The Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is everything you crave when the temperature drops: warm, thick, and satisfyingly creamy. With chunks of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables all swimming in a velvety cheese broth, this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.
It’s an ideal way to use up leftover ham, but it’s so good you’ll want to make it fresh. Quick enough for a weeknight meal yet indulgent enough for a cozy weekend dinner, this soup is destined to become a go-to favorite in your home kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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¼ cup unsalted butter
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½ cup chopped yellow onion
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2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk (low-fat can be used)
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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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2 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (½ inch cubes)
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¾ cup peeled and thinly sliced carrots
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1 bay leaf
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2 cups cubed or shredded fully cooked ham
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1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
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4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Directions:
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
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Gradually stir in the flour, one tablespoon at a time, constantly mixing until a paste forms.
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Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to remove any lumps. Cook for about 1 minute.
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Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
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Mix in potatoes, carrots, and bay leaf. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the ham and frozen peas and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
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Remove the soup from heat and add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Discard the bay leaf.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 353 kcal | Servings: 7 cups
A Cozy Bowl of Comfort: Exploring the Rich Delight of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
In the world of comfort food, few dishes strike the perfect balance of heartiness, flavor, and nostalgia quite like Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup. This rich and creamy concoction transforms everyday ingredients into something undeniably soothing the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug on a cold night. Whether made from leftover holiday ham or a quick deli run, this soup is a reminder that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes memories of family dinners, chilly evenings by the fireplace, or the simple satisfaction of a one-pot wonder bubbling away on the stove. The creamy base, infused with cheddar, envelops tender potatoes, sweet carrots, savory ham, and bursts of green peas, making every spoonful a complete, flavor-packed bite.
Why We Crave Creamy Soups Like This
Creamy soups occupy a special place in culinary culture for good reason. They are rich in both taste and texture, with a velvety mouthfeel that feels indulgent yet nourishing. In this particular dish, the creaminess is expertly balanced with the saltiness of ham and the slight earthiness of root vegetables, creating a well-rounded flavor that appeals to all ages.
The cheddar cheese adds a bold, tangy dimension that enhances every other element in the soup. When melted into a smooth base, cheese doesn’t just add richness it brings depth, umami, and a hint of sharpness that cuts through the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
The Harmony of Flavors
At its core, Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is a study in balance. The ham offers a meaty, smoky undertone, while the potatoes bring a starchy creaminess that thickens the soup naturally. Carrots add a pop of color and subtle sweetness, and peas provide contrast in texture and color while boosting the nutritional value.
All of these ingredients are enveloped in a creamy broth that’s thickened with a simple roux a time-tested method that binds the liquid base with dairy and creates that luxurious texture we all crave in comfort food. The cheddar cheese doesn’t just melt into the soup; it transforms it, elevating humble pantry staples into something elegant and deeply satisfying.
Customization: Making It Your Own
One of the beauties of this soup lies in its adaptability. It’s as welcoming to variations as it is to picky eaters. Want to lighten it up? Try using low-fat milk or reducing the cheese. Need to make it gluten-free? A cornstarch slurry can replace the flour-based roux. For a vegetarian twist, omit the ham and replace the broth with a rich vegetable stock then add mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for added texture.
Some cooks like to add corn for extra sweetness, while others swirl in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for added tang and richness. You can even top each bowl with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits for a finishing touch that adds crunch and visual appeal.
Perfect for Leftovers and Budget-Friendly Meals
This soup shines brightest the day after a holiday dinner when leftover ham is abundant and the fridge is full of prepped veggies. But you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it. Pre-diced ham from the grocery store makes this dish accessible year-round, and most of the other ingredients onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic are kitchen staples.
From a budget perspective, this soup is an excellent way to stretch ingredients into multiple servings without sacrificing flavor. It’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal but also works beautifully as a starter or accompaniment to a crusty loaf of bread or a fresh green salad.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
A bowl of Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is comforting on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate the meal to a memorable experience. Consider serving it with:
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Crusty sourdough or baguette – Ideal for dipping into the thick broth.
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Garlic bread or herbed focaccia – Adds a touch of savoriness and crunch.
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A crisp side salad – Helps balance the richness with something fresh.
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Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans – Great as a side to complement the creamy texture.
For beverages, you might try a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which contrasts nicely with the richness, or stick with a classic cider or light ale for a cozy pairing.
When to Serve It
This soup is tailor-made for fall and winter, when the chill in the air calls for something warm and substantial. It’s a great addition to any weeknight meal plan and doubles as an ideal make-ahead option for busy families. Serve it during the holidays, after the holidays, or any time you need a low-effort meal that delivers maximum flavor.
Because it reheats beautifully, it’s also an excellent candidate for meal prep. Cook a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, comforting lunches or dinners ready for several days.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage can help you enjoy this soup long after the first batch is made. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Note that the texture may slightly change due to the dairy content, but it usually reheats well if done gently.
To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If it thickens too much, a splash of milk or broth can bring it back to its original creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen always thaw first in the fridge for best results.
Nutritional Considerations
While this soup leans into its creamy, cheesy nature, it’s surprisingly balanced in its nutritional content. The combination of vegetables, dairy, and protein provides a wholesome mix of macros, while the portion size keeps calories in check. Using sharp cheddar allows you to get bold flavor with less cheese, and incorporating low-fat milk instead of cream lightens things without compromising taste.
To make it even more health-conscious, consider adding more vegetables like kale, cauliflower, or zucchini, or cutting back on the cheese slightly. Even small tweaks can tailor this dish to your dietary goals without sacrificing the soul-warming qualities that make it special.
A Final Note: Soup for the Soul
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a timeless recipe that speaks to tradition, practicality, and the deep human desire for comfort and warmth. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular Tuesday night feel like a mini celebration, or turns a quiet snow day into something magical.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, sharing leftovers with friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this soup has the power to bring people together around the table and that’s what good food is all about.
So, grab your favorite pot, gather your simple ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a bowl full of home cooked love. It’s everything a great soup should be easy, flavorful, nourishing, and above all, comforting.