups ham, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
Add potatoes and ham, stirring briefly.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Stir in milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve with shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Notes

Use leftover ham for quicker preparation.
Add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: ham and potato soup