Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and potato soup is one of those meals that feels like a deep breath at the end of a long day. It’s warm, filling, and made with simple ingredients that most kitchens already have. People love it because it turns basic potatoes and leftover ham into something comforting and satisfying without much effort. This soup fits perfectly into busy evenings, relaxed family dinners, and especially cold nights when you want something steady and familiar. It doesn’t rush you, and it doesn’t ask for fancy steps. I usually let the potatoes simmer until the kitchen smells soft and savory before moving on.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup checks a lot of real-life boxes. The flavor is gentle but rich, with tender potatoes and salty bites of ham in every spoonful. It’s easy to make in one pot, which means less cleanup and less stress. The ingredients are budget-friendly and flexible, especially if you’re using leftover ham. It’s cozy, weeknight-friendly, and filling enough to stand on its own. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a freezer-friendly option you’ll be glad to have. Ham and potato soup is also crowd-pleasing without being heavy, which makes it a dependable recipe to save and return to whenever comfort food sounds right.

Ingredients

Tip: Use waxy or Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy texture without falling apart.

2 cups cooked ham, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
½ cup cream (optional)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Peel and cube the potatoes into small, even pieces. Chop the onion and dice the ham. Set everything within reach so cooking feels smooth and unhurried as the pot begins to warm.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup uses one pot and simple steps, which makes it easy to cook even when energy is low. You can prep the vegetables ahead of time and reheat leftovers without losing texture. It stores well and makes enough for more than one meal, which is perfect for planning ahead without extra effort.

Tips & Tricks

Cut potatoes evenly
Uneven pieces cook at different speeds. Smaller, similar-sized cubes soften together and help the soup feel consistent instead of half-mashed and half-firm.
Don’t rush the onion step
Letting the onion soften slowly adds natural sweetness. Skipping this can make the soup taste flat, even if everything else is cooked well.
Add milk slowly
Pouring milk in too fast can cause uneven thickness. Slow stirring helps the soup stay smooth and prevents clumps from forming.
Taste before final seasoning
Ham can be salty on its own. Always taste near the end so you don’t overdo the salt and lose balance.

Variations

Meaty version
Add cooked turkey sausage or shredded chicken along with the ham. This makes the soup heartier and works well when serving hungry guests or growing kids.
Vegetarian option
Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or corn for texture and depth. The soup stays comforting without feeling empty.
Ingredient swap
Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter texture. It blends smoothly and still feels filling without changing the flavor too much.
Flavor or herb boost
Add a pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf while simmering. These gentle herbs add warmth without overpowering the soup.

Serving Suggestions

With crusty bread
Serve with warm bread or rolls for dipping. The soft potatoes and creamy broth pair perfectly with something crisp on the side.
Simple side salad
A light green salad balances the richness and keeps the meal feeling relaxed and complete.
Family-style bowls
Serve in deep bowls with spoons and napkins nearby. It’s the kind of soup people like to go back for.
Casual dinner spread
Add buttered toast or crackers on the table so everyone can build their plate their own way.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavor deepens as it rests, making leftovers especially comforting.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the texture smooth and prevent scorching.
Freezing
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Make-ahead tips
Chop vegetables and dice ham a day early. Store separately so cooking feels faster when you’re ready.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains roughly 300–380 calories and 14–18 grams of protein. It provides potassium from potatoes and calcium from milk. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, it reheats very well.

Overcooking the potatoes.

Yes, it works perfectly.

Add a splash of broth or milk.

Conclusion

This soup is simple, steady, and easy to make your own. It’s the kind of recipe that fits into everyday life without asking for much in return. You can adjust the texture, add extras, or keep it plain and familiar. Ham and potato soup is comforting in a quiet, dependable way, especially when shared around the table on a cool evening. Once it becomes part of your routine, it’s hard not to come back to it again and again.