If you love cozy, comforting meals that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a hearty blend of tender russet potatoes, sweet carrots, savory ham, and creamy goodness all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly these simple ingredients transform into a rich, velvety soup that warms your soul from the very first spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation for making this Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe shine. Each component adds its own layer of flavor, texture, and color, making the final dish beautifully balanced and irresistibly delicious.
- Russet potatoes, 8 cups diced: These starchy potatoes break down slightly to thicken the soup and provide that classic creamy potato texture.
- Yellow onion, 1 diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the ham perfectly.
- Carrots, 2 large peeled and chopped: Bring a gentle sweetness and vibrant orange hue to brighten the bowl.
- Celery, 1/2 cup chopped: Lends a fresh, slightly crisp texture that balances the richness.
- Cubed ham, 16 ounces: This is the star protein, offering smoky and savory notes that make the soup hearty.
- Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly cracked black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds just the right hint of spice for warmth.
- Flour, 1/4 cup: Used to thicken the soup, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth, 4 cups: Forms the flavorful base that ties all ingredients together.
- Heavy cream or whole milk, 1 1/2 cups: Brings richness and smooth texture to the soup.
- Sour cream, 1/4 cup: Adds tanginess and an extra layer of creaminess.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Load Your Slow Cooker
Start by adding the diced potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and the cubed ham into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in the Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper before pouring in the chicken broth. This is where all the magic begins. By combining these simple ingredients, you’re setting the stage for the flavors to meld beautifully during the slow cooking process. Set your slow cooker to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours—the longer cooking time is worth the beautiful tenderness you’ll get.
Step 2: Mash Some Potatoes for Creaminess
Once the slow cooker finishes its job, don’t just stir and serve yet. Use a potato masher to mash about one-third of the potatoes right in the pot. This little trick helps thicken the soup naturally while keeping plenty of potato chunks intact for texture. The ham won’t break down much, which keeps those hearty bites front and center.
Step 3: Stir in Creamy Goodness
Now mix in the flour, heavy cream (or milk if you prefer a lighter option), and sour cream. This combination turns the broth into a rich and velvety base, enveloping each spoonful with luscious creaminess. Stir well so everything is beautifully blended.
Step 4: Final Heat and Serve
Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes. This last step ties everything together by heating the cream mixture and thickening the soup perfectly, making it ready to serve.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup, think fresh and flavorful. A sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled crispy bacon adds an extra punch. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a scattering of chopped green onions for brightness and color. These simple additions make your bowl look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a star meal but pairs beautifully with rustic crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a fantastic counterpoint to the soup’s richness, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in charming, rustic bowls lined with a slice of toasted garlic bread on the side. For a crowd, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a cozy, Instagram-worthy presentation. This slow cooker ham and potato soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and dressing it up makes it even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as the potatoes might absorb some of the liquid when chilled.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Store it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months. When freezing, remember to leave space for expansion and freeze without the sour cream, which can be added fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute cubed cooked ham with leftover ham, smoked ham, or even ham steak cut into chunks. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.
Is it necessary to mash the potatoes partially?
Yes, mashing about one-third of the potatoes helps thicken the soup naturally without using extra thickeners. This technique also keeps the soup hearty and chunky.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and a dairy-free sour cream alternative. The texture may differ slightly, but the soup will still be delicious.
How long can I leave the soup cooking in the slow cooker?
Cooking on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours is ideal. Going longer may overcook the vegetables and change the texture, so it’s best to stick within the recommended times.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Vegetables such as corn, peas, or green beans can be added according to your preference. Just be mindful of cooking times so nothing becomes too mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Its simplicity in ingredients and effortless prep make it accessible, while the flavors are rich enough to impress anyone at your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic comfort food!
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Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender russet potatoes, flavorful cubed ham, and a creamy broth enriched with heavy cream and sour cream, this easy-to-make soup slow cooks to develop deep, satisfying flavors. It’s an ideal dish for a simple family dinner or meal prepping as it requires minimal hands-on time and delivers maximum comfort in every bowl.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 8 cups russet potatoes, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
Meat
- 16 ounces cubed ham (2 packages of Smithfield Anytime Favorites Cubed Ham)
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
Instructions
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Combine the diced russet potatoes, yellow onion, chopped carrots, celery, cubed ham, Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook the soup: Cook the mixture on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften completely.
- Mash part of the potatoes: After cooking, use a potato masher to mash about one-third of the potatoes in the soup to create a slightly creamy texture while leaving the rest chunky. The ham doesn’t need mashing and should remain in cubes.
- Add thickening and creaminess: Stir in the flour, heavy cream (or whole milk if preferred), and sour cream thoroughly until well combined to thicken the soup and enrich the flavor.
- Final heating: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and heat through completely before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream to reduce the richness and calories.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend a portion after mashing the potatoes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the ham used.
- For a thicker soup, add a bit more flour or reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
