Delicious Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a warm, filling meal. This creamy soup combines tender potatoes with smoky ham, carrots, and a rich broth, all cooked to perfection and topped with a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that not only fills you up but also brings a wonderful balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as a dish to share at a gathering, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups ham, cooked and diced
• 1 (15 oz) can chicken broth
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced potatoes, ham, and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Add the milk, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the soup has thickened slightly, remove from heat and serve hot. For an extra creamy touch, garnish with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Nutrients

(Per serving, based on approximately 6 servings)

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Total Fat: ~10 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~5 g
• Cholesterol: ~40 mg
• Sodium: ~800 mg
• Carbohydrates: ~35 g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~4 g
  • Sugars: ~6 g
• Protein: ~15 g

The History of Potato Soup

Potato soup is one of the oldest and most enduring comfort foods, with a history rooted in many European culinary traditions. Potatoes, a crop native to the Andes in South America, were introduced to Europe in the late 16th century and quickly became a staple ingredient in many cuisines due to their versatility, availability, and affordability. The earliest potato soups were often rustic, featuring simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and stock. Over time, as potatoes gained popularity in various parts of the world, more flavors and ingredients were added, resulting in a wide range of potato-based soups.

Why Ham and Potato Soup is a Comfort Food Classic

Comfort food has a way of making us feel safe, warm, and satisfied, and ham and potato soup is no exception. The combination of soft, starchy potatoes with the richness of ham and creamy broth offers a meal that nourishes both the body and the soul. The texture of the soup plays a significant role in its appeal: the potatoes break down slightly during cooking, thickening the broth and creating a smooth and velvety base, while the tender chunks of ham provide a satisfying contrast in texture.

The Key Ingredients in Ham and Potato Soup

While the beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, the combination of ingredients used plays an important role in bringing out the best flavors. At the heart of the dish are the potatoes and ham, two ingredients that naturally complement each other. The potatoes provide a starchy base that thickens the soup as they cook, creating a rich, creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes, in particular, are a great choice for this recipe due to their smooth texture and buttery flavor, though russet potatoes work well too.

The ham is what gives the soup its savory, smoky depth. Using leftover ham from a holiday meal or a ham steak can add convenience and flavor to the dish. The natural saltiness of the ham helps to season the soup, reducing the need for excessive amounts of added salt. In some versions of this recipe, the ham is cooked with a little bit of fat, which helps to render out extra flavor and enhances the overall richness of the soup.

Nutritional Benefits of Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato Soup offers not only comfort but also several nutritional benefits. The potatoes provide carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy. They are also a good source of fiber, particularly if you leave the skins on, and contain several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

How to Customize Your Ham and Potato Soup

One of the best things about Ham and Potato Soup is its versatility. While the classic recipe is already comforting and delicious, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences.

1. Add More Vegetables: If you want to increase the nutritional value or add some variety to the dish, you can easily add more vegetables. Celery, corn, and leeks are great additions to the soup and complement the flavors of the potatoes and ham.
2. Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce can give the soup a spicy kick. This addition can help to balance the richness of the soup with some bold heat.
3. Herbs and Seasonings: While thyme and bay leaves are traditional, you can experiment with other herbs and seasonings to personalize your soup. Fresh rosemary, dill, or parsley can add a fresh, fragrant touch, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavor.
4. Make It a Chunky Soup: If you prefer a chunky soup rather than a smoother texture, you can mash only a portion of the potatoes or leave them whole for added texture. Alternatively, you can skip the mashing altogether and simply add extra potatoes to create a more rustic feel.
5. Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the cream or milk with vegetable or chicken broth, reducing the overall richness without sacrificing flavor. You could also skip the ham or use a leaner cut, such as turkey ham, for a lower-fat version of the soup.
6. Top with Toppings: Garnish your soup with a variety of toppings to add extra flavor and texture. Crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, or freshly chopped herbs are all excellent options for enhancing the soup before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato Soup is hearty and filling on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Serve the soup with a simple side salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy soup. A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up the flavorful broth, and adding some texture to the meal.

Conclusion

Delicious Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings warmth and happiness to any meal. Its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a perfect choice for cold weather, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. The beauty of this soup lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility—whether you prefer a classic, comforting version or a creative twist, this soup can easily be customized to suit any palate.