This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, this recipe stands out as a healthy choice without sacrificing taste. It’s an ideal comfort food that everyone in your family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Comfort Food Classic: Rich and creamy, it’s the ultimate way to warm up on cold days.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with potatoes and ham, this soup is both filling and healthy.
- Versatile Cooking Method: You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are affordable and commonly found in your pantry.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without spillover.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Sharp knife: Makes dicing ingredients quick and easy, ensuring uniform cooking.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 3 1/2 cups (about 2 large) russet potatoes, (peeled and diced medium)
- 1 1/2 cups (9oz) cooked honey ham, (diced medium)
- 1/2 cup celery, (diced small)
- 1/2 cup onion, (diced small)
- 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons butter
For Thickening
- 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, (any percentage)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt
How to Make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Dice the celery and onion into small pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Once the aromatics are ready, add the diced potatoes along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour with some of the milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add the remaining milk, diced ham, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
Now you have your comforting ham and potato soup ready to serve! Enjoy this warm bowl of goodness with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
How to Serve Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Serving your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this comforting dish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Chives: Offers a mild onion flavor that complements the soup.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty baguette: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup.
- Garlic bread: Adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs well.
Serve with Cheese
- Shredded cheddar: Melts beautifully into the warm soup.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle adds a nutty flavor that enhances the taste.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the hearty soup.
- Garden salad: Fresh vegetables provide a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
To make your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup even better, follow these handy tips.
- Prep ingredients ahead: Chop vegetables in advance for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
- Use leftover ham: Maximize flavors by using any leftover holiday ham for a richer taste.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding garlic powder or thyme for added depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Cornbread: Sweet and moist, it complements the savory flavors of the soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic pairing that never goes out of style, perfect for dunking.
- Stuffed peppers: Adds a hearty element while keeping things light.
- Potato wedges: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside; they echo the potato theme.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing side that balances the richness of the soup.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are great for soaking up every last drop of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making ham and potato soup can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes that affect the final dish.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin your soup. Always choose fresh potatoes and quality ham for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook potatoes for too long, they become mushy. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting your soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
- Rushing the cooking process: Quick cooking may lead to uneven textures. Take your time to sauté vegetables properly, allowing their flavors to develop fully.
- Not using enough liquid: If your soup is too thick, it may not have the right consistency. Add extra broth or water gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup.
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover ham works perfectly in this easy recipe, adding great flavor and texture.
How can I customize Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition. You can also use different types of cheese for a creamier texture.
What type of potatoes is best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down nicely during cooking, creating a comforting texture.
Can I make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk to keep it creamy without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is a delightful dish that combines heartwarming flavors with simplicity. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet versatile enough to allow customization based on your preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Experience the warmth and satisfaction of Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, a delightful dish that brings comfort to any table. This creamy soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, combining tender potatoes and savory ham in a rich broth that your family will adore. In just 30 minutes, you can create a wholesome meal that is not only filling but also budget-friendly. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it truly your own. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked honey ham (diced)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into medium pieces; dice celery and onion small.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; sauté until soft (3–5 minutes).
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour with some milk until smooth. Gradually add to the pot while stirring continuously.
- Stir in remaining milk, diced ham, salt, and pepper; simmer another 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
