Creamy Potato Ham Soup

I describe this recipe as pure comfort in a bowl – it's the kind of soup that makes you slow down and savor every spoonful. The first time I tasted a soup like this was at a small café during a winter trip years ago, and I've been chasing that perfect balance of creamy and hearty ever since. This version captures everything I loved about that original bowl: tender potato chunks that practically melt in your mouth, savory ham that adds depth and a touch of saltiness, and a cream-based broth that coats your spoon like velvet. The vegetables add texture and freshness, while the herbs bring brightness to every bite. What I love most is how the flavors develop as it cooks – the onions sweeten, the potatoes release their starch to thicken the soup naturally, and the ham infuses everything with its smoky, savory essence. It's not fancy or complicated, but it doesn't need to be. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that focus on simple, quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. This soup reminds me that comfort food doesn't have to be complex to be absolutely delicious.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe for so many reasons, but mostly because it represents everything I value in cooking: simplicity, comfort, and versatility. First, it's incredibly forgiving – if you don't have carrots, use what you have; if your potatoes are cut unevenly, they'll still taste amazing. Second, it transforms leftover ham into something that feels completely new and special, which I appreciate as someone who hates food waste. Third, this soup actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. I love that I can make a big batch on Sunday and have lunches sorted for the week. But beyond the practical reasons, I love how this soup makes people feel. Every time I serve it, I watch faces light up with that first taste. It's the kind of food that makes people nostalgic, that reminds them of home, that makes them ask for the recipe. In a world that often feels rushed and complicated, this soup is a reminder that sometimes the best things are simple, nourishing, and made with care.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Potatoes: Peel and dice into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking
• Cooked Ham: Dice into bite-sized chunks, about 1/2-inch pieces
• Carrots: Peel and dice into small pieces for tender texture
• Celery: Dice finely to add aromatic base flavor
• Onion: Dice into small pieces for sweeter, mellower flavor
• Heavy Cream: Bring to room temperature before adding to prevent curdling
• Fresh Chives: Chop finely just before serving for maximum freshness

Let's Make These Together

Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by melting butter in your large pot over medium heat. Once it's bubbling gently, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. This trio is called mirepoix and forms the flavor foundation of your soup. Stir them occasionally and let them cook until the onion turns translucent and everything softens up beautifully. This takes about 5-7 minutes and your kitchen will start smelling amazing.

Build Your Creamy Base

Now comes the magic part – creating the roux. Sprinkle your flour evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a base that will thicken your soup perfectly. Don't skip this step or rush it. The flour should be completely mixed in with no white streaks visible.

Add Liquid and Potatoes

Pour in your chicken broth gradually while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add your diced potatoes. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so it's simmering nicely. Let this cook for 15-20 minutes until your potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. The potatoes will release starch as they cook, naturally thickening your soup.

Finish with Cream and Ham

This is where your soup transforms into something truly special. Stir in your diced ham and heavy cream, then let everything simmer together for another 5-10 minutes. The cream adds richness and the ham infuses the entire pot with its savory flavor. Taste and season with black pepper as needed. Remember, the ham is already salty, so go easy on additional salt.

Garnish and Enjoy

Ladle your gorgeous soup into bowls and top each one with a generous sprinkle of fresh chives. The bright green color against the creamy soup looks stunning, and the mild onion flavor of the chives complements everything perfectly. Serve immediately while it's piping hot, preferably with some crusty bread for dunking.

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Switch Things Up

I first made this soup on a rainy Sunday afternoon when I had leftover ham from dinner the night before. I was craving something warm and comforting but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. As I started dicing the potatoes and vegetables, I realized how therapeutic cooking can be – just me, my cutting board, and the rhythmic sound of the knife. When the soup started simmering, my entire kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma. My family gathered around even before it was done, drawn in by the smell. I served it with some crusty bread, and watching everyone go back for seconds made me realize I'd stumbled onto something special. Now, whenever I have leftover ham, this soup is the first thing I think of. It's become one of those recipes that feels less like cooking and more like creating comfort.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy potato and ham soup pairs beautifully with crusty sourdough bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into that luscious broth. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you're looking for beverage pairings, try a light white wine like Chardonnay or a crisp apple cider. For dessert, keep it simple with apple pie or oatmeal cookies. The soup is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but these accompaniments elevate the entire dining experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the soup will be thinner and less rich. For best results, use whole milk and consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to help thicken the soup. Half-and-half is a good middle-ground option that provides creaminess without as much fat as heavy cream.

→ How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

→ Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables and create the roux on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the broth and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the ham and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well while still becoming tender and creamy. Russet potatoes work too but may break down more, creating a thicker soup. Red potatoes are another good option if you prefer a firmer texture.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. However, cream-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. To minimize this, slightly undercook the potatoes before freezing, and add the cream after reheating if possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to recombine if needed.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the ham with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar texture and smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or peas for more substance and flavor.

→ My soup is too thick, what should I do?

Simply add more chicken broth or milk, a half cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it heat through. Remember that soup will continue to thicken as it sits, so it's better to keep it slightly thinner than you want initially.

Conclusion

This Creamy Potato and Ham Soup is everything you need when comfort food calls your name. It's rich without being heavy, packed with tender vegetables and savory ham, and comes together so easily that you'll find yourself making it again and again. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup delivers on flavor and satisfaction every single time. The creamy broth, the hearty chunks of potato, and those beautiful bites of ham create the perfect harmony in every spoonful.