Ham And Potato Soup

Hearty Ham and Potato Soup (Stovetop & Crockpot) – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove. The aroma of garlic and onions, the warmth of rosemary, and the richness of tender potatoes blended with savory ham — it’s the kind of meal that feels like home.

This Hearty Ham and Potato Soup is simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re using leftover ham from a holiday dinner or cooking specifically for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers warmth in every spoonful.

It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with vegetables, and flexible enough to prepare either on the stovetop or in a crockpot.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this comforting classic perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Ham and Potato Soup

Before we get into the ingredients and step-by-step process, here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent place in your kitchen rotation:

✔ Perfect for leftover ham
✔ Easy one-pot meal
✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Freezer-friendly
✔ Family-approved comfort food
✔ Customizable for dairy-free or gluten-free diets
✔ Budget-conscious ingredients

This soup is rich, hearty, and nourishing — but also simple enough for beginners.

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Ingredients Breakdown: Why Each Ingredient Matters

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so flavorful and balanced.

🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil

Used to sauté the vegetables and build flavor from the very first step.

🧄 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2 cloves)

Garlic adds depth and aroma. Fresh garlic works best, but jarred minced garlic is fine in a pinch.

🧅 1 cup diced onions

Onions are the flavor foundation. When sautéed until translucent, they provide natural sweetness.

🥕 1 cup diced carrots

Carrots add subtle sweetness and color, balancing the saltiness of the ham.

🌿 ½ cup diced celery

Celery adds texture and savory depth — it’s part of the classic mirepoix base (onion, carrot, celery).

🥔 4 cups potatoes (peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes)

About 1 pound or 5–6 medium potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best.
They give the soup its hearty body and natural thickness.

🥣 4 cups vegetable broth (low or no sodium recommended)

Using low-sodium broth allows you to control salt levels — especially since ham is naturally salty.

🥩 2 cups cooked ham (½-inch cubes)

Perfect for leftovers. Ham provides savory richness and protein.

🌿 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Rosemary adds a subtle earthy note that elevates the soup from simple to special.

🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Depending on your ham and broth, you may not need extra salt.

🧂 ½ teaspoon pepper

Fresh cracked black pepper enhances all flavors.

🌱 1 cup peas

Peas add color, sweetness, and a pop of texture at the end.

🥛 1.5 cups milk of choice

Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but 2%, skim, almond milk, or oat milk work too.

Optional Thickener:

¼ cup flour or tapioca flour
This creates a richer, creamier texture if desired.

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How to Make Ham and Potato Soup on the Stovetop

This method is perfect when you want dinner ready within an hour.

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Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

While the oil heats, chop all vegetables for efficiency.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add:

• Garlic

• Onions

• Carrots

• Celery

Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You want the onions to turn translucent and slightly golden. This step builds the flavor base — don’t rush it.

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Step 3: Add Potatoes, Ham & Broth

While vegetables sauté, chop:

• Ham

• Potatoes

Add to the pot:

• Potatoes

• Ham

• Vegetable broth

• Rosemary

• Pepper

• Salt (if needed)

Bring everything to a boil.

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Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Allow the soup to boil for 10–12 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Once potatoes are soft, reduce heat to low.

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Step 5: Add Milk & Peas

Stir in:

• 1.5 cups milk

• 1 cup peas

Simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through.

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Step 6 (Optional): Thicken the Soup

The soup naturally thickens as it cools. However, if you prefer a richer consistency:

1. Add ¼ cup flour to a bowl.

2. Scoop 1–2 cups of hot broth into the bowl.

3. Whisk until smooth.

4. Pour mixture back into soup.

5. Bring to a boil for 2–3 minutes.

The soup will thicken beautifully.

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Crockpot Instructions (Slow Cooker Method)

Perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you.

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Step 1: Sauté First (Important!)

Although it’s a slow cooker recipe, sautéing first enhances flavor.

In a pan:

• Heat olive oil

• Cook garlic, onions, carrots, celery for 10 minutes

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Step 2: Add to Crockpot

Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.

Add:

• Potatoes

• Ham

• Broth

• Rosemary

• Pepper

• Salt (if needed)

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Step 3: Cook

Cook:

• Low for 5–6 hours
  OR

• High for 3–4 hours

Potatoes should be fork-tender.

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Step 4: Add Milk & Peas

Stir in milk and peas during the final 15–20 minutes.

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Step 5: Optional Thickening

Follow the same flour-thickening method.

If needed, transfer soup to stovetop briefly to bring to a boil for thickening.

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Tips for the Best Ham and Potato Soup

✔ Use Yukon Gold potatoes

They create a creamier texture.

✔ Don’t skip sautéing

It adds major depth of flavor.

✔ Taste before adding salt

Ham can be very salty.

✔ Add milk at the end

Prevents curdling and preserves texture.

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Variations & Customizations

This soup is incredibly adaptable.

🧀 Add Cheese

Stir in shredded cheddar for extra richness.

🌶 Add Spice

Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

🥓 Use Bacon Instead

Swap ham for crispy bacon pieces.

🌱 Vegetarian Version

Omit ham and use extra vegetables like mushrooms.

🥥 Dairy-Free Version

Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.

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Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerator:

Store in airtight container up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze up to 2 months (without milk for best results).
Add milk after reheating.

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Why This Soup Is So Comforting

Ham and potato soup checks every comfort food box:

• Warm

• Creamy

• Hearty

• Savory

• Filling

It’s the kind of recipe that brings people to the table quickly.

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Nutritional Benefits

• Potatoes provide fiber and potassium

• Carrots add beta-carotene

• Peas offer plant protein

• Ham adds protein

• Milk adds calcium

It’s comfort food with balanced nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Crusty bread

• Buttery biscuits

• Side salad

• Grilled cheese sandwich

• Garlic toast

Top with:

• Fresh parsley

• Shredded cheese

• Cracked pepper

• Extra rosemary

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover holiday ham?

Absolutely — it’s perfect for this.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Use tapioca flour instead of regular flour.

Can I use chicken broth instead?

Yes — just adjust salt accordingly.

Why is my soup thin?

It thickens as it cools. Use flour slurry if desired.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless about a simple bowl of ham and potato soup. It’s humble, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you make it on a quiet Sunday afternoon or toss everything into the crockpot before work, this recipe delivers comfort without complexity.

The best part? It tastes even better the next day.

So grab your pot, chop those vegetables, and let your kitchen fill with the kind of aroma that feels like a warm hug.

Your future self — and your family — will thank you.