Ham and Potato Soup Recipe

This Ham and Potato Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or cozy family dinners. Made with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, savory diced ham, and a creamy cheddar cheese base, this hearty soup is both filling and flavorful. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s a great way to use leftover ham and create a satisfying meal in under an hour. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, comforting dinner

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. Yukon Golden Potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half (plus an extra splash)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pinch ground sage
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups ham, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Shred the cheddar cheese from a block and measure out the half and half. Allow these ingredients to sit at room temperature.
   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Add the potatoes to a stock pot and cover them with 1 inch of water. Add a pinch of salt and boil gently for 10 minutes or until very fork-tender. Drain the water and gently mash the potatoes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and a splash of half and half. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • While the potatoes cook, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
   • Add the garlic, dried thyme, onion powder, and ground sage. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Soup Base:
   • Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 full minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually add the chicken broth and bay leaf while stirring. Slowly pour in the half and half, mixing well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Incorporate the Potatoes:
   • Add the mashed potatoes to the soup and stir until well combined. Discard the bay leaf.
6. Blend the Soup:
   • Remove the soup from heat and use an immersion blender to blend until creamy and smooth. (Alternatively, blend in batches using a blender.) This step is optional but results in a thicker and creamier soup.
7. Add Ham and Cheese:
   • Stir in the diced ham and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
   • Turn off the heat and gradually sprinkle the shredded cheese into the warm soup, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
8. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chives and serve hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: This creamy, hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and cozy evenings.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps using simple ingredients make this an approachable recipe for any skill level.
• Flavorful and Filling: The combination of ham, potatoes, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cheese and half and half to reach room temperature before adding to the soup to prevent curdling.
• Don’t Skip the Blend: Blending the soup ensures a creamy texture and helps thicken the base.
• Fresh Cheese: Shred your own cheddar from a block for smoother melting.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with diced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the half and half with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the soup as directed but wait to add the cheese until reheating to maintain its creamy consistency.

What type of ham works best? Use fully cooked, diced ham. Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this recipe.

Can I freeze this soup? It’s best to freeze the soup without the cheese and half and half. Add them when reheating for the freshest flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Bread Pairings: Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or dinner rolls for dipping.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Toppings: Garnish with additional shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sour cream for extra indulgence.

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Enjoy this warm and creamy Ham and Potato Soup for a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!