This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, this soup strikes a balance between comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a family gathering, its creamy texture and savory taste will warm everyone’s hearts. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup takes just 30 minutes to make, perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with potatoes and lean ham, it’s both filling and nutritious.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the seasoning or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love its creamy texture and mild flavors, making it a hit for all ages.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup reheats well, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy ham and potato soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having these handy will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This allows you to cook all the ingredients together efficiently without spilling.
- Chef’s knife: A good knife ensures safe and precise cutting of your vegetables, making prep work quicker.
Ingredients
For this delicious Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, gather the following 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)
For the Broth
- 4 cups (2 15oz cans) chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon (44g) all-purpose flour
For Creaminess
- 2 cups milk, (any percentage)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt
How to Make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the russet potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Also, chop the celery and onion into small pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat:
Melt the butter.
Add the diced onions and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Once the onions are translucent:
1. Stir in the diced potatoes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together flour with milk until smooth.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 5: Add Ham and Seasonings
Finally:
Stir in the diced honey ham.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Enjoy your warm bowl of Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup!
How to Serve Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup can be served in a variety of ways to enhance its delicious flavors. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme leaves – Add a few thyme leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the ham.
Crusty Bread
- Baguette slices – Serve with crispy baguette slices for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic bread – Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful combination that everyone will love.
Cheese Toppings
- Shredded cheddar – Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese for added creaminess.
- Parmesan flakes – Sprinkle Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory kick that enhances the soup’s taste.
Salad on the Side
- Caesar salad – A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy contrast to the soup’s smooth texture.
- Garden salad – A light garden salad offers freshness and balances the hearty soup.
How to Perfect Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
To elevate your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh potatoes, celery, and onion enhance the flavor of your soup significantly.
- Adjust thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, simply reduce the amount of broth or add more flour during cooking.
- Season to taste – Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper for your preferred flavor profile.
- Add veggies – Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and color.
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 well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic add a satisfying crunch.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or meat provide a hearty complement to your meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add texture and flavor alongside your comforting soup.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad brings freshness while keeping the meal healthy.
- Potato Chips – Crunchy potato chips give an unexpected yet fun contrast to the creamy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup even better. Here are some tips:
Not prepping ingredients: Failing to chop everything beforehand can slow you down. Dice your potatoes, ham, celery, and onion in advance for a smoother cooking process.
Ignoring potato size: Cutting potatoes too large can leave them undercooked. Aim for medium-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Skipping the broth: Some may attempt to use water instead of chicken broth. Broth adds essential flavor, so always use it for this recipe.
Overcooking the soup: Cooking it too long can lead to mushy potatoes. Monitor the cooking time closely to keep that perfect texture.
Not seasoning adequately: Forgetting to taste and adjust salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Always season according to your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- It’s best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this comforting soup:
Can I make Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ham with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I customize my Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas, or try different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
What type of ham works best?
Cooked honey ham is ideal due to its sweetness, but any leftover ham will work well in this recipe.
Can I use instant potatoes?
While you can use instant potatoes, they might change the texture of your soup. Fresh potatoes provide a heartier feel that enhances comfort.
Final Thoughts
This Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is not just a quick meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Its versatility allows you to customize it based on what you have at home. Give it a try, and enjoy the cozy satisfaction it brings!
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup
Easy and Comforting Ham and Potato Soup is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines heartwarming flavors with nutritious ingredients. This creamy soup is packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a hint of seasoning, making it a delightful choice for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this cozy dish without any fuss. The best part? It’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread, this soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked honey ham (diced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Chop the celery and onion into small pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onions and celery; sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Once translucent, add diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour with milk until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously.
- Stir in diced honey ham and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
