Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Creamy, cozy, and full of goodness, this ham and potato soup brings together tender potatoes, savory ham, sweet onion, and rich broth. It’s hearty and satisfying with a luscious, creamy base thanks to whole milk and butter—no heavy cream needed. Perfect for chilly nights, quick weeknight meals, or using up leftover ham. Ready in about 30 minutes, customizable, and deeply comforting.
6
bowls
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups (950 g) potatoes diced (Yukon Gold or russet, about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup (120 g) celery diced (about 2-3 stalks)
- 1 cup (150 g) onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups (200 g) cooked ham diced
- 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste; white pepper preferred but black is fine
Creamy Roux
- 4 tbsp (56 g) butter
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk do not substitute skim
Optional Garnishes
- shredded cheddar cheese for serving
- crispy bacon bits
- chopped chives
Equipment
- Large pot
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine diced potatoes, celery, onion, ham, and chicken broth. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Ham can be salty, so season gradually and taste as you go.
- Meanwhile, in a separate small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour, whisking constantly for about 1 minute until cooked and smooth.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Pour the thickened milk mixture into the soup pot. Stir to combine and heat gently for another 2–3 minutes. If soup is too thick, add additional broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar, bacon bits, or chopped chives if desired.
Notes
This soup is perfect for using up leftover ham. You can add more veggies like diced carrots or corn, or swap ham for smoked sausage for a new twist. For extra richness, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream, or add shredded cheese near the end.
Soup thickens as it sits—thin with more broth or milk as needed. For a rustic texture, lightly mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream mixture.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 950mg | Potassium: 900mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 2mg