There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of creamy ham and potato soup to warm you up on a chilly day. I’ve been making this recipe for years – it’s the one my family begs for when the first cold snap hits. The rich creaminess, hearty chunks of ham and tender potatoes create the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. What I love most is how simple it is to throw together with ingredients I usually have on hand. Some of my fondest memories are of serving this soup with crusty bread while snow fell outside our kitchen window. It’s the kind of meal that fills your belly and your heart at the same time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Let me tell you why this soup has become my go-to comfort food (and why you’ll be making it on repeat too!):
- Weeknight lifesaver: Ready in just 35 minutes – faster than pizza delivery!
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy that second bowl
- Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long)
- Budget-friendly: Turns leftover holiday ham into something spectacular
- Creamy dreaminess: That velvety texture will have you licking the spoon
Trust me, this is the soup that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar with zero stress. My kids call it “hug in a bowl” – and they’re not wrong!
Ingredients for Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soul-warming soup – I promise you probably have most of this in your kitchen already!
- 2 cups diced ham – I always use leftovers from Sunday dinner (but store-bought works too)
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes – Yukon Golds are my favorite for their buttery texture
- 1 small onion, chopped – trust me, the sweet smell when these hit the butter is heavenly
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, but hey, we’ve all used the jarred stuff in a pinch
- 4 cups chicken broth – homemade if you’re fancy, boxed if you’re practical like me
- 1 cup heavy cream – this is where the magic happens for that luscious texture
- 2 tablespoons butter – because everything starts better with butter
- 1 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste, especially if your ham is salty
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground makes all the difference
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – my secret weapon for depth of flavor
How to Make Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Okay, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a pot of comfort ready in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First, melt that glorious butter in your favorite soup pot over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it stops foaming. Toss in your chopped onions and garlic – that sizzle is music to my ears! Stir them around until the onions turn translucent and smell sweet (about 3-4 minutes). Keep the heat medium-low so the garlic doesn’t burn – burnt garlic is the only mistake that can ruin this soup!
Step 2: Cook the Ham and Potatoes
Now toss in your diced ham and potatoes. Give everything a good stir to coat those potatoes in all that buttery, oniony goodness. Let the ham brown just slightly – about 2 minutes – to wake up all those smoky flavors. The potatoes will soak up all those delicious flavors while staying nice and firm.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in your chicken broth and crank up the heat until it bubbles. Then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and set your timer for 15 minutes. The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork but they’re not mushy yet. Lift that lid to check – the steam will smell amazing!
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings
Here’s where the magic happens! Turn the heat down low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Be gentle – you don’t want it to boil or it might curdle. Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and thyme, then let everything mingle for about 5 more minutes. The soup will thicken slightly and all the flavors will come together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
After making this soup more times than I can count, here are my foolproof secrets for perfect results every time:
- Leftover ham is gold: That holiday spiral ham makes the richest broth – just freeze extra chunks for soup later!
- Thickness control: Too thick? Add splash of broth. Too thin? Mash a few potatoes against the pot.
- Cheese lover’s twist: Stir in a handful of sharp cheddar at the end – it melts into creamy perfection.
- Double batch magic: This soup freezes beautifully (before adding cream) for emergency comfort food.
- Fresh herb pop: Sprinkle with chives or parsley right before serving – the color and freshness wow everyone.
My biggest tip? Trust your taste buds – this soup loves personal touches! You can find more inspiration for cozy meals like this on our Pinterest page!
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – this soup is super flexible! Here are my favorite swaps that still deliver amazing flavor:
- No ham? Smoked turkey or even bacon works beautifully (just reduce added salt)
- Out of heavy cream? Half-and-half makes it lighter, while evaporated milk keeps it rich
- Vegetarian? Use veggie broth and skip the ham – add extra potatoes and a dash of smoked paprika
- No fresh garlic? 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder per clove does the trick
- Potato varieties? Russets hold shape better, red skins add nice color (no need to peel!)
The beauty of this soup is how forgiving it is – improvise and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Oh, how I love dressing up this soup for maximum comfort! A crusty baguette for dipping is non-negotiable in my house. For lighter meals, pair with a crisp green salad. Feeling fancy? Top with fresh chives, extra black pepper, or a dollop of sour cream. The golden rule? Serve it piping hot – that first steamy spoonful is pure bliss! If you’re looking for the perfect bread pairing, check out our recipe for Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread!
Storing and Reheating
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just store it in an airtight container. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop to prevent the cream from separating. If freezing, do so before adding the cream (just stir it in when reheating). Trust me, it’ll taste just as comforting the second time around! For other great comfort food ideas, explore our Dinner Ideas section.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional values are estimates – variations depend on ingredients used. Per serving (1 cup): 320 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated), 15g protein. It’s comfort food that loves you back!
FAQs About Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Absolutely! Whole milk works, but it won’t be as luxuriously rich. For best results, warm it first and stir in gradually to prevent curdling.
How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
Easy fix! Just press some cooked potatoes against the pot with a spoon to release their starch. For extra thickness, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Can I freeze this soup?
You bet! Freeze before adding cream for best texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, then stir in fresh cream.
Share Your Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Tag me on Instagram with your creations or leave a comment below – what special twist did you add? Your version might just become my new favorite!
Print
35-Minute Creamy Ham & Potato Soup – Pure Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting and creamy soup made with ham, potatoes, and simple ingredients for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in ham and potatoes, cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover ham for best results.
- Add shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American