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Ultimate Creamy Ham and Potato Soup: A Savory Solution for Leftover Ham

The holiday season, or any festive occasion for that matter, often brings with it a magnificent ham centerpiece. It graces your table, becomes the star of your celebratory feast, and then, inevitably, moves into your refrigerator, offering delicious leftovers for a few more meals. But what happens when the side dishes are long gone, and you’re still faced with a substantial amount of ham, and honestly, the thought of another ham sandwich just doesn’t excite you anymore?

If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you’re in the right place! We’ve all been there – that delicious ham gradually loses its appeal after a few days. But don’t let that beautiful ham go to waste. Instead, let me introduce you to the ultimate solution: a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy Ham and Potato Soup. This recipe isn’t just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a culinary triumph that transforms humble ingredients into a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. It’s the perfect antidote to leftover fatigue and a brilliant addition to your collection of comforting dinner recipes.

Hearty and creamy Ham and Potato Soup in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh parsley.

Why Ham and Potato Soup is Your Next Go-To Recipe

Beyond being an ingenious way to tackle leftover ham, this Ham and Potato Soup stands out for several compelling reasons. It’s a true one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup, which is always a bonus after a busy day. The combination of savory ham, tender potatoes, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered in a creamy broth creates a depth of flavor that is both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. It’s a meal that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings or simply when you crave a dose of homemade comfort.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and versatile. You can easily adjust it to your family’s preferences, adding more vegetables, different seasonings, or even making it spicier. It’s a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients creating something truly spectacular. Forget bland, forget boring – this ham and potato soup will revitalize your appreciation for your leftover ham and might just become a new favorite in your meal rotation, whether you have leftovers or not!

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Ham and Potato Soup

One of the best aspects of this ham and potato soup is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients. Chances are, many of these staples are already in your pantry or refrigerator, especially if you cook regularly. This makes whipping up a batch both convenient and economical. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece, along with some tips for choosing and preparing them:

Olive Oil & Butter: The foundational fats that kick off our soup. Olive oil provides a neutral base, while butter adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps with browning. Using both creates a balanced and flavorful start.
Yellow Onion: Diced, it forms the aromatic backbone of the soup, lending a sweet and pungent depth.
Celery: Sliced, it contributes a subtle, earthy freshness and essential texture to the vegetable medley.
Carrots: Shredded or finely diced, carrots add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a boost of nutrients. They soften beautifully in the soup, blending seamlessly.
Potatoes: Large, peeled, and cubed into bite-sized pieces. Russet potatoes are excellent for thickening the soup as they break down slightly, creating a creamy texture. Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well if you prefer them to hold their shape more.
Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent aroma and savory flavor, enhancing the overall profile of the soup.
Cooked Ham: Diced into bite-sized pieces. This is where your leftover holiday ham truly shines! Any cooked ham, whether spiral-sliced, bone-in, or even ham steaks, can be transformed. The smoky, salty notes of the ham are crucial to the soup’s character.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a roux, which thickens the soup to that desirable rich, creamy consistency. It provides body and ensures the soup isn’t watery.
Chicken Broth: The primary liquid base, chicken broth infuses the soup with savory flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness, especially since ham can be quite salty. Vegetable broth can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings. Always taste and adjust as you go, especially with the salt, considering the ham’s sodium content.
Whole Milk: Added at the end, whole milk is key to achieving that luscious, creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. Half-and-half or heavy cream can be used for an even richer soup.
Shredded Cheese (Optional): A delicious topping! Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a Monterey Jack blend can add an extra layer of savory goodness and melty delight.

Close-up of fresh, diced vegetables including onions, celery, and carrots, ready for the Ham and Potato Soup.

Mastering the Art of Ham and Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Preparation

Creating this rich and creamy Ham and Potato Soup is surprisingly straightforward, especially when you understand a few key techniques. It’s a wonderful recipe to enjoy after the intensity of preparing large holiday meals, offering a simpler, yet equally satisfying, cooking experience. Let’s walk through the process:

Building the Flavor Base: Sautéing the Aromatics

You’ll begin by melting olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. This combination provides a rich base for our soup. Once the fats are shimmering, add your diced yellow onion, sliced celery, and shredded carrots. This trio, often called a mirepoix, is the foundation of many delicious soups and stews. Sauté them gently for about 5-6 minutes, or until they begin to soften. This crucial step allows their natural sweetness to develop, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile for the entire soup.

