Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a truly unforgettable Ham and Potato Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort, brimming with savory ham, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to repurpose a leftover holiday ham bone or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is your perfect companion. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers a depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
5-STAR REVIEWS
Jay says, “Made this soup as written. Excellent without changes.”
Karen says, “This soup was absolutely perfect with leftovers. Total winner, thank you!”
Maria says, “A truly exceptional recipe! The flavors are so well balanced, and it’s incredibly satisfying. My family requests this regularly now.”
Tom says, “I used a smoked ham hock, and the depth of flavor it added was incredible. So easy and delicious!”
For many, ham takes center stage during holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Easter. While the main meal is undoubtedly a highlight, I’d argue that the subsequent days of enjoying delicious leftover ham are even better! Forget the post-holiday slump; embrace the culinary possibilities. I often transform leftover ham into savory breakfast enchiladas the morning after, whip up a batch of classic ham salad for lunch, and by the weekend, this easy Ham and Potato Soup is an absolute must. It’s hands down the best way to utilize a leftover ham bone, extracting every last bit of flavor to create a soup that never fails to impress.
But what if you don’t have a leftover ham bone? No problem at all! This versatile recipe is thoughtfully crafted to work beautifully with meaty ham hocks, making it a fantastic soup to enjoy any time of the year, not just after the holidays. Ham hocks infuse the broth with a rich, smoky essence that creates an equally delightful and deeply flavorful soup base.
Why This Ham and Potato Soup is a Must-Try
Beyond its incredible taste and comforting nature, this Ham and Potato Soup stands out for several reasons. It’s an incredibly economical meal, allowing you to stretch your grocery budget by making the most of leftover ham. It’s also surprisingly quick to prepare, requiring minimal active cooking time, which is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. The combination of tender ham, soft potatoes, and aromatic vegetables in a creamy broth offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s truly a family-friendly dish that appeals to all ages, providing a wholesome and nourishing option that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
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Ingredients
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter -
1 medium sweet onion, diced -
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced -
3 cloves garlic, minced -
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs -
1/4 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes -
salt and pepper, to taste -
1 meaty leftover ham bone (or a meaty ham hock) -
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth -
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes -
1 & 1/2 cups diced leftover ham, (3/4-inch cubes) – or meat from the ham hock -
1 cup half-n-half -
Fresh chopped parsley, for serving -
oyster crackers or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
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In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Allow it to fully melt and shimmer before adding vegetables, ensuring an even sauté.
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Add the diced sweet onion and carrot to the pot. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your soup. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute longer until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
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Season the sautéed vegetables with the dried Italian herbs, cracked red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick), and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as you go; remember that ham can be quite salty, so start with a moderate amount.
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Carefully add the leftover meaty ham bone (or a meaty ham hock) to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the bone is mostly submerged. Add the diced russet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape; avoid overcooking them, as they can become mushy. The longer simmer also allows the ham bone or hock to impart its deep, smoky flavor into the broth.
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Carefully remove and discard the ham bone from the pot. If you used a ham hock, remove it, allow it to cool slightly, then cut away any usable meat and chop it into 3/4-inch cubes. Add this delicious meat back into the soup, enriching its texture and ham flavor.
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Stir in the half-n-half and the pre-diced leftover ham (if not using meat from a ham hock). Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring gently, just until the soup is warmed through and the cream is fully incorporated. Do not boil after adding the half-n-half to prevent curdling.
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Ladle the rich, creamy Ham and Potato Soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with a side of crispy oyster crackers or a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal!
Recipe Video
Watch this short video to see just how simple it is to bring this delicious Ham and Potato Soup to life!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 479 mg |
| Potassium | 873 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 1924 IU |
| Vitamin C | 11 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Nutritional information is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are critically important to your dietary needs, I would highly recommend calculating them yourself using your specific ingredients.
Ham Bone vs. Ham Hocks: Understanding the Difference
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can achieve fantastic results whether you use a leftover ham bone or meaty ham hocks. But what’s the real difference, and which one should you choose?
- Leftover Ham Bone: This is the ideal choice if you’ve recently carved a holiday ham. A good bone will still have some meat clinging to it, which will slowly fall off into the soup, adding rich flavor and tender pieces of ham. The bone itself will infuse the broth with a deep, savory, and slightly sweet flavor from the roasted ham, creating a truly authentic ham soup base. It’s a prime example of nose-to-tail cooking and zero-waste culinary practices.
