Description

This Creamy Holiday Ham & Potato Soup is the perfect comforting dish to make the most of leftover ham. Loaded with tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy broth enriched with milk and cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying soup that’s simple to prepare. Ideal for cozy dinners during the holidays or any time you want a warm, delicious meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 tbsp Butter
1 Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
700 g (approximately 1.5 lb) Potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups Cooked ham, diced
4 cups Chicken broth
1 cup Milk or cream
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Garnishes (Optional)

Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma and deepen the flavor.
Cook Potatoes and Ham: Add the diced potatoes, cooked ham, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Thicken the Soup: To thicken the soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot using a spoon or potato masher. Alternatively, transfer 1 to 2 cups of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth, then stir it back into the pot. Stir in the milk or cream and warm the soup gently over low heat, making sure it does not boil hard to avoid curdling.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a richer flavor, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired, and enjoy with bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute milk with heavy cream for an even richer texture.
If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a larger portion of the soup before mixing it back.
Leftover cooked ham or even smoked ham works well in this recipe.
Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for additional flavor and nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: ham soup, potato soup, leftover ham recipe, creamy soup, holiday soup, easy soup, comfort food