Adding Heartiness and Building the Roux

Once your aromatics are tender, it’s time to introduce the heartier elements. Stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes, the fragrant minced garlic, and your diced cooked ham. Cook for just a minute to allow the flavors to meld slightly. Next, the magic of thickening begins: sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly over all the ingredients. Stir it constantly for about a minute or two, allowing the flour to cook with the butter and oil. This creates a roux, which will be the thickening agent for your soup. The roux should turn a light golden color, indicating that the raw flour taste has cooked out. This step is vital for a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly creamy soup.

Achieving Perfect Creaminess: Simmering and Finishing

Now, slowly add the chicken broth, stirring continuously as you pour. This gradual addition and constant stirring are paramount to ensure the flour incorporates smoothly into the liquid, preventing any clumps and resulting in a silky-smooth soup base. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Season generously with salt and pepper, remembering to taste as you go, as the ham can contribute significant saltiness. Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 8-13 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The time may vary depending on the size of your potato cubes. Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, turn the heat to low and slowly stir in the whole milk. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the milk to prevent it from curdling. Taste one last time and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Serve your magnificent Ham and Potato Soup hot, ladled into bowls. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and perhaps some fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping.

A steaming bowl of creamy Ham and Potato Soup, topped with melted shredded cheese and fresh green herbs.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This Creamy Ham and Potato Soup is a meal in itself, but it can be elevated further with thoughtful accompaniments and exciting variations:

Perfect Pairings:

Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread, sourdough, or even a simple baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth.
Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread can add a delightful texture and flavor pairing.
Crackers: Simple oyster crackers or a hearty whole-grain cracker can be crumbled on top for added crunch.

Creative Variations to Try:

Cheesy Deluxe: Beyond the optional topping, stir in an extra half cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère directly into the soup at the very end, just before serving, for an even cheesier experience.
Smoky Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the flour for an extra layer of smoky flavor that complements the ham beautifully. A dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a subtle heat.
Herbaceous Freshness: Fresh herbs like chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill stirred in at the end brighten the flavor. A bay leaf added during simmering can also infuse more depth.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables during the last few minutes of simmering, such as frozen peas, corn kernels, or chopped spinach/kale for added nutrients and color.
Richer & Creamier: For an even more decadent soup, substitute some or all of the whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream. A tablespoon of cream cheese can also be whisked in for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water) added at the end of simmering, stirring until thickened.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This ham and potato soup is fantastic for meal prepping and freezes well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with a splash of milk or chicken broth. Freezing is also an option: portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that potatoes can sometimes become a bit mealy after freezing and thawing, but the overall flavor remains delicious.

More Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes

If you find yourself with even more leftover ham, or simply enjoy recipes featuring this versatile ingredient, here are a few other fantastic ideas to keep your culinary adventures exciting:

Cheesy Ham and Noodle Casserole

Slow Cooker Ham and Biscuit Casserole

Egg and Ham Breakfast Enchiladas

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup garnished with fresh herbs, ready to be served.

★★★★☆

4 from 8 votes

Ham and Potato Soup

By:
Julia Pacheco

Ham and potato soup is a rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting dish, loaded with hearty potatoes and savory ham. It’s absolutely perfect for chilly nights or as an ingenious way to utilize your delicious leftover holiday ham.

Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
20 mins

Total:
30 mins

Servings:
4 servings

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 yellow onion, diced
2 ribs celery, sliced
3 large carrots, shredded
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups cooked ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
3 cups whole milk
Shredded cheese, (optional)

Instructions

To a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the oil is hot and the butter has melted, add in the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-6 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
Stir in the potatoes, minced garlic, and diced ham. After one minute, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for another minute until it becomes a light golden color, creating a roux. Slowly stir in the chicken broth, continuing to stir constantly to prevent any flour clumps from forming.
Stir in the salt and pepper and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 8-13 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Turn the heat to low and slowly add in the milk. Serve immediately and top with shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade comfort!

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a general guide.

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