- Meaty Ham Hocks: If you don’t have a ham bone, ham hocks are an excellent substitute and often more readily available in grocery stores year-round. Ham hocks come from the lower part of the pig’s leg and are packed with collagen, connective tissue, and sometimes a good amount of meat. They are typically cured and smoked, which imparts a robust, smoky flavor to the soup broth. This makes your soup incredibly savory and adds a layer of complexity that is simply irresistible. When cooked slowly, the meat becomes wonderfully tender and easily pulls apart.
Both options yield a delicious soup, but the ham bone tends to offer a slightly milder, sweeter ham flavor, while ham hocks provide a more pronounced smoky and rich profile. Choose based on what’s available and your desired flavor intensity!
Pro Tips and Variations for the Best Ham and Potato Soup
While the recipe above is perfect as written, there are always ways to customize and elevate your Ham and Potato Soup. Here are a few expert tips and variations:
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you have a few options. You can remove about 1 cup of cooked potatoes, mash them, and stir them back into the soup. This naturally thickens the broth without adding flour. Alternatively, you can create a quick slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water and whisk it into the simmering soup at the end until desired thickness is reached.
- Adding More Vegetables: Feel free to boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding other vegetables. Peas, corn, diced celery, or even a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) would be delightful additions.
- Herb and Spice Boost: A bay leaf simmered with the broth will add another layer of flavor and can be removed before serving. A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky notes, especially if you’re using a ham bone without much smokiness. A sprig of fresh thyme added during the simmer also works wonders.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the half-n-half with unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly, and the soup may not be as thick.
- Cheese Please! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan over individual servings adds extra creaminess and a tangy kick that complements the ham perfectly.
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Method: This soup can also be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot for even more hands-off cooking. Sauté the aromatics on the stove or using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, then combine all ingredients (except half-n-half) and cook until the ham is tender and potatoes are soft. Stir in the half-n-half at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Ham and Potato Soup is quite substantial on its own, making it a complete meal. However, pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate the dining experience and provide delightful contrasts in texture and flavor.
- Classic Companions: As mentioned, oyster crackers are a timeless choice, offering a satisfying crunch. Alternatively, a warm, crusty loaf of bread or homemade focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last delicious drop of broth. You could also try light and airy popovers for a touch of elegance.
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich soup, adding a welcome burst of freshness.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread muffins or a wedge of skillet cornbread would be a fantastic, comforting addition, especially on a cold evening.
- Grilled Cheese: For a truly nostalgic and comforting meal, serve your Ham and Potato Soup alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The ultimate comfort food duo!
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Enjoying your delicious Ham and Potato Soup is easy, and knowing how to store it properly ensures you can savor it for days to come.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover soup will keep beautifully in a tightly sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, simply add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk to thin it back to your desired consistency. Be careful not to boil it if you’ve added additional dairy.
- Can You Freeze Ham and Potato Soup? While technically safe to freeze, I personally am not a big fan of freezing this particular soup, primarily due to textural changes. The half-n-half (or any dairy cream) tends to separate and become slightly grainy once thawed, and the potatoes can break down, resulting in a somewhat mealy texture. The overall soup just doesn’t taste quite as fresh and vibrant as when it’s made. However, if you absolutely must freeze it, it is safe to eat for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove. If you plan to freeze, one tip is to omit the half-n-half during the initial cooking, then stir it in fresh when reheating after thawing. This can help mitigate some of the textural issues with the dairy.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting embrace of this Ham and Potato Soup, you’re in for a treat! The world of soups offers endless possibilities for warmth and flavor. Here are a few more beloved soup recipes that are perfect for any season:
- Matzo Ball Soup: A classic, comforting Jewish penicillin.
- Hungarian Mushroom Soup: Rich, creamy, and earthy.
- Stuffed Pepper Soup: All the flavors of stuffed peppers in a hearty bowl.
- Meatball Soup: Flavorful meatballs in a light and zesty broth with orzo.
- Minestrone Soup: A vibrant Italian vegetable and pasta soup.
- Zuppa Toscana: A hearty and savory Italian sausage, potato, and kale soup.
I genuinely hope you cherish this delicious and incredibly easy Ham and Potato Soup recipe. It’s a true staple in our home, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too! Please take a moment to leave a review below and let us know what you think. Your feedback is invaluable! Don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more inspiring recipes and culinary adventures. Happy cooking!
