Cheesy Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

Imagine a bowl of comfort-hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. That’s what Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup delivers every single time. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes: rich, savory, and perfect for cozying up on a cold evening. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this soup is as easy to make as it is irresistible. It combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy base that’s hard to beat. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.

So, if you’re looking to make something that both fills your belly and warms your soul, you’ve found the right place. Let’s dive into how to make this cheesy, comforting masterpiece!

Cheesy Ham And Potato Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed to be both foolproof and satisfying. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, so you can enjoy a hot, creamy, cheesy bowl of soup that tastes like it took hours to prepare, even though it doesn’t.

Ingredients Needed

• 4 cups of potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes), peeled and diced
• 1½ cups of cooked ham, diced (you can use leftover ham or even ham steaks)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is preferred for more flavor)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

   • Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes, about 1-inch in size, so they cook evenly.
   • Dice your ham into bite-sized chunks, and set them aside.
   • Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and translucent.
   • Add the garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Make The Roux

   • Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken your soup and give it a creamy texture. Be careful not to let the flour burn, so keep stirring.

4. Add The Liquids

   • Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Once the broth is added, pour in the milk and heavy cream. Stir well and bring everything to a simmer.

5. Cook The Potatoes

   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

6. Incorporate The Ham And Cheese

   • Once the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

7. Season

   • Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you want to add extra flavor, feel free to throw in some smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a little kick.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve with warm crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal!

Ingredient Insights

• Potatoes: The foundation of this soup, potatoes provide a creamy texture when cooked properly. I prefer using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes because they break down nicely and create a thicker, smoother base for the soup.
• Ham: Using leftover ham is a perfect way to make this dish cost-effective and reduce food waste. The ham adds a savory, smoky flavor that elevates the soup, making it feel hearty and filling.
• Cheddar cheese: The cheese is the star of this soup. Sharp cheddar will give it a deeper, more pronounced flavor, but mild cheddar works too. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like gouda or Monterey Jack, for different flavor profiles.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy. While you can use half-and-half as a substitute, heavy cream really provides that decadent texture that makes this soup stand out.

Expert Tips

1. Texture is key: To create a velvety texture, avoid overcooking the potatoes. When they’re tender, they’ll break apart slightly and thicken the broth without turning mushy.
2. Balance the flavors: Don’t be afraid to play around with seasonings! A pinch of thyme, rosemary, or even a little Dijon mustard can add depth to the soup. Taste it as you go to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
3. Boost the creaminess: If you love an extra creamy soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender (or in a regular blender) to create a smoother consistency while leaving some chunks of potatoes for texture.
4. Add some veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, carrots, celery, or peas make fantastic additions. Just chop them up small and add them with the potatoes so they cook through in the same time.
5. Make it a one-pot meal: To save on dishes, you can cook the soup all in one pot, starting with the onions and garlic, then adding in everything else one by one.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add extra vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn. You could also toss in a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also try a smoky chili powder or a bit of cayenne for heat.
• Low-Carb/Keto: For a low-carb version, swap the potatoes for cauliflower. It’s a great substitute that still gives a nice creamy texture but without the carbs.
• Vegan: To make this soup vegan, swap the dairy for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also use vegan butter and ham alternatives.

Final Words

This Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Not only is it comforting, but it’s also a flexible base for creativity-whether you like your soup mild and cheesy or spiced up with extra flavor, it can adapt to whatever you’re in the mood for.