Creamy Potato Soup Recipe with Ham: Ready in 45 Minutes

This creamy potato soup recipe with ham delivers rich flavor and velvety texture in just 45 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients and leftover ham, this comforting soup features tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and smoky ham in a creamy broth. Perfect for using holiday leftovers or creating a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe includes professional cooking techniques for the best results. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a foolproof potato soup that's hearty enough for dinner yet elegant for entertaining.

Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade potato soup with ham on a chilly day. This classic comfort food recipe balances creamy texture with savory ham flavors while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you're using holiday leftovers or planning a cozy dinner, our tested method ensures perfect results every time without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Potato Soup

The magic of this potato soup with ham recipe lies in quality ingredients and proper technique. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for their ideal balance of starch and moisture, which creates a naturally creamy texture without excessive cream. Smoked ham hock or leftover baked ham provides deep flavor that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Notes
Yukon Gold potatoes	2 pounds	Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
Smoked ham	1 1/2 cups	Diced into 1/4-inch pieces
Yellow onion	1 medium	Finely chopped
Carrot	1 large	Finely diced
Celery	2 stalks	Finely diced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Chicken broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Heavy cream	1 cup	Can substitute half-and-half
Butter	3 tablespoons	Unsalted
All-purpose flour	3 tablespoons	For roux

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Creating the best potato soup with ham requires attention to cooking sequence. Begin by sautéing your aromatics properly—this foundational step builds flavor that permeates the entire dish. Many home cooks rush this stage, but taking 5-7 minutes to properly soften onions, carrots, and celery without browning creates a sweeter, more complex base.

1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 7 minutes).
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
5. Add potatoes and diced ham, bringing to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Stir in cream and heat through without boiling.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste.

Professional Cooking Techniques

Achieving restaurant-quality potato soup with ham at home requires understanding a few key techniques. The roux—equal parts fat and flour cooked together—is essential for proper thickening without graininess. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind during simmering; it dissolves slowly, contributing umami depth without overpowering the ham.

When preparing your easy potato soup recipe with leftover ham, resist the urge to over-blend. For the ideal texture, blend only half the soup using an immersion blender, leaving some potato chunks for satisfying mouthfeel. If using a regular blender, cool the soup slightly and blend in batches with caution—hot liquids expand rapidly when blended.

Variations and Substitutions

This versatile potato soup with ham and vegetables adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute whole milk for cream and increase potato quantity for natural thickness. Vegetarian? Omit ham and use smoked paprika with mushrooms for similar depth.

Try these popular variations:

• Slow cooker potato soup with ham: After initial sautéing, transfer to slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours
• Ham and cheese potato soup: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar during final heating
• Spicy southwestern version: Add diced jalapeños and cumin with the aromatics
• Loaded baked potato soup: Top with sour cream, chives, and extra bacon before serving

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures your homemade potato soup with ham maintains quality. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat to prevent separation—cream-based soups can curdle if heated too rapidly.

For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If the texture becomes too thick after storage, simply stir in additional broth or cream while reheating. Avoid boiling when reheating to maintain smooth consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your creamy potato soup with smoked ham with thoughtful accompaniments. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while crusty bread provides perfect dipping opportunities. For elegant entertaining, serve in warm bowls with a drizzle of truffle oil and fresh chive garnish.

This hearty potato soup with ham for cold days pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled sandwiches. For holiday leftovers, transform your Christmas ham into this comforting soup—the smoky flavor intensifies beautifully when repurposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make potato soup with ham using frozen potatoes?

While possible, fresh potatoes yield superior texture in potato soup recipes. Frozen potatoes often become waterlogged and mushy when cooked. If using frozen, partially thaw and pat dry before adding to the soup. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best when fresh for optimal creaminess without disintegration.

How do I prevent my potato soup from becoming grainy?

Grainy potato soup typically results from improper roux preparation or over-blending. Create a smooth roux by cooking flour in butter for 2 minutes before gradually adding liquid while whisking. When blending, use an immersion blender and avoid over-processing—leave some potato chunks for ideal texture. Never boil after adding dairy, as high heat causes separation.

What's the best type of ham for potato soup?

Smoked ham hock provides deep flavor but requires longer cooking. Leftover baked ham offers convenience and familiar taste. For best results in your potato soup recipe with ham, use cured, smoked ham rather than deli ham, which contains more preservatives and less flavor. Dice into 1/4-inch pieces for even distribution throughout the soup.

Can I make this potato soup recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. For a dairy-free potato soup with ham, substitute coconut milk for cream and use olive oil instead of butter. Add 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for cheesy depth. The soup will still achieve creamy texture from the potatoes—simply blend half the soup after cooking. This variation works well for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing richness.

How can I thicken potato soup without adding more cream?

Natural thickening comes from properly cooked potatoes. For your easy potato soup recipe with leftover ham, mash some potatoes against the pot side during cooking. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold broth, then stir into simmering soup. The starch from potatoes themselves provides the cleanest flavor profile for thickening without altering taste.